From 6-12 March, playcentres around New Zealand will be celebrating 75 years since the first playcentre opened, promoting the value of parent-led early education for children.
This support and friendship was the reason behind the establishment of the first Playcentres during the Second World War, to bring mothers together when their husbands were away at war. The concept was so popular it expanded throughout New Zealand and now there are over 460 licensed playcentres nationwide, catering for children from birth to school entry.
Locally, Freemans Bay and Herne Bay playcentres both have space for new families to join in the fun. “These days, playcentre isn’t just for mums, we have dads and grandparents attending too, everyone is welcome!” says Victoria Tupou, an Arch Hill resident who attends Freemans Bay Playcentre with her son.
FREEMANS BAY PLAYCENTRE, 124 Wellington Street,
www.freemansbayplaycentre.org.nz
HERNE BAY PLAYCENTRE, 211 Jervois Road,
www.hernebayplaycentre.com