Hukerenui Playcentre celebrates community as it opens new building

There was a strong sense of community at the official opening of Hukerenui Playcentre's new building.

Three generations of the local community made up the more than 50 people who packed into the new building at the front of Hukerenui School for the celebration.

Hukerenui Playcentre member Ursula Buckingham said it is the centre of the community and it helps build strong relationships between those who live there.

"This is the village that raises the children."

The oldest Hukerenui Playcentre child, four-year-old Harry Williamson and founding teacher Cathie Tulloch cut the cake. Photo/John Stone

Heather Rouse and Corrine Keatley both had four children who went through the playcentre, starting shortly after it opened and thought the new building was "absolutely fabulous".

Kay Roberts said she moved to the area as a new mum.

"All the mothers I met at playcentre are my friends today."

Hukerenui Playcentre first opened in 1966 in the Riponui Pa School building which had been moved to the old Hukerenui School near the domain.

Lijana Going with her children four-year-old Keegan, right and two-year-old MacKenzie. Photo/John Stone

The idea came from Ian and Kay McLean, who were teachers at the then Hukerenui District High School. Cathie Tulloch was looking after their children at the time and was enlisted to be the founding teacher.

Then in 1979 a spare building at the school was moved to the back of the current school, which was originally built as a high school and Hukerenui Playcentre moved into it.

After nearly four decades, it was time to move again - this time into a newer, bigger building at the front of the school.

The new building had been used for Pakotai Playcentre but was packed down, transported and rebuilt on the new site.

Three generations - Brooke Hayes, centre, with mum Helen Hayes and grandmother Margaret Hayes. Photo/John Stone

Tulloch was on hand to cut the ribbon at yesterday's celebration and thought the new building was amazing.

She said in the early days the children had a swing, a slide, a sandpit and wooden spools to play with.

The McLeans were unable to attend the opening but were able to visit the new building last week and were delighted to realise it stood on the site they had previously lived in at a school house.

Ashleigh Horsford crowns her two year old daughter Madi while Millie, five months old waits her turn. Photo/John Stone

Buckingham said the former building is still on site and the school now uses it as a library.

Hukerenui Playcentre has more than 30 children enrolled and runs three days a week.