Celebrations will be a big family affair

Happy birthday, Akoranga!

The Akoranga Childcare Centre’s 20th birthday celebrations will be a big family affair.

Since opening on 14 September 1987, the centre has become a much-loved “home” for thousands of Wanganui children and their families as well as present and past staff members.

Manager Bronwyn Rogerson says Akoranga has become a drop-in centre for its network of old friends. “Some of our larger families have had children at the centre for the last 11 years, long enough to develop strong relationships and loyalties. Many families that have been with us long term have planted lemon and feijoa trees, camellias, and native trees to mark their family’s time with us,” she says.

The centre also keeps track of its “alumni” and their achievements. A recent check identified several at university, some in rock bands and drama groups, a rugby journalist, a head girl or two and several winners of art and dancing competitions.

Bronwyn herself joined two years after the centre opened, as an assistant supervisor – she now sees some of her first charges coming in to enroll their own children. The first staff member, Raie Glockling, is also still working at the centre.

Akoranga’s opening in 1987 followed lobbying by the women’s support committee of the then Wanganui community college. At that time there was very little childcare available in Wanganui and the new facilities greatly increased the opportunity for women to study. It now provides for about 30 children a day. Priority is given to the children of Whanganui UCOL students and staff but places are available for others.

A special feature of the centre is the opportunity it provides for children to share the Whanganui UCOL culture: They visit glass blowing, pottery, experience waiata and art, and get to have their hair styled, plaited and gelled by the hairdressing students.

As well as leading the way in childcare in Wanganui, the centre has also scored some national firsts. The Government’s new B4 school pilot programme was launched there earlier this year, and it was the first centre in Wanganui to begin the Whanganui pilot for four-year-old health assessments.

Akoranga celebrates its 20th birthday on Saturday 22 September at its home in the villa at 107 Bell Street. Celebrations, starting at 10am and ending at midday, will include face painting, gumboot throwing, three-legged races, a bouncy castle and a sausage sizzle. Past and present families and staff are welcome.

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