Wakefield’s new kindergarten is full steam ahead with construction due to begin imminently.
Nelson Tasman Kindergarten Association purchased the building at Faulkner’s Bush from Scouts early last year with hopes to turn it into the first Association kindergarten in the area.
Nearby Pinegrove Kindergarten in Brightwater has been suffering from huge waitlists of children hoping to attend, currently sitting at 97, which it’s hoped will ease with the opening of the centre in Wakefield.
The building, off Treeton Place, sits on land that is owned by Tasman District Council, so a consultation process occurred during June and July last year, before an initial lease of five years was granted.
If the kindergarten is proven to be viable within that time, it will then have two rights of renewal of 10 years each, totalling 25 years.
The new kindergarten, which will be officially named Faulkner Bush Kindergarten at the opening, will be licenced for 40 children and aims to be open for the beginning of 2026.
Virginia Oakly has been named head teacher and is currently continuing in her role looking after the association’s relief teachers, which she has done for the past decade.
Formerly a Wakefield resident, she moved back to the village six months ago and is looking forward to reconnecting with families in the area.
Now that resource and building consent has been granted, Virginia is looking forward to seeing the plans come to life.
Large French doors, and new windows will allow more natural light inside, while a large, covered deck will provide more sheltered play space. The building’s large brick fireplace, wooden floor and roof beams will all be retained.
The Association will work with the Faulkner Bush Restoration Society to ensure any historic pieces not utilised in the redevelopment can find a new home.
When asked what Virginia is most looking forward to in her role as head teacher the answer comes easily – “the location”.
“It’s so close to the school, the birdsong, the trees… you can see what you can do with children - take them up the hill, take them down through the bush - really kind of give them the experience of just being in the trees, bush and a love for nature.
“We have 100 per cent qualified teachers and the very fact that we've got a waiting list so high at Pinegrove shows that there's a need here.”
Faulkner Bush Kindergarten will be a free service for families so that will appeal to many families in the community.
The kindergarten will be open school hours, and open during school holidays, and they hope to develop a good relationship with Wakefield School as a feeder centre.
Virginia is keen to get a family liaison group underway to begin brainstorming fundraising ideas for the extra “bits and pieces” that will be required.
If you are interested in being involved please contact craig.vercoe@ntk.org.nz
While not quite ready for enrolments, keep an eye on www.nelsontasmankindergartens.com if you’re keen to enrol your child.
