A tight-knit community group has been a doll for the maiden cohort at Wakefield’s new kindergarten which swings its French doors open to around 20 enrolled kiddywinks in early 2026.
Wakefield Craft Group’s 23 members have knitted, sewn and crocheted diminutive shoes, pants, jerseys, beanies and blankets for the dolls, which Faulkner Bush Kindergarten’s first crop will use to learn through play and having a yarn with their peers.
They have also upholstered doll cots, push chairs and prams. Converted from the former Wakefield Scout Den off Treeton Pl and nestled in the scenic reserve it’s named after, Faulkner Bush Kindergarten is the inaugural Nelson Tasman Kindergarten Association in the village.
Its head teacher, Virginia Oakly, is thrilled with the donations.
“I’m so impressed and so grateful for the work that they’ve put in… it’s going to really set us up well,” she enthuses.
“The amount of stuff that they have made for the new kindergarten which is so badly needed, is incredible.”
Wakefield Craft Group member and project co-organiser Julie Jermyn hopes the tamariki “enjoy” the items as much as the hundreds of other Tasman District kindergartners who benefit from their intricate needlework.
Plunket, Nelson Hospital and local mothers transferred to Wellington Hospital after premature births also receive the group’s textile creations each year.
Faulkner Bush Kindergarten is now awaiting Ministry of Education licensing for up to 40 children.
It will offer free early childhood education from late January or early February, easing pressure on long waitlists at centres such as Pinegrove Kindergarten in nearby Brightwater.
Tasman District Council, which owns the land, has granted an initial five-year lease.
If viable, the kindergarten will have two rights of renewal for 10 years each, totalling 25 years.
