Maungawhau (Mount Eden)

Nau mai, haere mai and welcome to Maungawhau Playcentre!

Maungawhau Playcentre is located on Marsden Ave, in the south-west side of Maungawhau (Mount Eden). Our central location means we are conveniently situated for many residents from Maungawhau (Mount Eden), Three Kings, Epsom, Royal Oak, Puketāpapa (Mount Roskill), Wesley, Sandringham, Balmoral, St Lukes, Morningside, Kingsland and Eden Terrace.

Maungawhau Playcentre’s grounds set it apart from the rest. When you open the gate, you are greeted by stunning far-reaching pohutukawa trees, the path takes you up the hill past our sandpit, water run and mud kitchen to our large north facing deck that gets year round sun. Our open plan building is well stocked with toys, books, play equipment and educational resources.

Playcentre is unlike any other early childhood education organisation. At Playcentre, both children and their parents/caregivers attend.

What else makes Playcentre different from other ECE options?

We’re founded on what’s best for young children’s development: unlimited opportunities for self-directed, free play; responsive, respectful, loving relationships.

• See and be part of your child’s early childhood education
• High adult-child ratios
• Support and community as a parent
• Access to a free, accredited NZQA adult education programme

Playcentre’s overriding philosophy is that parents are the first and best educators of their tamariki and we foster the involvement of whānau.

At Playcentre children get the opportunity to learn and explore in a fun and safe environment.

The curiosity and creativity of our tamariki is nurtured in a way that allows them to learn about themselves and their world.

Your child will be given a chance to explore, create, climb, read, sing, experiment, play music, wear costumes, have their face painted (or do it themselves!), garden, do carpentry with real tools, bake and cook, build sandcastles, swing, slide, dance, spend time in nature and get messy.

The activities change every day. Playcentre parents all bring different skills, interests, and cultural backgrounds to add to the rich learning environment.

We welcome families with children aged 0 – 6 years. Mixed age play allows your children to engage with others older and younger than themselves. Pre-schoolers learn how to communicate, share and negotiate with empathy for their younger peers.

At Playcentre, families come together, and lifelong friendships are formed.

If you are looking for a Playcentre with a large outdoor space, lots of natural shade, a giant sandpit, one of the most beautiful water runs we have seen, a caring and supportive community and to be a big part of your child’s ECE experience, come check us out and visit!!

We welcome you to visit any time during the year, during school terms. You are entitled to three free visits so come and check out what we do – we would love to meet you and your family!