On 20th September Hataitai Playcentre celebrated their 70th Anniversary. Approximately 100 past and present members gathered at the neighbouring Kilbirnie School Hall to acknowledge the history and contributions of centre members that has impacted generations of whānau.
Its story began in 1943, when the Nursery Play Centre Association formed a committee to explore opening a centre in Hataitai for the Roseneath district. At the meeting, Mrs. Beatrice Beeby challenged the view that Playcentres were simply a place to allow mothers to “go gadding about,” stressing instead their value as places where preschoolers could play and learn together. “To deprive a child of the right kind of play,” she said, “was as bad for his mind as depriving his body of food.”
The centre officially joined the movement in 1955 as the Roseneath-Oriental Nursery Playcentre, one of the first in Wellington. Playcentre’s philosophy, shaped by Beeby and part of wider post-war educational reforms, emphasised creativity and child-led learning.
The centre was first housed in Roseneath’s RSA Long Hall, later moving to St Barnabas Church. By 1976 it needed new premises, amid fundraising challenges and local concerns about noisy, free-spirited children. With determination and community spirit, families secured the old Kilbirnie School headmaster’s house, which is now Hataitai Playcentre.
The centre hosted an afternoon tea for all, with an invitation to walk through and visit the centre. Miri Young-Moir and past members Trish Given and Olivia Boyd spoke about the history and impact of Hataitai Playcentre, with a special tribute to much loved session facilitator Stephanie Boot, who is leaving the centre after more than 10 years. The event was generously supported by local bakery & patisserie Uncle Leo’s.
Significant alumni members who have played key roles in centre milestones were present, including Heather Tiatia, Anne Goodwin, Olivia Boyd, Alison McPherson and Sue Dorrington, Mandy Downs (produced Nga Waiata o te Taniwha CD), Amanda Bullman (renovations) and Fran Denton, who created the beautiful Red Door artwork, among many others that have all made huge contributions to Hataitai Playcentre.
A 70th book was created especially for the event, which was also reproduced in a wall display with an invitation to add names and comments next to photos and send in any additional images to be included in the final album.
Fran Dentons iconic red door artwork was recreated in cake by Madeleine Ware which was cut by Stephanie Boot, seen here holding young member Xanthe McNaught, alongside earliest Hataitai Playcentre alumni member present, Heather Tiatia.
Seventy years on, Hataitai Playcentre remains a thriving hub of early childhood education.
Image by Madeleine Ware
Featuring: Stephanie Boot, Xanthe McNaught, Heather Tiatia