A much-loved early childhood centre with deep community roots is celebrating a significant milestone this month, as City Kids Childcare Incorporated in Thorndon turns 40.
City Kids’ story began in 1985, following the closure of the Citizens Day Nursery in December 1984. Rather than accept the loss of a vital service, a group of passionate parents and staff came together with a shared vision: to create a dedicated childcare centre to support working whānau and their families.
With strong community spirit and support from the wider Wellington community and government, the group established a new nursery in a house on Pipitea Street in February 1985, funded by the Co-operative Enterprise Loan Trust. Named City Kids Childcare Incorporated, the centre unfortunately had to close again at the end of that same year when the government reclaimed the space for other use.
The City Kids community persisted and successfully purchased a property at 21 Tinakori Road. The building, previously a hostel, was transformed into a warm and welcoming space for young children.
In March 1986, City Kids Childcare Inc officially opened its doors at its new home. Over the past four decades, the centre has become a cornerstone of the community, nurturing generations of tamariki and supporting countless whānau. Many dedicated kaiako have been part of this journey, contributing their care, knowledge, and passion in shaping the centre’s identity.
“It has been such a journey. We have seen so many children, families, and teachers come through City Kids. The memories are truly special. It’s such a privilege to be part of the tamariki’s early learning journey.”
To mark this milestone, the centre began its celebrations with a 40th anniversary gathering on Friday, 27 March, bringing together current tamariki, staff, and whānau. It was a wonderful opportunity for families to connect, share stories, and enjoy meaningful conversation, something often tricky during busy drop-off and pick-up times.
Further celebrations are also being planned, with the intention of bringing together past and present whānau, tamariki, and staff to honour the centre’s rich history and the strong sense of community that continues to define it today.
As City Kids marks 40 years, it stands not only as a childcare centre, but as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose.
City Kids is what it is today because of the ongoing support and aroha of its whānau and dedicated team. As the saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a child” City Kids is proud to celebrate this milestone with its village.
Tanti Agustin
City Kids Centre Manager
