Source: Massey University
The new Centre
Earlier this month Massey Child Care Centre – Albany opened its newly rehomed and refurbished Centre to welcome 50 per cent more children than before.
The centre features two buildings from Massey’s Oteha Rohe campus that have been relocated and refurbished internally to provide a much-improved learning space for all.
Executive Director Operations & Campus Experience Rod Grove says the two buildings left on the Oteha Rohe site lent themselves nicely to being re-purposed.
“It’s not only cost-effective for the university but allowed us a quicker delivery of a new larger facility. This will also help address the waitlist.”
The centre has licensing for up to 60 children, with more space inside and out to support a larger roll as well as new state-of the-art facilities.
With two main sections, the Pukeko Section for Infant and toddlers 0-3 years, and the Kiwi Section for young children 2.5 to 6-years-old, children can transition through the centre based on their needs rather than age.
Each section of the centre has its own inside play environment with multiple double doors opening on to the deck, which not only doubles the play space, but can be used all year round.
Massey Child Care Centre General Manager Alison Angel says the relocation and creation of the new centre has resulted in outstanding spaces for children and staff.
“Our teaching team can’t quite believe that they have a new ‘home’ and everyone that has been in the centre to date has talked about how fabulous the light, different spaces and garden areas are for the children.
“These comments are exactly what has made the journey so worthwhile, as it’s all been about the children.”
Massey Child Care Centre Inc (MCCC) has been serving the Manawatū campus and community for nearly 50 years and now also manages and operates the Albany centre.
Mrs Angel says they considered this an honour and were excited to further extend their support to staff and students of the University, and parents of children from the wider community.
“This initiative has a clear alignment with the MCCC Strategic Plan, and we are looking forward to continuing to develop services with the university.
“Our core values, philosophy, commitment to research and commitment to excellence are all part of what we bring to each entre. We are on a journey together to deliver equitable and positive outcomes to children that attend our centres.”
Mr Grove agrees with the importance of providing both students and staff with children a well-priced, conveniently located childcare option. For students in particular, he says, often not having a service like this can be a barrier to their participation in tertiary studies.
The Centre being relocated
The building project took roughly five months to complete but the whole planning process has been underway since the university sold the Oteha Rohe Campus in 2017.
Mrs Angel says the process, which involved taking on the management of Albany in the old building to working with the university project team to design, relocate, and create the new centre has been a huge achievement for everyone involved.
“To achieve this in a year is amazing, especially when you consider that Auckland has also endured two lockdowns during that time.”
Massey Child Care Centre- Albany are growing their roll with a lot of interest since opening in February. If you are interested in finding out more about the Centre, visit their website here or call 09 212 7200.
The front of the new centre in it’s new location.
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Created: 25/02/2021 | Last updated: 25/02/2021
