Maharey forces closure of Community Crèche

20th August 2007

Maharey forces closure of Community Crèche

An inner-city crèche almost certainly has to close because the Government won’t put its money where its mouth is on its commitment to early childhood education, say the parents who run Positively Poneke Kids behind Wellington’s Civic Square. Unless a knight in shining armour comes to the rescue by Friday 24 August, the only option will be closure.

PPK is about to be forced out of its City Gallery basement premises because its landlord Wellington City Council wants to extend the gallery space.

“Incredibly, PPK managed to secure commercial premises in the CBD’s business-dominated rental market, but we’ve hit the wall trying to fund the fit-out. The landlord generously contributed $300,000, but refurbishment is still expected to cost $200,000 more than we have” says Bridget Rhodes, Chair of PPK parent’s management committee.

“The Minister of Education, Steve Maharey, and the Prime Minister talk up the Government’s policies to promote quality early childhood education but, despite pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into constructing a new childcare centre in the region, Mr Maharey and the Ministry of Education will only provide $5,000 towards PPK’s relocation” says Christina Rizos Manager of PPK. This lack of support is even more surprising given that the Ministry’s ERO reports have always praised PPK.

“Sadly, a high quality, high functioning community-run facility probably has to close its doors to 35 children and their working parents” says Ms Rizos “and let’s not forget the nine staff losing their jobs. After 14 years of operation this would be a huge loss for the community.”

PPK has operated from the art gallery basement rent-free since its inception, and was established by the WCC when it had a supportive childcare policy. This policy has been abandoned by the current regime. “Since issuing the eviction notice last year, WCC has provided assistance in finding a new site and will also contribute $30,000 to the new fit out and we are grateful for that, particularly compared to the Ministry’s offer of a miserable $5,000” says Mrs Rhodes.

“But we think that WCC should be concerned. Closing PPK will have a big impact on Wellington city workers who require high-quality, low cost CBD childcare” says Mrs Rhodes.

“It's not just families with children currently at PPK the council should be concerned about. There is a chronic shortage of childcare in the CBD. We currently have 75 children on our wait list, despite the uncertainties of our planned move. Where are they going to go?” says Ms Rizos. “This is a council election year and working parents should know they need to vote for candidates with family-friendly policies” says Mrs Rhodes.

The parents remain hopeful that someone will come to their rescue this week, but as time ticks by it is difficult to remain optimistic. Mrs Rhodes says “We have applied to a range of community organisations for funding, but that is not looking likely in the time available. We desperately want to hear from anyone who can offer material assistance. For example, a large corporate may be willing to sponsor or partner with us (e.g. contribute towards the building costs in exchange for some priority places at the creche), a construction company may be willing to do us a massive favour or perhaps a combination of funding and other assistance.”

ENDS

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