[beachboy mike]

i am coming to new zealand in september to work. I have a littel girl 3 and a boy 6 months. What is the for the children ie. play groups extra. My wifes vary worried about this point.


thanks mike t

[Oregonkiwi]

have a look here
http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=6581
and here
http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=6490

[jubjub]

You have a wide variety of playgroups, play centres, kindergardens.

Also the local plunket may be able to put you in touch with a coffee group for your wife and the baby too.

Other thing I go to is Mainly Music, its mainly for toddlers, but the babies love it too. http://www.mainlymusic.org.nz/Portals/0/Skins/HomePage/aboutus/tabid/54/Default.aspx

[K&CS]

There's lots for babies and little ones where I live too. As well as the plunket group which Sal has mentioned above, there are music groups for babies (I have a 10 month old), story sessions at the library, baby swimming sessions etc. He's got a better social life than I have!

IMO I think there is a lot more for babies here than in the UK - maybe it's because I've moved to a new country so I'm making an effort, but I have met far more people through having Alex than I did with my other two when I was in the UK! The facillities when you are out are much better. In the malls, there are usually at least a couple of parent rooms with curtained off areas for breastfeeding, as well as a play area for toddlers, a microwave for warming up food/bottles and a tv and toilet. Also breastfeeding in public is a lot more accepted here, but I don't want to spark up a debate on the bf in public issue!

Tell her not to worry - where are you moving to?

Kate

[beachboy mike]

just read all your comments to my wife. thanks for all of them. we will be in wellington. hopefuly my early sept.

thanks again. :nice1

[Babette & Andy]

Hi Mike & family

totally understand your concerns re the unknown of children's facilities etc I have found attending my local playcentre (they are all over the country) a wonderful way of re-establishing social contacts for our family. Here's a copy of what I've posted in the past about playcentre:-

To create a bit of a balance, and as a means for both Amy and me to make new friends, we also attend a playcentre together for 2 mornings a week. The location couldn’t be more perfect, at the end of our road, and we’re both loving it. It’s a unique New Zealand concept where parents/caregivers can take their pre-school (up to age 5) children, and stay with them for the sessions. The children are encouraged to play and do what they want, in 16 available play areas. The little ones naturally love it:- painting, gluing, play dough, carpentry, sand, water, dress up, dolls, blocks, inside / outside etc etc you get the picture. It’s great for the adults too, the other day I had my first attempt at making play dough – thoroughly enjoyed mixing all the ingredients. Whilst there, parents are required to follow a number of courses related to playcentre philosophy, including also some basic Maori, which if you pass will be recognised diplomas for further education.

Hope this info is of interest. It would be fine for both children, though tends to be from walking to school age (younger siblings tend to start earlier - we have some who come from a few weeks old!!)

Anyway, happy to chat or provide further info. Best of luck with your plans.

Babette, Andy, Lianne (7) & Amy (3)

[DebbieC]

We are moving to Blenheim in January 07 and I was worried about pre-school for my 18 month old (he will be 2 when we arrive), but the playcentre sounds brilliant as I am hoping to work just part time, so will be able to spend more time with Matthew. We are really looking forward to emigrating.

[Babette & Andy]

Welcome Debbie!!

Here's a link to the Playcentre association - has some great info on there and ofcourse lists of where they're based.

http://www.playcentre.org.nz/

Best wishes

Babette

[beachboy mike]

thanks everyone for the info.

[olivia]

Babette,

I've had a good look at the playcentre website today and it looks great. i have a very active 16 month old boy and it would be ideal for him so i can see what he's up to! we should hopefully be in christchurch by the end of 2006.