Te Waipuna Ariki o Matangireia is our new Early Childhood Centre based at corner of Golflinks Road and Thornton Road, Whakatane. The centre provides a bi-lingual learning environment for preschoolers.
Historic overview of Te Ara ki Tua
2001 - Four teenage parents started by meeting in private homes, halls and a care and protection home two days per week. This increased to three days and eventually daily as the group numbers swelled.
2002 - The group created their own programmes which were educationally focused; socially rewaring, culturally sensitive, mentally stimulating and physically beneficial to all those involved at that time and to those who would join in the future.
2004 - In May, the teen parents and their children moved into premises at 17 James Street . Teen Parent Unit (TPU) and the Te Ara ki Tua Early Childhood Education (ECE) Centre was established.
2005 - On 10 January, Ministry of Education approved a licence for 20 enrolment spaces.
2007 - Teen Parent Unit was officially closed on March 2007.
2008 - Te Ara ki Tua Early Childhood Education Centre continues to operate with support from Te Tohu O Te Ora O Ngati Awa.
2009 - Temporary resource consent issued to allow continued operation until the establishment of a larger new premises in Golf Links Road. Discretionary Grant Scheme application successful to commence negotiations for building of centre for an extra 30 enrolments.
2010 - Te Ara ki Tua moved to the new building and renamed as Te Waipuna Ariki o Matangireia. The centre is licensed for 50 tamariki.
