Takarunga Playcentre Devonport

Takarunga Playcentre Devonport Early Childhood Centre. Run by whānau for Whānau. Tamariki-initiated play, whānau co-operative

Takarunga Playcentre is a parent-run early childhood education cooperative in the heart of beautiful sea-side Devonport on the hills of the volcanic Takarunga maunga. We offer fun activities for preschool tamariki, 4 mornings a week, where they are free to play and explore and their parents are involved in their learning. We have the most amazing views on Waitemata harbour, two sandpits, great out

door areas in native bush surroundings, lots of messy play, arts/crafts etc. Our tamariki are supported to become confident, competent self-directed learners through play based around their interests. Our tamariki gain knowledge through play, participation and positive guidance. The curiosity and creativity of our tamariki is nurtured through the fun range of experiences provided… no two days at Playcentre are the same. Our tamariki develop nurturing and social skills which have lifelong benefits. Siblings attend together, allowing older tamariki to mentor younger tamariki and practise empathy and caring. Our parental relationships developed through Playcentre provide support from parents and help them develop new parenting and life skills. Our parents are actively involved in providing our children’s learning programmes. The high adult to child ratio allows a good balance for group and individual support during each session. There is no other organisation for early childhood education and family development quite like it in the world. Thousands of tamariki in Aotearoa, and their parents too, have grown up with Playcentre… book in for your three visits today and come and join the fun!

Last week we celebrated World Photography Day with lots of hands-on creativity and exploration!Our tamariki made a simpl...
27/08/2026

Last week we celebrated World Photography Day with lots of hands-on creativity and exploration!

Our tamariki made a simple pinhole camera, using cardboard tubes, baking paper and tinfoil with a tiny pin hole. When pointed towards the bright outdoors, they could see the outside world projected upside down! This happens because light travels in straight lines and crosses over as it passes through the tiny pinhole. 🔍☀️

The tamariki also became photographers themselves with our little digital camera and experimented with screen printing, painting onto acrylic before pressing paper over the top to create their prints. Lots of excitement, curiosity and some fantastic turn-taking!

📸 Stay tuned for a photo dump of the world through the eyes of our tamariki

Te Whāriki – Exploration | Mana Aotūroa: Tamariki were exploring, experimenting and developing working theories about light, photography and how different materials can be used creatively.

Last call for SAMOSAS ! 🔔Grab some yummy samosas while supporting Takarunga Playcentre 💜 Every order helps us raise fund...
12/08/2026

Last call for SAMOSAS ! 🔔

Grab some yummy samosas while supporting Takarunga Playcentre 💜 Every order helps us raise funds for new play resources for our tamariki.

📅 Orders close this Sunday 16 August
📍 Pick up: 4pm, Wednesday 26 August from Takarunga Playcentre, Devonport
🚗 Local delivery available around Devonport - text Chelsea on 021 211 4212 to arrange

Scan the QR code below or click on the link to order
https://fundraising.surti.co.nz/t/takarunga-playcentre/

Thank you for supporting our centre ✨

Come and see what we're all about!Open Week is happening 17-21 August, and we'd love to welcome some new faces to Takaru...
10/08/2026

Come and see what we're all about!

Open Week is happening 17-21 August, and we'd love to welcome some new faces to Takarunga Playcentre. Expect plenty of messy play, painting, stories, music, outdoor adventures, baking, building, water play... and whatever else our tamariki decide they're interested in that day. The best part? You stay and play too. It's a great way to meet other local families while being part of your child's learning.

✨ Visit us up to 3 times before enrolling to see if Takarunga Playcentre is the right fit for your whānau.

Flick us a message if you'd like to come along! 😊 And if Open Week doesn't suit, that's okay too. New families are welcome any time 💜💛

The new court up Takarunga officially opened last Tuesday, so of course we had to go and check them out the very next mo...
04/08/2026

The new court up Takarunga officially opened last Tuesday, so of course we had to go and check them out the very next morning! 😄

Safe to say it was a hit! Trikes, scooters, balance bikes, pedal bikes, basketballs, bubbles, balance beams, sunshine and a bee rescue 🐝 We had such a fun morning exploring this awesome new space and feel so lucky to have it right on our doorstep. ☀️💜

31/07/2026

As we settle into Term 3, we're looking back on the wonderful Matariki celebrations we shared at the end of last term.

In the lead up to Matariki, our tamariki enjoyed a range of hands-on activities, stories and shared experiences. We learnt the waiata He Matariki and Tirama Tirama, explored the stories behind the 9 stars of Matariki, and had lots of fun learning together.

We also came together for a special Matariki celebration, sharing kai, laughter and time together as a community. It was a lovely opportunity to celebrate new beginnings, remember those who came before us, and look ahead with hope for the year to come.

Ngā mihi to all the whānau who helped make this celebration so special ✨

This week we celebrate New Zealand Sign Language Week - Te Wiki o Te Reo Turi At Playcentre, we value creating an inclus...
03/05/2026

This week we celebrate New Zealand Sign Language Week - Te Wiki o Te Reo Turi

At Playcentre, we value creating an inclusive space where every child and whānau feels seen, heard and welcomed. Why not give a few signs a go this week with your little ones? Every small effort helps build connection, understanding and belonging 💜💛

Today we remember and give thanks to all servicemen and women, past and present, for their courage, sacrifice and servic...
24/04/2026

Today we remember and give thanks to all servicemen and women, past and present, for their courage, sacrifice and service. We also acknowledge our local Navy community here in Devonport and the important role they continue to play.

Lest we forget 🌺

Families wishing to attend can join the Devonport ANZAC Day parade from 10.30am, with the service at 11am. There are also several other local services taking place around the area today.

A meaningful opportunity for tamariki to learn about remembrance, gratitude and community.

Address

1/26 Kerr Street
Auckland
0624

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 12:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 12:30pm
Friday 9am - 12:30pm

Telephone

+64278802749

Website

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