Lower Hutt Playcentre

🌟 We have been learning about Kāhui Whetū o Matariki - the Stars of the Matariki Cluster. 🌟

To explore Tipuānuku (also named Tupuānuku) - the whetū connected to food that grows within the soil - the tamariki harvested beetroot from our māra kai and used it to make hummus. We're so lucky to have our own veggie garden right outside!





Playcentre Aotearoa

🌼 A sweet moment from our session today - grandmothers and granddaughters sharing stories at the playdough table 🌼

All caregivers are a valued part of our LHPC village, including grandparents! It's a great way to spend more time with your mokopuna and it's so beneficial for them as well.

If you'd like to come and see what Playcentre is all about, contact us at [email protected] to organise your three free visits!






Playcentre Aotearoa

💜 Congratulations to our new LHPC Life Member Lauren 💜

Lauren and her whānau have been valued members of LHPC for almost four years. She has brought energy, commitment, and a genuine care for the centre and its tamariki. She has a kind heart and is always willing to step up and put in the mahi where it's needed. Whether it's supporting newer members, holding babies or planting vegetables in the māra kai, Lauren is always prepared to do the job no matter how big or small.

Lauren’s contributions have been supported by her husband Greig, who has generously given his time to help with practical projects around the centre—taking loads of rubbish to the tip, building the water pump platform, fixing gates and fences, installing the basketball hoop, and much more. We are incredibly grateful for his support.

As Co-President, Lauren has been an outstanding leader. She has shown dedication, reliability, and a thoughtful approach to supporting both members and the wider centre community. Lauren has said that she wants LHPC to be somewhere that everyone feels welcome to come to and she wanted to help out everyone who needed it – that just shows the kind and caring person she is.

Lauren, we hope you know how deeply grateful we are for everything you have given to LHPC. Your time, energy, and care have meant so much to us all. You'll be so missed here at Lower Hutt Playcentre but we know this isn't goodbye, just mā te wā! 💛

🌟 In the lead up to Matariki we have been exploring our connection to Kāhui Whetū o Matariki - the Stars of the Matariki Cluster 🌟

To honour Ururangi - the whetū which determines the nature of the winds for the year - this week the tamariki learned to use their breath to blow bubbles and mix coloured sand, and flew their handmade manu tukutuku. Ka rawe tamariki!





Playcentre Aotearoa

⭐ We're back for Term 2 ⭐

The tamariki made the most of the rain puddles on Monday! After a brief hiatus today 🌧️ we'll be back at Playcentre for more fun tomorrow. We hope to see you there!






Playcentre Aotearoa

🐣 We're closed for the holidays 🐣

But we'll be back for more fun on Monday 20 April! We hope everyone has a great break. If you'd like to come in for three free visits, please contact us at [email protected] - we look forward to seeing you soon!



Playcentre Aotearoa

🌈 We've been celebrating all the colours of the rainbow at LHPC lately 🌈

Colour play is lots of fun, and is also a great way to support tamariki in their development, as they learn new skills, words and ways to express their emotions.







Playcentre Aotearoa

⭐️ PLAYCENTRE MESSY WEEK 2–6 MARCH – COME AND PLAY! ⭐️

Keen to see what Playcentre is all about? You're invited to join us at Lower Hutt Playcentre for some messy fun from 2–6 March! All tamariki aged 0-6 years are welcome, so play experiences will be accessible for everyone.

To book your spot please email us at [email protected]

💧 Monday: Experiment with ice, salt, paint and water
🌿 Tuesday: Large scale nature art
🫧 Wednesday: Foamy water play and bubble painting
🧪 Thursday: Potions, water play and all things messy
🎨 Friday: Painting and squirty bottle fun

Please bring:
– A change of clothes
– Morning tea (no nuts or whole egg please)
– A water bottle

If you can't make it during Messy Play Week, please contact us at [email protected] as we would love to see you another time for 3 free visits.

We look forward to seeing you soon!



Playcentre Aotearoa

It's great to be back at Playcentre! 2026 is going to be filled with messy play, music, laughter and outdoor adventures with new friends. If this sounds like you and your tamariki, get in touch to organise your three free visits. You can message us here or at [email protected] - we'd love to meet you!







Playcentre Aotearoa