Fri, 7 May 2004
Innovative new early childhood centre opens
Education Minister Trevor Mallard officially opened today an early childhood centre in Napier focused on meeting the
needs of Samoan children and their families.
Trevor Mallard congratulated the local Samoan community and the Napier Kindergarten Association for their joint efforts
in developing Upu Amata (first words) Early Childhood Centre.
"They have shown, through collaboration and hard work, their passion for the best possible start for local children.
They are part of New Zealand's proud history of parents and communities developing early childhood services with support
from the government," Trevor Mallard said.
"This government recognises that if we want a strong future as a country we have to get the early foundations right.
Access to quality early childhood education improves a child's chance of succeeding later in life.
"The government's 10-year early childhood strategic plan, Pathways to the Future: Nga Huarahi Arataki, is all about
higher quality education, increased participation and stronger relationships. Upu Amata is a prime example of these
qualities.
"Government funding of more than $400,000 was provided for building and planning of Upu Amata and this centre has many
features that make it a quality environment for children to learn in and for teachers to work in."
Upu Amata is the third licensed and chartered Pacific Island centre in Hawkes Bay and the second 'Design and Build'
centre to be opened nationally.
The 'Design and Build' scheme provides the opportunity for early childhood providers to select a building design from a
catalogue of options. This gives providers an affordable and upfront cost for the building of their early childhood
centre.
ENDS