New kindy will meet growing need

A new kindergarten is scheduled to open next year.

The Oamaru Kindergarten Association said the proposed new kindergarten would be located in central Oamaru near two primary schools.

Oamaru Kindergarten Association general manager Julie Craig said it would meet the community's need for high quality early childhood education.

"We are very excited about the proposed new kindergarten and believe it is a positive project for children and families, the community and the association," she said.

It will also provide employment opportunities for the region, she said.

Oamaru Kindergarten Association Board president Neil Jorgensen said one of the goals of the Kindergarten Association is to ensure all families have access to high quality Early Childhood Education and to support the government reaching its goal of increased participation in Early Childhood Education.

"A new Kindergarten service in Oamaru will help realise this goal and will support families and children within our local community," he said.

The association is hosting a public meeting on the December 18, to give the community an opportunity to look at the proposed site and plans for the kindergarten. The time for this meeting will be from 6pm to 7pm at 38 Torridge St, Oamaru.

If members of the community are interested in more information about the proposed kindergarten, they can call the association office or visit the association website at www.oamarukindergarten.co.nz.