**The Kinloch Families Trust prepares for a new chapter for early learning in Kinloch. Photo: Supplied**

A generous gift from a developer and an innovative use of development contributions by the Taupō District Council means a new kindergarten for Kinloch is almost a reality.

By Dan Hutchinson

Developer Seven Oaks Kinloch donated a section 44 Okaia Drive to the Kinloch Families Trust for a kindergarten.

The kindergarten is currently operating three days a week from the Kinloch Hall but the community, particularly its permanent resident population is growing rapidly.

The trust needs about $950,000 to build the new facility and on March 26, the council agreed to purchase the site for between $450,000 - $525,000 and lease it back at cost.

It is using money set aside from development contributions paid by Seven Oaks, which are normally used for parks and reserves in new subdivisions.

There is about $1 million available in that fund for Kinloch projects.

The kindergarten comes at the expense of other projects such as upgrades to the waterfront and Kinloch Domain.

There is more money still to flow into the fund and those projects are currently unscoped says council Corporate Planning team leader Aidan Smith in a report to council.

Councillor Rachel Cameron sees it as a “blueprint for future development for the entire district”.

**A concept drawing of the new kindergarten.**

“It has come to us in the way it has in the generosity and community spirit of Seven Oaks and I’d like to acknowledge them and I would like to support the motion.”

Deputy mayor Kevin Taylor says the concern was that a kindergarten benefitted a “subset” of the community whereas lakefront or domain improvements would benefit the whole community.

“I’m comfortable that has been addressed. I don’t see this diminishing other work that could be done in the Kinloch community, so I will be voting in favour.”

Councillor Steve Manunui says the reality is that rangatahi that attend the kindergarten will later integrate into the community.

The council voted unanimously to support the purchase of the section which was met with a large cheer from the public gallery.

Kinloch Families Trust Chair Belinda Walker says it brings the “vision” significantly closer to reality.

There is now a funding gap of about $300,000 which the trust is actively fundraising for.

“This has always been more than a building — it’s about creating a beating heart for the Kinloch community, a place where children can thrive and where families feel supported and connected,” Belinda says.

The new building already has resource consent. It will provide a purpose-built learning environment for tamariki, along with a community meeting room, Civil Defence capability, and space available for public use.

It will also free up the Kinloch Hall for broader community activities.

The kindy will set next to a new reserve which is part of the Kinloch Oaks Development.

In his report, Aidan Smith says the kindergarten will be across from the existing playground, basketball court and bike track.

“It is it preferable to have one central reserve play space, rather than two small and isolated reserves … Given the existing facilities in the area, including bike track, half basketball court and playground, plus the two lots for a new grass park to come, there is adequate provision of local facilities in the area.”

Since 2019, Kinloch Kindergarten has operated successfully by Central Kids three days a week from the Kinloch Hall.

However, the arrangement has always been temporary, limiting the number of children who can attend and requiring daily pack-down.

Belinda says with a growing population of young families, there is an urgent need for a permanent solution.

The new facility will operate five days a week and cater for up to 50 children.

Taupō District Council will own the land, while Kinloch Families Trust — a registered charitable trust — will own the building and lease it to Central Kids at a nominal rate, ensuring long-term sustainability and professional early childhood education.

Central Kids is a not-for-profit provider established in 1951, and operates 52 early learning services across 28 towns in the central North Island.

The Trust is now seeking community and philanthropic support to close the final funding gap of approximately $300,000.

Donations can be made at: https://donate-today-we-need-your-help-to-build-a-kindy-for-kinloch.raiselysite.com/

Belinda says Kinloch Families Trust will also be “putting the fun back in fundraising”

“Look out for an exciting events line up which will be promoted soon.” 

The site that has been requested is the one across from the existing playground, basketball court and bike track. The idea is that it is it preferable to have one central reserve play space, rather than two small and isolated reserves. This new reserve is adjacent to the proposed kindergarten site. Given the existing facilities in the area, including bike track, half basketball court and playground, plus the two lots for a new grass park to come, there is adequate provision of local facilities in the area. This means that there is little need for further improvement in new facilities or new reserve land required beyond the two new lots.