An unspecified fire damaged non-parish records once stored at Orakei Presbyterian Church. Today we will explore what makes this church special. The Orakei Presbyterian Church stands as a testament to faith and community in Auckland. It is a welcoming place for locals and visitors alike.
Orakei Presbyterian Church’s story has some gaps. Fire is a recurring theme in the history of Auckland’s Presbyterian churches. An unspecified fire damaged records stored here. We do not know if any of Orakei Presbyterian Church’s own records were lost. Other Presbyterian churches in Auckland have lost records to fire and storms. Balmoral Presbyterian Church lost records due to a fire around 1934-35. Helensville Presbyterian Church also lost early records in a fire. Hobsonville Presbyterian Church lost records in a house fire around 1909. St Ninian’s Presbyterian Church in Avondale suffered from arson in 1987.
The Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union’s records were damaged in the Orakei Presbyterian Church fire. These records from 1902 to 1964 are now on microfilm due to their fragile state.
Playday operates from the Orakei Presbyterian Church. It is an education and care service licensed by the Ministry of Education. Playday offers early childhood education for children of all ages. It provides up to 20 hours a week of early childhood education with no compulsory fees for those aged three and over. The maximum number of children is 25 including up to five under two years old.
Teachers at Playday have established respectful relationships with children and parents. Children develop caring relationships with peers and adults. They are confident and have a strong sense of belonging. The learning environment supports children engaging in play. Teaching practices promote children’s independence and decision-making. Children’s interests inform the curriculum. Assessment documentation shows their learning. This information is shared with parents.
Teacher practices are culturally responsive. They weave basic words in te reo Māori into their daily practices. They also incorporate aspects of tikanga Māori.
Playday aims to develop a localised curriculum. It should reflect the people and places important to the local community. This includes Māori culture. A professional growth cycle is in place. It helps teachers improve their practices. Strong connections with local early childhood services and schools are evident.
Internal evaluation processes have been established. A schedule reviews policies and procedures. Leaders monitor compliance. This ensures regulatory standards are maintained. Strategic goals prioritize relationships with children and families.
Before a review, Playday staff completed an ERO Assurance Statement and Self-Audit Checklist. They attested that they met their legal obligations related to curriculum, premises, health and safety. They also confirmed governance, management, and administration.
ERO looked at the service’s systems. These systems manage emotional safety, physical safety and suitable staffing. They also checked evacuation procedures.
The Orakei Presbyterian Church is more than just a building. It is a community hub. It fosters learning and growth through Playday. It connects people with faith and culture. The church stands as a symbol of resilience.