A Bay of Plenty preschool is getting a crucial grant, just in time for winter.

The New Zealand Community Trust is awarding Kawerau Preschool Learning Centre a $34,334 grant for a power supply upgrade that will ensure the Centre can provide a reliably warm and comfortable environment for their tamariki and whanau.

Unstable wiring onto their property has caused the centre to suffer from frequent power failures.

Without air conditioning the centre quickly gets overheated in summer and becomes too cold in winter.

The grant will pay for new wiring, says management team member Sue Hutchinson.

“Being fully compliant with MOE’s Health and Safety conditions means we will not have to close the Centre for the day, which constantly disrupted the working life of teachers, parents, and whanau.”

“As a mother of a young baby who attends the Centre, I need to know that it’s warm and welcoming when we arrive,” says parent Teremai Thomas.

Senior team leader Memory Wikotu emphasises the impact of the grant on the daily experience of the children and their families.

“This generous grant from NZCT will enable the parents, whanau, and tamariki who arrive at the Centre first thing in the morning to be welcomed into a warm and inviting environment where they are comfortable and secure.”

NZCT’s marketing and communications grant general manager Ben Hodges says children respond well to consistency in their lives.

“We’re delighted to help the centre remain open and welcoming year-round. The grant was made possible through a fundraising partnership with the Kawerau Hotel.”