You may think a gate is just a security device to open, walk through and then shut, but for Milford Kindergarten, its new gate is an expression of everything its community stands for. Several years of planning has gone into the new gate, which was officially opened on 25th November 25th and includes stained glass elements that cast colours on the footpath for the children to watch.

Head teacher Amanda Bowen says the gate celebrates Rangitoto Island, Lake Püpuke and native birds, and was made by Childspace over a long consultation period. “We absolutely love this new gate, as it welcomes everyone inside,” she says. Blessed by Mana Whenua Nick Hawke (Ngäti Whatua o Öräkei), with a hymn from Auckland Kindergarten Association community engagement adviser Pandy Hawke, the gate was welcomed by a crowd of children and their families at the Pierce Rd property.

The kindergarten caters for 40 children over the age of two.