Humble Beginnings
Tinui Playgroup's story began in the early 1990s when a small group of young mothers, feeling the isolation of rural life, decided to create a regular meeting space for their preschool children. What started as informal gatherings in each other's homes quickly grew as more families recognized the need for community connection.
In 1995, with support from the Tinui Hall Committee, the playgroup found its permanent home at 3 Blackhill Road. The historic Tinui Hall, built in 1923, became the backdrop for countless childhood memories, its walls echoing with the sounds of children's laughter just as they had for previous generations at community dances and gatherings.
Those early years were characterized by true grassroots community spirit—hand-me-down toys, baking donated by local grandmothers, and a roster system where every parent contributed their time and talents to keep the group running.
Growing Together
Community Growth
Evolution & Milestones
As the Wairarapa region evolved through the 2000s, so too did Tinui Playgroup. In 2003, we became an incorporated society, establishing a formal committee and constitution that would help secure funding and ensure long-term sustainability. This milestone allowed us to access grants that funded new play equipment and educational resources.
The 2010s brought new challenges and opportunities. As rural populations shifted, we adapted our schedule to better serve working families, introducing a mix of morning and afternoon sessions. In 2015, we celebrated our 20th anniversary with a community fair that brought together current and former families, showcasing two decades of memories.
A significant development came in 2018 when we formally aligned our program with Te Whāriki, New Zealand's early childhood curriculum. This framework helped us articulate the educational value of playgroup activities and strengthened our partnerships with local early childhood services.
Throughout our history, one constant has remained: the dedication of volunteer parents and caregivers who give their time to create something special for the next generation.
Impact on Our Community
Looking to the Future
As we move forward, Tinui Playgroup remains committed to our core purpose while embracing new opportunities. We're exploring partnerships with local schools to create smoother transitions for children heading to primary education, and we're developing nature-based learning programs that celebrate our unique rural environment.
Technology is playing an increasing role in how we connect with families, from digital communication tools to documentation of children's learning journeys. Yet we remain firmly grounded in the face-to-face connections that make playgroup special.
Our vision for the next 25 years is to continue being the place where rural families find their village—the supportive network that helps raise confident, capable children who know they belong to something bigger than themselves.
Future Generations