1845 days ago

Catholic kindergarten bows out Friday: Remuera

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

A cherished Auckland preschool is closing its doors after teaching Remuera children for 66 years.

St Joseph's of Cluny Kindergarten guides learners for the last time on Friday out of concern for the growing frailty of the Sisters who manage the institution.

Head teacher of 15 years Julie McClay said the Sisters of St Joseph Trust Board were aging and did not have any younger Sisters coming through to take the reigns.

"They're 80 plus so they can just relax and not have any financial worries down the track, " McClay said.

The Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny, a religious order founded in France, opened the kindergarten in 1954 to better serve their local congregation with early childhood education.

Among the first day pupils were the Bishop of Auckland, Bishop Patrick Dunn.

The initiative was so successful it led to the launch in 1960 of Cluny School, for primary students, which ran until 1981.

McClay describes the Sisters as "the unsung heroes."

They welcomed students with special needs and never turned away families who could not afford to pay their fees, she said.

"Whatever the need was we said, 'yes' and I think that's what we were about."

McClay said that over the years, she often heard primary school teachers remarking they could recognise the kindergarten's former students.

"I think it's (because of) the value system."

The children were given high expectations- and rose to them, she said.

"It was always done in a nurturing, loving environment at the pace of the child."

More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️‍💥❔

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What has a head but no brain?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

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12 hours ago

Panasonic TV leaving NZ from 1st April 2026

TV Signal Solutions Ltd. from TV Signal Solutions Ltd.

❤️ Celebrating Panasonic TVs

For so many Kiwi homes, Panasonic wasn’t just a TV brand — it was a trusted part of the lounge. From the legendary plasma days to their beautiful OLEDs, Panasonic always delivered picture quality that just felt right.

Cinematic colour, rock‑solid reliability, and that classic Panasonic build quality… it’s no wonder so many of us still swear by them.

Even as Panasonic steps back from the NZ TV market, their legacy lives on in thousands of homes across the country. Those TVs will keep going strong for years — because that’s what Panasonic does best.

Here’s to a brand that set the standard for what a great TV should be. ❤️📺

27 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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