I've had an unusual experience trying to enrol my son here because I am a student at AUT and it…read morewould obviously be super handy to have him at the campus daycare! I've been for a few visits and the place is great - clean and heaps of facilities and the teachers are actively involved with the children, who all seemed like they were having fun. I have had great communication from the manager there about my prospective enrolment. I would give it a 5 star rating if I was actually able to enrol there, but since they were very inflexible about their 2 day minimum policy, I was turned away and told to 'find somewhere else that better suited my needs'. Where else better suits than on campus??! I have 1 daytime class at uni and the rest of my classes are at night when the daycare is closed, so I only wanted to enrol for one day. They would rather have no enrolment than only one day. I was very disappointed.

This community centre is near my house so we have frequented it a lot. It is a wonderful resource…read morefor our community! They offer a huge range of adult education classes, such as ante natal classes, first aid courses, language and music tuition, and a variety of hobby activities. Well worth checking out - it's important to support our local community. The rooms are also available to hire for your own events, and the price is really inexpensive. There is also a childcare service, which even picks up kids from kindy and school. Great service!

On Sunday I was driving to my boyfriend's place out in West Auckland and came across the coolest…read moredaycare centre I've ever seen. IT IS SHAPED LIKE A CASTLE. YES. A CASTLE. Fittingly named, The Little Castle is a daycare centre for children under the age of 5, and not having had any kids myself, I cannot comment on whether it is a good place to send your kids. All I can say is it looked like a good time, and I'm 21. I can only imagine how it must look to children! Fun times a million - that's what I'm guessing. When I was little all I wanted was to be a princess like Jasmine from Aladdin, and if I'd had the chance to go to a daycare that looked like a castle I would have been ecstatic. Next time you're out in West Harbour, whether you have littlies and are looking for potential daycares or just a Disney-loving adult like myself, keep your eyes peeled for The Little Castle, and you'll see why I was so excited to discover it.

If you have kids under 5 come here for a weekly music and dance work-out! You will not be sitting…read moreon your bum for long but dancing along with your little ones to songs like Mrs Bunny and other popular kids songs. Mainly Music sessions are offered all around Auckland but I'm prepared to drive a little bit further with my one year old daughter to attend the one in Birkdale - mainly because the 11 o'clock session is run by the lovely Cath (mother of 2 and midwife). Can anyone possibly have more energy and motivation to run the show? Seriously, her big smile and dance are contagious -even the shyest child can't resist and will join in. The sessions always include some full-on action and some quieter cuddle-time songs, some story-time, morning tea for everyone followed by playtime with the countless small and big toys they have on offer. And don't forget all the cool puppets, dress up items and musical instruments that will never be missing. The venue is part of the Baptist Church in Birkdale - it may be a bit older but it does accommodate 30 kids and their mums/dads quite easily. Unlike with other Mainly Music venues there is no waiting list. Just come along, pay $3 for your family and have one hour of pure fun!

Kids jumping, kids singing, kids playing, kids happy happy kids, adults jumping too and singing and…read moreplaying, happy happy mothers. Want a place that is fun to come to and you get to have a coffee and bite to eat and a bit of a gossip with other mothers, after all that jumping and singing then Mainly Music Birkdale is the place. While you are having a coffee the kids are playing on and with the toys that are provided by your $3 donations. I come to the 11am session that Cath takes and she is just great, she is a wonderful and motivated teacher that gets everyone moving. So as well as a music place you also get to do a bit of well needed exercise. Highly recommended !

Immerse is a fantastic NGO, non-profit organization. They care so much about the children in foster…read morecare and really go the extra mile to ensure the foster parents are supported and equipped to look after the children well. I would highly recommend this organization.

A great place to host events for different numbers of people. Whether your group is large or small…read moreGreylynn community centre will hook you up! The first time I went to the community centre was for a youth talent show. The room was perfect as it accommodated the number of attendees. The kitchen was always clean and located inside the hall we where using. This made it easier at snack time as it was just a matter of taking items from the kitchen to the table we had set up buffet style outside the kitchen. The rooms are also built in a way that makes it flexible to arrange the room the way that suits you and your event. Although there is parking on site, it is limited. Luckily there are plenty of off street parking spaces.

This is a very well utilised community centre with clean spacious facilities if any local…read moreorganisation or group wanted to hire a space for a regular night of the week or temporary meetings, functions, etc. The staff have always been very friendly and helpful when I have been involved with hiring the facilities for regular set periods of time. The payments have generally been smooth and communication professional. It always seems quite busy, whatever the season, with various groups occupying the many rooms available, so if you want to set up a meditation or yoga course you might want to double check that karate or zumba are not also taking place that same night right next door! They also hold a farmers market at the centre on Sunday mornings that is worth supporting.

Located on Como street opposite the very large North Shore Westfield shopping mall is this very…read morewell stocked Pumpkin Patch. Literally has all the latest as well as a large section of sale items too. So your bound to find what you are looking for on your visit. I have to mention they have just the most adorable outfits, and I was happy to take my boy in for a new pair of shoes, the prices are very reasonable and you are getting quality, that will last longer than the little tykes can grow. Staff on both visits, have been exceptional. Very friendly, and helpful. Basically ask them and they are more than happy to help you find exactly what you are after. On both visits I have purchased shoes for the little boy, and it has not taken longer than ten minutes to sort it out. Lots of choice, and great help, with quality clothing and accessories. If you join up to the Pumpkin Patch Club when in store (for free), you can receive emails to let you know when the sales are on too.

Definitely worth four stars!…read more This place is amazing! They really do support the community in everyday possible. From sporting areas to childcare to youth support. It really does do new Lynn a great service. I know some friends that hire out some space in there from sporting events during the week and I also know of some youth groups that run awesome activities during be week which is great for the New Lynn area and its youth. It is a modern space, well designed - both architecturally and in its interiors. There is plenty of parking surrounding the venue as well. And you know your car will be safe because the police station is right next door. Handy! Great spot overall.

It gets four stars for what it stands for! Community centres are great! They offer everything from…read morePlunket playgroups to line dancing, environmental groups to mediation groups, so much on offer, it is as good as your local library! Plus they do play a large role in helping new migrants in Auckland, an important service for such a multi-cultural city. This centre has some great rooms/halls that can be hired and some rough-around-the-edges too, so worth going and having a look for yourself. Also, make sure you state clearly everything you need, kitchen? whiteboard? no-one else using that room? Are you sure no one else is using that same room!? Ask lots of questions! Word is on the street that the New Lynn Community Centre will be the venue for a new Night Market soon to arise every Thursday night too, cool bananas!