Hikurangi Playgroup at the Children’s Lighthouse: Growing, Evolving, and Opening the Doors Wider to Our Community
When the Lighthouse Playgroup committee reformed in December 2025, a fresh wave of energy came with it. Steph and Georgie stepped into leadership with a clear vision: to honour what Lighthouse has always been for local whānau, while growing the Hikurangi Playgroup into something even more sustainable, inclusive, and community‑centred.
A Hikurangi Playgroup With New Purpose
Steph says the group has been steadily evolving.
“We’ve got a new, enthusiastic committee who’ve taken the lead with playgroup. The purpose is shifting, we want Lighthouse to become a real community hub. The space is going to be more than just a playgroup. It’s a place where people can do different things, connect, and feel welcome.”
That evolution is already visible. Alongside the regular Tuesday and Thursday sessions, Lighthouse now hosts Pilates classes, Craft and Connect, and offers a growing range of venue hire options.
Venue Hire at the Lighthouse
Looking for a venue to host workshops, a workout class, cooking sessions, or party hire? Look no further, our amazing venue is available.
The Children’s Lighthouse offers flexible, affordable hire options including the main hall, outdoor play space, and the kitchen, which is ideal for food prep, community cooking, small events, or creative workshops.
And for birthday parties, the Lighthouse has teamed up with Palm Tree Tots to offer a Party Package that makes kids’ celebrations fun, easy, and stress‑free.
The Lighthouse venue includes: ✨ Enclosed garden with a playground for safe outdoor play ✨ Kitchen facilities for food and drinks ✨ Plenty of space for little ones to explore
When you book the party package, you’ll also receive discounted soft play hire from Palm Tree Tots the perfect all‑in‑one setup to keep tamariki entertained while making things simple for whānau.
Message the Children’s Lighthouse team today to find out more or secure your date.
Georgie says venue hire plays an important role in supporting the playgroup’s future.
“Venue hire helps generate a bit of revenue to cover costs. We’re still working towards having enough income from sessions to put back into the jobs that need doing. There’s loads on the list. We’ve talked about fundraising days, working bees, and holding events here, things that bring the community together while helping us get those jobs done.”
Pilates at the Lighthouse
A gentle way to strengthen body and mind, the Pilates classes are facilitated by Sarah and held at the Children’s Lighthouse.
When: Tuesdays, 6 pm
Where: The Children’s Lighthouse, 20 George Street, Hikurangi
Cost: $15 per class (No class held on the last Tuesday of each month)
“It’s a slow and gentle class that supports strengthening your body and releasing tension,” Sarah says. “It’s about movement, mindfulness, and community.”
Craft and Connect
One of the initiatives from the committee is Craft and Connect, a relaxed monthly meet‑up designed to bring people together through creativity.
When: Last Sunday of each month, 4–6 pm Where: The Children’s Lighthouse, Hikurangi
Bring your own craft project and enjoy an easy going afternoon connecting with like‑minded people. Share skills, passions, and creative ideas in a friendly community setting.
All are welcome. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Gold coin koha appreciated.
Playgroup Adventures
There’s always something new happening at the Children’s Lighthouse. The playgroup often goes on tour, with visits to the Hikurangi Museum and Library, trips further afield to the hot pools in town, and fun family adventures like Flip Out sessions or beach picnics with older siblings during the school holidays.
Themed days are a favourite too, from Dinosaur Day to nature‑based play and creative mornings that spark imagination and laughter.
A Warm Welcome, Every Time
The Lighthouse team keeps things simple and friendly.
“We have a help‑yourself policy here at playgroup,” Steph says. “There’s always plenty of tea, coffee, and hot chocolate to choose from, it’s all part of making people feel at home.”
Looking Ahead: Sustainability, Accessibility, and Inclusivity
Long‑term, Steph and Georgie are focused on strengthening Lighthouse for the future.
“We want playgroup to be more sustainable and more accessible. Inclusivity is a big one, we want the whole community to feel like Lighthouse is theirs.”
New Enrolment Options for Term 4 2026
To support the running of playgroup, Lighthouse is introducing enrolment forms from Term 4.
Families can enrol their children as long as they’re not attending another centre on the same day. This allows Lighthouse to access funding that helps cover operational costs.
For children who aren’t enrolled, including older siblings who come along, the team will be asking for a gold coin donation to help contribute to session costs.
The committee is grateful for the support the community has already shown.
“We really appreciate all of your support, and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back after the holidays.”
Where Lighthouse Is Heading
With a committed committee, a growing group of families, and a clear vision for the future, Lighthouse Playgroup is stepping confidently into its next chapter.
A community hub. A creative space. A place for tamariki. A place for whānau. A place for everyone. Keep up-to-dadte with the Childrens Lighthouse Playgroup over on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lighthouseplaygrouphikurangi
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