Pauatahanui Parish has seen its Noah’s Ark playgroup flourish since the covid lockdowns by providing a welcoming environment for families to participate.

Throughout the lockdowns playgroup leader Linda Te Hiko would email activities to families and check in on their wellbeing, but found numbers were low once the lockdowns ended and the playgroup returned.

However since then the playgroup has continued to grow to pre-covid levels, assisted by making the most of their location next door to the local Plunket. What started as a request to Plunket to use their small play area on a Tuesday morning, has resulted in the Plunket nurse agreeing to that as well as recommending the playgroup to new parents.

“Plunket has mentioned to mums that it’s a good place to come and connect. Some people were reluctant to come at first due to it being a church.”

However, once people find it’s a welcoming space and there are no expectations to come to church, that changes. At the same time some of the families have joined the congregation.

“Where I see God moving is in the openness of relationships,” Linda says. She puts the success of that down to having lots of volunteers on hand who both serve the morning tea and help with dishes, but also make time to talk to people.

“The team is wonderful and they look forward to coming.”

Linda says the feedback from parents has been particularly encouraging. “I’ve had some people say it’s the highlight of their week coming to Noah’s Ark”.