TeWhanau Putahi celebrates 20 years
Te Whanau Putahi has stood in Fairfield for 20 years and mission leader Shane Vink reckons it’ll be there for another two decades. He talks to reporter for our series.
Te Whanau Putahi (The Family Centre) was born out of Hamilton Central Baptist Church in 1997.
It was established in the Old Scout Hall in Oxford St as a place people could gather and communicate in a safe environment.
Unique to the work of Te Whanau Putahi was their focus on childcare, early intervention and youth programmes such as summer camps.
In 2012, the facility had the funds to enlarge the building, adding a childcare centre to the front, a commercial kitchen and an upstairs space for education.
Shane Vink has been involved with the centre since its inception and became mission leader in 2015.
He said their core business was the childcare they had on site.
They are registered to care for 39 children and have eight staff.
‘‘Our childcare is definitely our pride and joy,’’ he said.
‘‘There have been some big time changes, but you can look back and say we’ve done what we
‘‘We've obviously got something that is unique and that is helping.’’
had to do.’’
Vink said they have held hundreds of programmes over the years including driving lessons, counselling and budgeting.
They have also hosted Job Club, where people can find help fixing up their CVs.
They also have regular programmes including a garage sale once a fortnight.
Vink said although there was a leak in the tank to try and plug when it comes to funding, they are hoping to invest in the future.
He believes Te Whanau Putahi will be helping the Fairfield community for another 20 years.
‘‘We’ve obviously got something that is unique and that is helping,’’ he said.
To celebrate their milestone, Te Whanau Putahi will host a number of events in March.
On Friday, March 3, there will be a special evening for past and present team members.
Then, on Saturday at 12pm there will be a pool party at the Fairfield College pool.
On the same day at Te Whanau Putahi, there will be talent quest auditions from 12-4pm.
Finalists will perform in a concert at Fairfield College at 7pm.
On Sunday at 7.30am, there will be a service for everyone to unveil a new pou which will take pride of place at the front of the centre.