90 | Golden beginnings Aurea Preschool and Nursery Newlands will open in January. COMMUNITY Johnson Preschool T T Virginia Wright It was when he had preschool aged children of his own and could find nothing around his home in Khandallah that was suitable for what the family wanted that Craig Johnson and his former wife decided to set up the first Johnson Preschool in 2003. Twenty-two years later Craig still runs preschools, although not in Khandallah, and has recently rebranded. He now runs Aurea Preschool and Nursery Kelburn as well as a new one they expect to open in January 2026, Aurea Preschool and Nursery Newlands. Coincidentally, as Craig was doing the research around demographics, growth and what was already available, that led to Newlands Preschool being built, he was approached by the sisters of St Mary’s Church and the Community Centre in Karori. In 1941, they had opened what is the oldest play centre in the country, and which ran in St Mary’s Parish Hall. “It closed down a few years ago for a variety of reasons, and they contacted me to help them get it re-established so we’re busy renovating the building and the playground and that should be opening in March next year as well as Aurea Preschool and Nursery.” “Aurea means golden and symbolises golden beginnings for the children. It was derived from a unique pohutukawa variety which we believe represented what we wanted to give to the children. “A strong root structure, and foundation to flourish down whatever branch they desire. We’re planting those in all of our front yards, and they’ll grow with the kids,” says Craig. As a father of five, Craig’s clear that his motivation over the years hasn’t changed. He understands the importance of a good education New Builds Alterations Interiors Landscaping Creating quality tailored architectural builds. From concept to completion, all in expert hands. Multi-Unit Subdivisions Commercial Education • Traffic Impact Assessments • Road Safety Audits • Feasibility Advice • Expert Evidence & RMA Hearings • Plan Changes • SIDRA Intersection Modelling • Traffic Resolutions • Residential, Rural, Commercial & Industrial • Multi Unit Residential • Retirement Villages & Healthcare • Early Childhood & Education • Retail (including big box) Land Development Focused Tra ic Engineering Consultants Regularly providing the following services across the following projects and more Covering the wider Wellington &Manawatu Regions 022 171 4386 luke@lbcltd.co.nz www.lbcltd.co.nz and refers to the unlimited research showing that the early years lay the foundation for future success. “We like to think that we have wonderful, warm, nurturing facilities but also with an educational focus giving the children a golden start to life for a great future. Once you’re a father children become very important to you,” he says. One of the things they choose to do with Aurea Preschools and Nurseries is to pay the top ECE (Early Childhood Education) scale, confident that it will help them to attract the best early childhood teachers who will not only provide their trademark nurturing environment but also carry through their focus on including some structured learning. “I think that having our programme conducted by highly motivated, highly trained staff is one of the things that sets us apart from some of the bigger preschool brands,” says Craig. He intends the new facility in Newlands to be state-of-the-art, complete with a commercial kitchen that will service all three of the Aurea Preschools and Nurseries, he explains. “We’re concerned that kids aren’t getting enough of what they need so I’ve employed a nutritionist to design menus that provide all the vital nutrients that help young minds and bodies to grow. We’re going to start providing meals next year made with good quality ingredients, locally sourced where possible.” In 2026 Aurea look forward to opening what will be one of the newest, along with the oldest, preschool in the country, with all the Aurea Preschools and Nurseries sharing the same philosophies and offering that combination of free play and structure that Craig believes offers children a golden platform to grow from.
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