With school holidays just around the corner, we’re talking to our local libraries and community centres about what they have on offer to keep kids of all ages busy, and some general programmes that anyone in our community can enjoy.
Bronwyn Bound, Sunnynook
Bronwyn Bound has been involved in the Sunnynook Community Centre since 1995, joining the management committee as the North Shore Parents Centre representative. She has since held various positions on the committee before becoming an employee of the centre in September 2023. After working for several years as a part-time Centre Coordinator, Bronwyn was appointed to the position of Centre Manager in April 2012. She is also on the OSCN Trust Board (Out of School Care Network Trust) and talks about the school holiday programmes available.
Channel Magazine: What programmes would you like to promote to people on the Shore for the upcoming winter school holidays?
Bronwyn Bound: We run a very popular holiday programme for 5 to 8-year-olds at the Sunnynook Community Centre. We currently have a waiting list of 40 families waiting for a space. We also run a youth programme for 9 to 13-year-olds at Kennedy Park Observation Post in Beach Road, Castor Bay; this programme often has one or two spaces available each holidays. Holiday programmes are being run throughout the community with different focuses, from sports to arts to science. At the Sunnynook Community Centre, we try to incorporate all of those things into our holiday programmes. It is very much child-driven; the children all get to have input into what we will be doing during the next holidays.
Why do you recommend Sunnynook Community Centre and what are the benefits of young people attending?
It is lovely to see children from many, many schools on the North Shore coming together in the school holidays to have fun and play. A lot of the children like to attend the programme with their friends, even though they don’t go to the same school.
Do you have any memorable moments from recent school holiday activities?
We were very fortunate to receive a grant from Rotary North Harbour in January 2025 to cover the costs of transport for a bus trip to Kelly Tarltons. The support we receive from the community is wonderful.
Outside of school holidays, what regular activities can you recommend at the Community Centre for people of all ages?
We have so many activities happening every day at the centre; Chinese language classes daily for children, lots of different dancing classes for all ages, English language classes for adults, a playgroup, a walking group, and so much more.
Information can be found by visiting sunnynookcomcentre.co.nz or by emailing snook.com.cen@xtra.co.nz
Gemma Dickinson
Gemma Dickinson is the House Manager at Devonport Community House. She feels lucky to be working in a place that’s so close to her heart. Gemma lives locally with her husband and two young daughters, and actually grew up in Devonport before heading overseas at 18. She’s a keen music lover and enjoys going to live performances whenever she can, along with enjoying reading and swimming in the ocean. There’s lots on offer for the upcoming school holidays and Gemma provides some details for the local community.
Channel Magazine: What programmes would you like to promote to people on the Shore for the upcoming winter school holidays?
Gemma Dickinson: We’re really excited about our two Matariki celebration dates this year. On Saturday 7 June, we’re hosting Matariki Tamariki, a special event for all our local little ones, followed by a beautiful lantern-lit hikoi up Takarunga. Then on Sunday 22 June, we’ll be showcasing kapa haka performances by local primary schools, followed by a community hāngi. In addition, we’re offering creative writing workshops, adult art classes, and a packed July school holiday programme for kids. We’ve also got lots of exciting new term-time activities, events and workshops coming up, so make sure you sign up for our monthly newsletter or check out our social media, Facebook or Instagram pages, or website devonportcomhouse.com.
Why do you recommend Devonport Community Centre, and what are the benefits of young people attending?
Devonport Community House is a welcoming and safe space where young people can be themselves, try new things and make friends. We offer hands-on, screen-free activities that encourage creativity, movement and connection. It’s also a great way for kids to build confidence and feel part of something bigger in their community. We also have a youth space which is available for youth to book for meetings, or where we host workshops which have been suggested by our local youth.
Do you have any memorable moments from recent school holiday activities?
There isn’t just one memorable moment; our programme lead, Mana, always has so many fun and creative activities happening every single day! From super cool crafts and energetic group games to outdoor excursions, the programme is always buzzing. Our limited spaces get booked up quickly, which is a real testament to the amazing holiday schedule Mana puts together and the wonderful team she leads.
Outside of school holidays, what regular activities can you recommend at the community centre for people of all ages?
We have something for everyone, from our ukulele group and painting classes to Mahjong, table tennis and dance sessions for all levels. Families enjoy our playgroups, while older adults come for coffee mornings and board games, fitness classes, and tai chi. We also offer a free van service for seniors to be picked up in the area and brought to the local supermarket and home, plus similar services for those who would like a visit to our local library. Whether you're looking to learn something new, meet people, or just relax in good company, there’s a place for you here.
Visit devonportcomhouse.com for more information on programmes coming up.
James Dunning, Takapuna Library
James Dunning is the Senior Librarian for Children and Youth Services at Takapuna Library. He grew up in Takapuna and says it’s wonderful to work in the same library that he went to growing up. James lives in Torbay with his wife and two children, and their crazy cat, Willow. His favourite picture book is Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy, and his favourite children’s chapter book is The Hobbit. James shares about Takapuna’s Matariki activities, Lego fun and more for the upcoming holidays.
Channel Magazine: What school holiday activities are on at the library over the winter months?
James Dunning: We’ll be celebrating Matariki all holiday long at the library! Take part in our whetu (star) scavenger hunt or colour in your own star. We’ll have free children’s movies and popcorn on the school holiday Sundays. We’ll also be doing crafts celebrating our native manu (birds) on Monday 30 June, and tuna (eels) on Wednesday 2 July, as well as making woven paper gratitude cards for our whanau on Monday 7 July. Finally, we’ll have our annual Paper Plane competition on Wednesday 9 July! All events are at 10am.
Any new activities or programmes that local kids may not have done before, or that have been recently introduced to the agenda for the winter months?
Starting next term, we’re going to have Arabic Rhymetimes on Tuesday mornings, with songs, rhymes and crafts. These are great for people who know Arabic, as well as those who want to learn! We’re also going to have regular Lego in the library (come and check in with our team for more details on that, as we’re still planning).
Do you have any memorable moments from recent school holiday activities?
We had hundreds of children come to the library for the Easter Scavenger Hunt, which was really popular. We also had over 250 people try to guess how many gummy snakes were in our Jungle Jar (there were 85!), and I also really enjoyed our jungle frog craft, where we had lots of kids making paper frogs that really jumped!
For those who don't have school-aged children, what regular activities can you recommend at your library?
We have a range of different events, including lots of authors who come in to do book chats at the library.
Visit Takapuna Library for more details on programmes, or Google Auckland Libraries and visit the website for more information.
