Riem wanted the best kind of care for her tamariki. Somewhere her children could grow in the same kind of faith-filled, caring environment she had known growing up. After trying another centre, she knew it wasnโt the right fit. It was larger, harder to connect with, and difficult for her son to settle.
Then they arrived at Eden Cottage.
Once I joined Eden Cottage, it was like coming home.
From the beginning, the welcome felt different. The teachers focused first on her child, taking time to sit, play, notice what he liked, and build trust. For Riem, that simple act spoke volumes.
I left the centre and I was feeling like, wow, I can actually leave with that feeling that my kid is safe.
That sense of safety and belonging became the foundation for the whole whฤnau journey. Her eldest son settled so quickly he was ready to say goodbye on just his second day. Her daughter grew up around Eden Cottage before attending herself, and when Riem had a third child, the family โcouldnโt wait till he turned twoโ so they could return to what she calls their โsecond family.โ
The support was practical, relational, and deeply connected to the wider Visionwest village. Riem remembers seeing information about food support, budgeting, counselling, housing, youth services, and home healthcare. Being surrounded by those services mattered.
With everything around, you can feel like youโre not alone.
Eden Cottage also helped her children learn values of care and generosity. One memory that stays with her is her son taking food to the foodbank. He came home excited, saying, โMum, I went and I gave back cans to the people. It was so cool.โ For Riem, that moment helped form something lasting in her children: โYou need to remember other people; you need to remember to help people.โ
Today, the transformation is seen in peace, confidence, and joy.
It gave us the peace to be able to carry on with our days.
And when she picks up her child, the evidence is clear:
The happiness that I see in his face says it all.
Visionwest Eden Cottage Te Iti Kahurangi (Early Learning and Care)
For over 40 years, Eden Cottage has been supporting young families in our community. Our te reo name, Te Iti Kahurangi, speaks of the precious small treasures that our tamariki are – treasures who deserve our best educational care and aroha.
LEARN MORE ABOUT EDEN COTTAGE | TE ITI KAHURANGI
