What can I say about this amazing new centre. I had the pleasure of being shown around this amazing…read morecentre (just out of interest) and I'm very impressed, not only about the location, but the amazing space purpose built for kids in this great thriving community. The centre is large with ideal spaces for babies and a toddler areas too. Plenty of arts and creative space, kitchen, bathrooms and laundry area and also some beautiful outdoor play areas for the little ones. The centre director Cindy was excellent, very knowledgeable and passionate about her work. I would surely love for my kid to go here. I'm however confident in all other children's experiences and parents too as my child went to another centre of the same owner (Blue Frog) and I've also seen another Mangere Bridge Centre - Spotted Frog and all three are of high calibre and provides excellent teaching staff for all ages 0-6 years.

My stay there wasn't recently so things may have changed if the management/governing body is now…read moredifferent. Also, the name Aio Wira doesn't appear to mean anything, if they're claiming it's a Maori word, it appears they've made it up. I was prompted to post this as I saw their name somewhere and then remembered how poorly they treated hygiene, which is very relevant now that we have Covid. When I stayed there for a weekend, the cook had the flu in a MAJOR way and I witnessed her constantly sniffing while preparing the food, wiping her nose on the back of her hand and actually sneezing on the food. Yet, they did have other staff around that could have cooked/prepared the meal instead. I decided to not eat there and I got my dinners from the caravan cafe at Bethells Beach instead. While down there chatting to friendly locals, they laughed their heads off when I told there where I was staying and said, no wonder you're down here. They'd not heard good things about the place and had the impression the food wasn't great and it was not exactly the most fun place to go to. They were right. I didn't find the manager or staff friendly and most of the other guests were very serious and not that nice either. I was annoyed as I was looking for a relaxing weekend away as I had a stressful job. I asked them what was the latest time I could arrive on the Friday night as I had a long way to drive and was settling my pets in with the house sitter and they weren't used to me going away. The manager just would not give me the latest time I could arrive and was lackadaisical and kept saying "any time". So I arrive at 9pm and she gets really pissed off! It was all downhill from there, she appeared to hate me after that and I was there for 3 days. Next time I think I'll just rent a bach and not try a retreat again, a massive waste of money, not friendly or particularly social at all, couldn't eat the sneezed on food, wishy washy place and management altogether. I had far more fun laughing with the locals down at the caravan cafe at the beach! If you're not going to be nice to your PAYING guests and you create a strange atmosphere at your retreat, instead of a pleasant, at least somewhat friendly and happy environment, then I'm afraid you can expect reviews like this.

This place is AWESOME! Di, the caretaker is very friendly, knowledgeable and helped create a…read morewonderful retreat setting for our lil' gang visiting Aio Wira recently. The meals provided were all made onsite from organic (where possible) and fresh ingredients, they also were very creative and delicious! (all vegetarian, and since we had a vegan amongst us also accommodating). The large fireplace in the main room provided us with warmth and ambience. There is also a sauna and spa you can use, at no extra cost. Each room came supplied with torch and heaters (byo sheets, pillow case and towel). The grounds and walking tracks were well maintained and enjoyed by all. The gardens and grounds overall were an ideal setting for a retreat. The Centre can sleep up to 20 people, more if you want to bring your own tents, camping gear, etc. We were informed that this place has been around for approx 40 years and is run/owned by a trust, it is obviously well known as bookings need to be made well in advance; we looked at re-booking and they had two weekend spots left free for the year - and it is May. Great place to hire, I look forward to our next visit already:)

This community centre is near my house so we have frequented it a lot. It is a wonderful resource…read morefor our community! They offer a huge range of adult education classes, such as ante natal classes, first aid courses, language and music tuition, and a variety of hobby activities. Well worth checking out - it's important to support our local community. The rooms are also available to hire for your own events, and the price is really inexpensive. There is also a childcare service, which even picks up kids from kindy and school. Great service!

If you have kids under 5 come here for a weekly music and dance work-out! You will not be sitting…read moreon your bum for long but dancing along with your little ones to songs like Mrs Bunny and other popular kids songs. Mainly Music sessions are offered all around Auckland but I'm prepared to drive a little bit further with my one year old daughter to attend the one in Birkdale - mainly because the 11 o'clock session is run by the lovely Cath (mother of 2 and midwife). Can anyone possibly have more energy and motivation to run the show? Seriously, her big smile and dance are contagious -even the shyest child can't resist and will join in. The sessions always include some full-on action and some quieter cuddle-time songs, some story-time, morning tea for everyone followed by playtime with the countless small and big toys they have on offer. And don't forget all the cool puppets, dress up items and musical instruments that will never be missing. The venue is part of the Baptist Church in Birkdale - it may be a bit older but it does accommodate 30 kids and their mums/dads quite easily. Unlike with other Mainly Music venues there is no waiting list. Just come along, pay $3 for your family and have one hour of pure fun!

Kids jumping, kids singing, kids playing, kids happy happy kids, adults jumping too and singing and…read moreplaying, happy happy mothers. Want a place that is fun to come to and you get to have a coffee and bite to eat and a bit of a gossip with other mothers, after all that jumping and singing then Mainly Music Birkdale is the place. While you are having a coffee the kids are playing on and with the toys that are provided by your $3 donations. I come to the 11am session that Cath takes and she is just great, she is a wonderful and motivated teacher that gets everyone moving. So as well as a music place you also get to do a bit of well needed exercise. Highly recommended !

When I first started looking for daycares in the Ellerslie area the thing that stood out about this…read moreone was how friendly the staff are and it seemed to me like it was just one big family. The daycare has a nice indoor area which has a separate area for under 2's, it also had a large outdoor area with a large sand pit and once again a separate area for under 2's. They have their own kitchen so food is always made onsite so they provide 2 nutritious snacks and lunch. My daughter was only at the daycare for 5 weeks as we moved out of the area however I was really sad that she was going to be leaving them. They are a great daycare and also in a very handy location.

I had a photoshoot here a few weeks ago where I was taking photographs and filming for a boutique…read moreand I was so impressed with what we received. For a small fee we hired out a basic studio packed which included some lights, soft boxes and cables. The owner of the studio set them all up for us so that relieved our stress right from the get go. It's a lovely space, really modern and light complete with kitchen, dining room and toilet so it's really easy to spend the entire day there. When we were finished the owner came back to take everything down and we had a good chat to her, she was so friendly and told us lots about the space which also doubles as an event room for launches etc. When the new season clothing comes in we will be back here again to shoot the lookbook, I can't wait! Note they don't have normal opening hours as they open subject to bookings.

Mel, of succulent.co.nz is THE florist to go to. Located in Hwick, I would drive to use her service…read moreover a closer florist. She is so lovely and helpful, and delivers your flowers same-day. They are always beautiful, I have used her to send condolence bouquets and recently my sister used her for her wedding. A great choice, her wedding was a garden party and Mel provided lovely wild flowers, really adding to the decor. Her website is an easy way to look at the different options and order, and for the boys there is even a section to help you out!

The best thing about the Devonport Plunket clinic is their playground, its awesome! Lots of local…read moremums come here with their little'ies so they can play in the park outside or there's heaps of toys and couches inside too. I've only had a couple of appointments here and although they're helpful and friendly I still think Plunket in general could be a bit more proactive in their local community. Since I had a baby just over a year ago now I've seen them a total of three times. In saying this I'm sure that if there was anything in particular I needed help with they would be more than willing, just that as a matter of course they don't tend to check up on new mothers and babies too often.