Joan KENNETT Obituary

So sad to learn of Joan Kennett's passing. She was a very special lady and I will miss her. Wananga Preschool was a very special place because of her and both my daughters attended and enjoyed their time there. There won't be another like her. May the Lord Jesus Christ bless and comfort all the family.

When I joined the New Zealand Association of Child Care Centres in 1979 and was elected to the Executive in 1980 in Palmerston North, Joan was already a long serving stalwart of the Association having been a member since the early years of the Association in the 1960s. In 1988 she was made a Life Member; her story will feature in the forthcoming book on the Life Members of this organisation. Joan was very much a life member in action and I recall talking with her at the Association's annual soiree in 2012 that she had travelled to Wellington to attend at age 84 years.
In 1994 I interviewed Joan about her life and work in early childhood education for the book Teacher's Talk Teaching (1997); excerpts of this interview will be in the book. This was an extraordinary story already spanning six decades. Joan's mother cared for children in the 1930s and 1940s, and as a child Joan too determined that, When I grow up I'm going to look after children'. And she did, firstly working with her mother, later adopting a sick child, and then after her marriage there were years she spent caring for children, on her husband, Ruru Karaitiana's marae at Tahoraiti, near Dannevirke. It was in the 1960s, and after completing her Playcentre training that she started working in the YWCA's St Agnes Childcare centre in Palmerston North. It was here she met Sonja Davies and signed up as a member of the NZ Association of Child Care Centres in the days there was no funding, no training and considerable antagonism to childcare. Over the decades in the Te Atawhai Porject, a preschool for Maori chidren she established in the 1970s and later in her own Wananga Preschool, Joan worked tirelessly for quality childcare for children and training for staff. Joan was the first private centre employer to sign up to the ground-breaking multi-site award negotiations with the Early Childhood Workers Union in 1984. Joan always wanted the best that was possible for her staff and the very best for children. As Joan told me, I' have never taken a wage. That is my gift to children.'
Helen May, Emeritus Professor University of Otago, Life Member the Rito Maiaho - Early Childhood NZ

Dear Joan Kennett, a wonderful leader, mentor, coach, advocate in the early childhood movement and for Te Rito Maioha/Te Tari Puna O Aotearoa. I was so fortunate to have Joan as my 'Lecturer' for my Early Childhood studies way back in the 1980's and of which our connection spanned over many years. So many of Joan's coaching and mentoring messages are still with me today as I continue in my ece journey as a a kaiako, a leader, a mentor, a coach. Now it is time for Joan to rest as her mahi has been well and truly enacted out by so many. Aroha nui to you all xxxxxx

When we arrived in p north 1980 from the uk we rented in mere mere avenue we were looking for a kindy for Layla and Liam and wow we found it Wananga . What a Family you were for us, Mrs Kennett and of course Wally , thank you so much for the memories and of course the care Luv Ann Bruce Layla and Liam xxx

Ruma and family, so sorry to read of your mother's passing.
Adrian Broad

An incredible role model and teacher. I learned so much from Joan as a student studying early childhood teaching at Wananga. I will always value the time I spent there. RIP

So much aroha given to my mother who will always hold a very special place in her heart for you.

Sad to hear of Joans passing. She was an amazing person who enhanced many lives. Condolences to the family. Graham, Gloria and Carlos Slater.

My condolences to her Whanau and wider community..
Beautiful person..
Rest in peace

Lynnette Chettleburgh