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Parents at a South Auckland daycare have won a reprieve after being told at the centre’s Christmas party that it would be closing for good.

Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) has confirmed that its Children’s Education Centre will remain open for another four months.

“Our leadership team has agreed to support the centre to remain open until Thursday, April 2, 2026 for currently enrolled tamariki,” said deputy chief executive – learner experience and success Simon Nash.

Parents were left “crying and stressed” when they were told two weeks ago that the school would be closing permanently on December 17.

Two parents told the Herald the closure would force them to consider delaying or discontinuing their studies.

Ave Dionsyiou, who has two children enrolled at the centre, said parents were relieved with the extension.

“We were so tired,” she said.

“We felt like we poured a lot of energy into the fight to keep the centre open.

“As soon as we got the notice, everyone went quiet, and I guess that was everyone just breathing.”

MIT have said the daycare will close April 2 next year as it is no longer financially viable. Photo / Supplied

MIT said in a letter to parents yesterday the extension was to “allow families more time to transition their young ones to other providers”.

The school community met with MIT for a consultation hui last Thursday to propose ideas for how the school could continue.

Dionsyiou said the “super eager” parents offered to help with providing lunches, volunteer support, fundraising efforts, and community engagement to boost enrolments.

“They’ve tried that with their own marketing but not with parent involvement,” she said.

Nash said: “While we have considered all ideas put forward, important factors in our review of these proposals was how they addressed the critical issue of long-term financial viability and other aspects of delivery.

“Even under a partnership model, it is likely that the responsibility for running the service would ultimately rest with MIT, therefore we must be prudent about our responsibilities in terms of financial viability.”

However, Dionsyiou said parents wanted another opportunity to sit down with MIT to discuss practical plans to keep the centre open.

“The fight for that is an emotional rollercoaster.

“The staff are loving and genuinely care about our kids, and our kids have bonded with each other and their teachers.”

The school is located at MIT’s north campus in Ōtara and is open to staff, students and the wider community.

A parent-initiated petition to keep the school open has gathered over 1300 signatures.