A fire at Te Puna o Tarawa Early Childhood Centre on Monday night has left the centre closed with 'significant fire and smoke damage.'
"We are grateful to confirm that no one was on site at the time of the incident and there were no injuries." Te Puna o Tawara Operations Manager Hohepa Hei said.
Despite a quick response from the Ōpōtiki Volunteer Fire Brigade, "the centre has sustained significant fire and smoke damage and is currently closed while assessments and next steps are undertaken in close coordination with the Ministry of Education and relevant agencies."
Director of Education for Bay of Plenty Waiariki Tui Rolleston confirmed the centre will remain closed for the week.
"Our staff are working closely with Te Puna o Tarawa and other relevant agencies to support next steps and minimise disruption for whānau and the wider community.”
Focus for Te Puna o Tarawa staff "now turns to re-opening safely so our mokopuna can continue learning in a secure and supportive environment," Hei said.
Updates will be provided to affected whanau once next steps are confirmed.
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