Concerned parents and grandparents of children attending Blackrock Preschool have expressed dismay over Cook Islands Investment Corporation’s decision to relocate the beloved preschool to prioritise the development of sporting codes.

According to the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC), Blackrock Preschool in Nikao is set to move approximately 30 metres to the former Esther Honey building on the corner of Tipani Drive, and is expected to commence operating from its new site in the new calendar year.

But Stephanie Forbes, the principal of Blackrock Preschool for almost 20 years, said: “We want to stay.”

“It’s the history of the building, all the infrastructure, there’s a lot of love and aroha for Blackrock that’s been around for 40+ years.”

Parents and guardians of the 35 enrolled children were notified of the relocation in the preschool’s recent newsletter, with CIIC’s permission.

Forbes, not wanting to appear “disrespectful or ungrateful”, argued that regardless of future plans for the preschool site, couldn’t CIIC simply take on the site of the old Esther Honey and the empty house next door?

“(This would be) a unique opportunity to give us a chance to stay,” she said.

Forbes said that Blackrock Preschool has a good relationship with CIIC and that they have been very helpful.

However, she said moving the preschool next door right on the main road would be noisier with toxic exhaust fumes, inadequate parking, and no natural shade.

CIIC said it is committed to working with Blackrock to ensure the new location is fit for purpose.

This includes adding fencing to enhance safety, planting trees and providing shade to create a comfortable environment for the children and to working with Blackrock ECE to ensure the new location is fit for purpose, child friendly and safe.

“For over two years, we have also engaged in discussions with the Blackrock ECE (Early Childhood Learning) Board about the proposed relocation of their centre, with the Board recognising the broader benefits of this redevelopment,” CIIC said.

“The current preschool building, which holds historical value, is planned to stay initially and will be initially repurposed to support local sporting codes, aligning with the vision of a balanced heritage, education, and recreational hub, and will be subject to finalisation of the broader Nikao Social Centre plan in the near future.”

According to CIIC, over many years they have been working on comprehensive plans to redevelop the Nikao Social Centre area into a vibrant recreational and social hub.

“This includes better integration of the beach esplanade, enhanced sporting facilities, and improved public amenities.”

Key features of CIIC’s redevelopment plan include:

• Expanded recreational areas and beach access for the public,
• new sporting facilities, including more beach courts and the nation’s first accredited public swimming pool, and
• improved connectivity between the road, the sports facilities, and the lagoon area.

“Throughout this process, CIIC has conducted extensive consultations with sporting federations, the public, and the Nikao community,” the statement said.

CIIC said its main goal is to deliver broad benefits to the Cook Islands community.

“By enhancing the Nikao Social Centre, we aim to create a space that supports sporting development, recreation, and public enjoyment while maintaining respect for the area’s heritage and the needs of Blackrock ECE.

“We acknowledge the concerns raised and reaffirm our commitment to working collaboratively with the Blackrock ECE and the community to ensure a smooth transition and positive outcomes for all.”