Woolston Development Project

Newsletters

  • Casual OSCAR Staff Required

    Important: Please send your CV and cover letter with the completed application form (see link at bottom of this advertisement) to manager@wdp.org.nz

    Do you love working with tamariki? Do you have immense patience and a passion for supporting neurodivergent and other high needs tamariki?

    Do you have heaps of experience working with a busy group of primary school aged tamariki? Are you able to remain cool, calm and collected under pressure?

    Are you passionate about ensuring that tamariki feel accepted, safe and enjoy themselves while in your care?

    Are you a team player, able to communicate effectively to tamariki, other staff members, volunteers and parents/caregivers? Have children in your care ever accused you of having eyes in the back of your head? Are you able to spot problems brewing before they escalate?

    Are you kind, compassionate and caring and able to assert good boundaries while being flexible to the needs of the tamariki in your care? Do you pick your battles?

    We have casual roles available for both OSCAR Supervisors and OSCAR Assistants. Term time casuals are relievers; holiday programme casuals are rostered on.

    OSCAR Supervisors lead the team during our Before & After School and Holiday Programmes. They are the first port of call for parents/caregivers and are responsible for ensuring we meet our duty of care to the children entrusted to us and for planning each programme. OSCAR Assistants assist the Supervisors in caring for our tamariki and follow the Supervisor’s lead to implement the plan for the day.

    Casuals are required on all our programmes:

    Before School Programme: This programme runs 7.30-8.30am Monday to Friday except public holidays and teacher only days. Supervisors start at 7.15am to set up. Tamariki are dropped off at Te Waka Unua School (walk there) and Ngutuawa School (by car) each morning.

    After School Programme: This programme runs 3-5.30pm Monday to Friday except public holidays and teacher only days. Staff generally start at 2.30pm to set up and collect all the kids from school.

    Holiday Programmes: These run for two weeks prior to school starting at the beginning of the school year (typically the last two weeks of January) as well as during the April, June/July and September/October school holidays. Contact time is 7.30am – 5.30pm with set up starting at 7.15am.

    With close to 50% of our tamariki being neurodivergent and/or having experienced significant trauma, our OSCAR programmes require people who have enormous patience and have the maturity to respond appropriately to tamariki whose needs can be very different from neurotypical children. The ability to see the child rather than the behaviour and recognise that they may not be in control of their emotions and actions is critical.

    Termtime work is typically relief work when staff are ill or unable to work for other reasons. Being available to get a text message at 6am and be at work at 7.15am would be very beneficial to our Before School Programme; however, typically we would try to get a reliever sorted the night before.

    It’s a busy place with lots of children who are not afraid to express their opinions, wants and needs. Being able to read the room and recognise problems before they start is crucial. Being kind and warm and attentive the child’s needs is absolutely critical. Being flexible and able to roll with sudden change is incredibly important.

    You will fit all the criteria above and meet the requirements of our job descriptions below

    Please download and read these job descriptions carefully:
    Casual OSCAR Supervisor Job Description
    Casual OSCAR Assistant Job Description

    Application form

  • Media Release – Well established Woolston charity seeks urgent support from the wider community.

    Woolston Development Project needs your help. Since the beginning of the pandemic, costs have risen dramatically for individuals, businesses and charities alike.
    Our organisation has supported many whānau/families over the last 37 years. We provide a range of services and activities to connect, support and empower Woolston whānau/families across generations. We provide wraparound care for families in our community through our Whānau Support Service, our Financial Mentoring Service, and our OSCAR programmes. We are seeing rising numbers of whānau/families presenting to our services impacted by trauma and/or who are neurodivergent, and requiring higher levels of support.

    Our regular funders continue to be supportive; however, our costs have risen dramatically due to minimum wage increases, increasing insurance premiums, general increases in price of everything from food to electricity, and crucially, the much higher need in our community. We know that our usual funders have an ever-increasing number of charities coming to them for what is often a decreasing pool of available funds. This is a sector-wide concern.

    To continue supporting our community we need urgent additional funding from sources outside our usual philanthropic and government funders. We are looking for businesses to sponsor us on an annual basis or donate funds to keep our doors open and continue to support the over 100 whānau/families we currently support. We are open to corporate sponsorship and business donations.

  • News – 12 June 2025

    Kia ora koutou,

     Life is busy at Woolston Development Project at the moment and we have some news to share with you. 


    Dinner Fundraiser – 6pm Thursday 26 June 2025 at Winnie Bagoes Ferrymead. Thank you to those who have already booked in for this event – it costs $30 per adult and $15 per child and Woolston Development Project receives $10 per adult and $5 per child. How to book – email me at manager@wdp.org.nz and make payment to Woolston Development Project Incorporated, 03 1599 0022285 000 or use the QR code on the flyer I have attached to this email. Once you have paid, your place will be confirmed. We need all bookings paid for and confirmed by Tuesday 24 June so that we can confirm numbers and dietary requirements with Winnie Bagoes on Wednesday 25 June. 

    Raffle
    We will be running a raffle to be drawn at the fundraiser. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for details of the prizes. Raffle tickets will be $5 and you can purchase them by internet banking or in person on the night of the fundraiser in cash (or drop cash off to us at WDP). 

    June July Holiday Programme
    Attached is our latest holiday programme flyer. Spaces are already being booked by whānau who don’t attend during term time so please get your enrolments in to us as soon as possible. We have a maximum capacity of 30 children per day. 

    WDP’s commitment to equity
    Equity differs from equality because equality assumes people are the same- a one shoe fits all approach – regardless of what their actual needs and desires are. Equity, on the other hand, is about recognising that we aren’t all the same and we have differing needs and desires. Everyone is different, bringing different backgrounds, experiences, needs and abilities to the table. The idea that we are all born on a level playing field is demonstrably false – we don’t choose our DNA or our parents or whether we are born into a community which experiences discrimination for simply being who they are. 

    How does this look at WDP? There are multiple ways we are working towards an equitable future for the people in our community at WDP. 

    1. At governance level, Woolston Development Project’s strategic plan states: WDP is committed to equity for Māori in our community. To that end, we have contracted Tavita Mortimer-Vito of Kia Kōrero to work with our organisation to develop our understanding of te ao Māori – Māori worldview – and implement meaningful change in our mahi which will lead to equity for Māori in our community. Our regular staff team members are meeting regularly with Tavita to develop our understanding and look at how we make meaningful change in the way we deliver our programmes, services and community development initiatives in line with te ao Māori One outcome of this mahi has been realising that our values as a staff team are already similar to the values of te ao Māori – we want our OSCAR tamariki to feel at home here – feel like they’re part of a whānau with people who care and support them. We want everyone who walks through our door to feel welcome and safe and respected. This means we are trying to make sure we pronounce names correctly – it is a work in progress for most of us but the fact we are trying to do this is a good start. 

    2. Recognising and acknowledging the different ethnic groups who are represented on our programmes. Our OSCAR tamariki come from a diverse range of ethnic groups: Māori, Pākehā/NZ European, Samoan, Tongan, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Iranian, Russian, Chilean, Thai, to name but a few. Ensuring that we have the right kai available which accommodates cultural or religious dietary requirements is one way we do this. Providing vegan and vegetarian options or remembering that a specific child does not eat beef products or red meat are simple things we can do to ensure that their cultural needs are met. It might also include having colouring-in sheets which celebrate particular cultural festivals. 

    3. Becoming neurodivergent affirming and trauma informed in our practice, whether it is on our OSCAR programmes or among the adults who engage with us. We are finding an increasing number of our tamariki are arriving with either diagnoses of neurodevelopmental conditions like autism, ADHD, or sensory processing sensitivities, displaying symptoms of these without yet having a diagnosis, or with substantial experience of trauma. Many of our staff members have lived experience in these areas, and of parenting neurodivergent children. Recently the majority of our staff team did the Autism and Rangatahi training offered by Safe for Children. One of the approaches to working with tamariki which was raised in the workshop was the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model. This includes recognising that concerning behaviour is due to an unmet need or a skill that the child (or even the adult!) does not yet have. This is already a model which we have been discussing implementing and if you would like to find out more about it, the New Zealand page for CPS is https://livesinthebalance.org/nz/   Being trauma-informed means recognising that for some people, some situations will trigger trauma-related reactions. And, being neurodivergent frequently means a person has experienced a significant level of trauma because it is traumatic being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world. Couple this with the high degree of heredity of neurodevelopmental conditions and this can mean that neurodivergent parents are parenting neurodivergent children – and this can be hard work. If you are interested in learning more about neurodiversity, there are many places to find out more information, including ADHD New Zealand, Autism New Zealand and similar local and national organisations. How to ADHD, Russell Barkley, and ADHD Love are excellent ADHD-related YouTube channels. 

    At times we will offer something a little different to different people depending on their need for support. This might take place in the context of the OSCAR programme for a particular child or it might include a referral to our Financial Mentor for an adult who is participating in another of our activities or it might include something else. We can’t afford to provide the equivalent of a teacher aide on our OSCAR programmes because we don’t have enough funding for this level of care, but we can and do look at what we offer our tamariki to ensure that they enjoy themselves here. 

    4. Working slowly towards an accessible physical space – WDP’s location on a floodplain means that our building is elevated above the ground and requires steps to enter any of our external doors. We want to change this, but it is taking a while to obtain quotes for this work – and bear in mind that we will need to seek building consent or an exemption from building consent for this work. This means we will need to pay a licensed building practitioner (design) to design the ramp as well as pay for the materials and labour. Along with the ramp, some work will need to be done to change one of our toilets to make it accessible, and widen certain doorways. 

    Ngā mihi nui, 
    Eddie Hayes

    —
    Manager
    Woolston Development Project

    June July 2025 holiday programme flyerDownload
    Advertisement for fundraising event at Winnie Bagoes Ferrymead. Book through Woolston Development Project.

  • Dinner fundraiser coming up!

    Book now through Woolston Development Project. Bookings will only be confirmed once payment has been received by Woolston Development Project. Use the QR code below or email Eddie on manager@wdp.org.nz to book. Payments can be made by internet banking to Woolston Development Project Incorporated, 03 1599 0022285 00, or using this:

    Advertisement for fundraising event at Winnie Bagoes Ferrymead. Book through Woolston Development Project.

  • Part Time Cleaner required

    Email your CV and cover letter to Eddie Hayes at manager@wdp.org.nz

    Note: You must be a NZ Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a working visa which has no conditions attached. We are not an accredited employer.

    Criminal history: As we work in the childcare sector, we will not employ someone with convictions for offences of a violent or sexual nature.

    Part 1: Summary & Hours

    Position: Cleaner
    Number of hours: 2 per week guaranteed minimum hours
    Times & Days: Fridays (except public holidays)
    Thursdays (when Friday is public holiday) 5.30 – 7.30 pm
    Monday & Wednesday during school holiday programmes
    (2 weeks in April, July, Sept/Oct, January) 5.30 – 7 pm
    Annual Shutdown period Mid-December to Mid-January, 4 weeks.
    Annual Leave required to be taken during this period.
    Additional hours may be offered from time to time.
    Public Holidays: Not worked.
    Hourly rate: $23.15 starting rate

    Part 2: Relationships

    Reports to: Manager
    Works with: On occasion there will be crossover with other staff who are leaving late or on specific tasks

    Part 3: Person Description

    • Trustworthy
    • Reliable
    • Punctual
    • Thoroughness and attention to details
    • The ability to work at a fast pace

    Police Vetting: Required.
    Health: As this is a physical job a reasonable level of physical fitness is required to complete the duties

    Part 4: Responsibilities & Duties:

    Duties: To clean our premises to a high standard on a regular basis.

    • Vacuum and mop all floors
    • Clean all door handles (including exterior)
    • Wipe and sanitise tabletops & plastic seats
    • Wipe window ledges where accessible
    • Empty rubbish bins into the red or grey bins outside.
    • Put Council bins (red/yellow and green) out for kerbside collection.
    • Wipe cupboard doors (if dirty)
    • Wipe and sanitise kitchen benches
    • Wash, dry and put away any dirty dishes
    • Mop doorsteps and clean doors if dirty
    • Clean under moveable furniture (couches, tables etc.)
    • Clean and sanitise toilets & hand basins (including pedestals/bases and taps)
    • Wipe down and/or wash toilet walls and doors
    • Sanitise handwash dispensers and toilet paper dispensers.
    • Ensure cleaning equipment is working and clean before and after use.
    • Request new cleaning products when required
    • Report any health and safety issues to management
    • Close blinds/curtains
    • Follow lockup and security procedures before leaving
    • On Request (additional hours likely) 
      • Vacuum office (early arrival essential for this)
      • Clean oven (once per term)
      • Take away and wash cushion covers, staff and child vests, blankets and return prior to next programme commencing.
      • Sanitise plastic toys (once per term or more if requested)
      • Wash windows (twice a year)

  • Before School OSCAR assistant required

    Are you passionate about working with tamariki? Do you have great experience caring for tamariki? We are seeking an assistant to work on our Before School Programme.

    Hours: 66 hours minimum on the Before School Programme
    Additional hours may be available as a reliever on the After School Programme Additional rostered hours during holiday programmes.

    Location: Woolston Development Project, 497 Ferry Road, Christchurch

    Reports to: OSCAR Supervisor

    Hours of work: 7.30 to 8.45am during term time. Rostered hours between 7.30am and 5.30pm during school holidays. Relief hours on the After School Programme 3 to 5.30pm

    Purpose of position: To assist the OSCAR Supervisor, assistant(s) and approved others in carrying out duties and daily activities in a safe, organised, committed and friendly manner.

    Please note: Police vetting – we will not employ anyone who has convictions of violence or of a sexual nature (or has court action pending for these) or who is otherwise excluded under the law from working with tamariki/children.

    Skills/Attributes required:

    • To have had experience working with tamariki/children, and is self-motivated and shows initiative and enthusiasm for working with tamariki/children.
    • Good communication skills with both tamariki/children and adults and has excellent listening skills.
    • Ability to work well within a team.
    • Honesty, reliability, punctuality and trustworthiness.
    • Have an awareness and knowledge of cultural and disability issues.
    • Ability to make decisions in consultation with the Supervisor, when required.
    • Ability to accept responsibility and direction from the Supervisor
    • A clear understanding of personal and professional boundaries.
    • Ability to model appropriate social skills.
    • Able to initiate activities.
    • We would love for this person to have some experience and expertise in speaking and writing in Te Reo Māori and an understanding of Te Ao Māori.

    Specific Duties:

    • Responsible for the care and safety of the tamariki/children attending the programme.
    • Assist in the planning, preparation, organisation and implementation of activities.
    • Supervise the tamariki/children within the accepted boundaries
    • Participate in activities with the tamariki/children where appropriate.
      Ensure the safety of equipment and materials.
    • Assist in the implementation of positive reinforcement rewards for the tamariki/children.
    • Activate disciplinary procedures in consultation with the Supervisor.
    • Attend to any injuries and to record all such cases on the Incident forms.
    • Supervise and monitor the hygiene of the tamariki/children.
    • Ensure all tamariki/children have been taken over to the school or collected by mātua/parents/caregivers before you and another worker leave the programme.
    • Attend any meetings relevant to the OSCAR programmes and training as approved and/or required by the Manager.
    • Ensure the facility is clean and tidy at the end of each session.
    • Any other tasks as deemed appropriate by the Supervisor and/or the Manager, as pertinent to the position.

    Objectives & Performance Indicators:

    • Current tamariki/children continue attending the programme.
    • Tamariki/children’s feedback is positive.
    • Staff interactions are appropriate.
    • Team is functioning well: i.e., appropriate and respectful communication is occurring.
    •  Good role-modelling is achieved for tamariki/children and other workers.
    • Tamariki/children’s numbers remain stable to increasing.
    • A range of changing activities is occurring.
    • Issues for whānau/families and staff are resolved.
    • Programme is supported by the community.
    • A consistent and safe environment is provided.
    • A good rapport is being achieved with tamariki/children and their mātua/parents/caregivers.
    • All staff are abiding by the WDP Policy and Procedures.
    • All staff are abiding by the Code of Conduct.
    • A Police Vetting is obtained and follow up police vetting requests remain clear.

    If this sounds like you, please contact Eddie on manager@wdp.org.nz for an application form and email your CV with at least two relevant referee contact details.