New Shoots Children's Centre Hillcrest is an early childhood centre at 7 Argus Place in Hillcrest, on Auckland's North Shore, in a converted building that the centre says has been reworked into a child-friendly space. It takes children in groups by age, and the centre runs as a full-day service, with no short days or sessions. The minimum enrolment is two days a week. Fees include nappies, meals, a wet bag, a bag and a hat or beanie, depending on the season. Formula is not provided, so families bring their own. The centre says its teacher ratios are above Ministry of Education standards.
The playground was newly refurbished, with sandpits made from hand-sourced NZ stone and climbing forts, and a courtyard that links the playground to the rooms. There is a community vegetable garden that the children, teachers and whānau look after. Floor-to-ceiling glass lets in a lot of light. Parents can enquire at the centre about availability, and the centre sends an enrolment form on request. The enrolment fee is $50, and there is a 10% discount on the eldest child's fees for families with two or more children attending full time. Two weeks' notice is needed to end an enrolment.