Lady May Kindergarten opened in 1957.
It was opened by Mr R. McKenzie, son of the late Sir John McKenzie and Lady May McKenzie (who was one-time patron of the committee).
The kindergarten’s namesake: Lady May McKenzie, and Sir John McKenzie, who were integral in the kindergarten’s founding.
Some time before he died, Sir John donated £1,000 to the Christchurch Free Kindergarten Association to build a kindergarten in Upper Riccarton if the local committee could raise a similar amount.
It did, and the kindergarten that stands there today is the end result.
Since then, of course, thousands of children have run and skipped through its gate and enjoyed the wealth of experience it brings to the community.
The kindergarten’s big backyard has long allowed tamariki to challenge themselves, while also having fun.
Lady May kindergarten tamariki on a visit to the nearby Riccarton Bush, date unknown.