Mobile Mission Maintenance New Zealand volunteers from around the South Island and Heathdale Christian College pupils from Melbourne participating in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme rolled up their sleeves over the past three weeks.
Their aim was to transform premises next to the operating KingsView School in Frankton into a state-of-the-art facility suitable for up to 30 children aged between 0 and 5 years to enrol in stages.
Earthquake proofing, safe-fall flooring on indoor and outdoor play areas, lighting, painting, decorating, gardening and more improvements were being completed in the extensive renovation.
Centre manager Gill Hodgson, of Frankton, said parents and future parents kept stopping by to ask when the facility would be open.
The hope was the centre would be able to accept its first children this month, depending on Ministry of Education licensing, Mrs Hodgson said.