The team of Franz Josef women with Westland mayor Bruce Smith, who are fighting to keep an early childhood education facility open in the community. South Island not-for-profit kindergarten group Kidsfirst has confirmed it will close its Franz Josef facility due to "financial issues". Supplied Kidsfirst Kindergarten in Franz Josef will close in July. The four closures have affected 57 jobs and left Franz Josef without any childcare facilities. Kidsfirst Kindergartens chief executive Sherryl Wilson said the board was saddened to confirm the closure, which would happen on July 5.

Source: Stuff April 12, 2019 06:33 UTC