Find Our Kindergarten
Why Choose Us
Surrounded by an abundance of nature, our Big Backyard offers daily opportunities for tamariki to explore and discover. Children choose from and use real tools under close supervision, learning about managing risks and making safe choices. Tamariki also enjoy regular visits from locals like Eco Educate and the Rangiora Library, enriching their learning through community connections and diverse experiences.
Tamariki and whānau feel a deep sense of belonging here, where each child’s unique journey helps shape their kindy experience. As we foster their growing sense of manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga, children’s innate respect for both people and place flourishes.
Inside there are warm and light-filled spaces where children engage in self-directed learning at their own pace. These areas are designed for children to play together while also providing quiet spaces for creative and imaginative activities.
Our strong relationships with local primary schools help prepare tamariki for the next step in their educational journey when they are ready.
Nau mai, haere mai – make a time to visit us and remember, you’re always welcome at Kidsfirst.
Why Kidsfirst Kindergartens
With over 100 years of proud legacy, Kidsfirst Kindergartens is a not-for-profit organisation that supports and leads kindergartens across Canterbury, the West Coast and Central Otago. Generations of South Island tamariki and whānau have passed through our gates, and we have strong ties to local communities.
Our kindergartens are down to earth places with warm, nurturing teachers with a rich range of resources and environments to explore.
One of the hallmarks of our kindys is that you’re always welcome here – whānau are encouraged to visit and stay, and take part in kindergarten life. We love it when families share their skills, and culture too – our kindergartens are some of the most diverse learning environments around, and children learn best when teachers and whānau work together.
Te Whāriki, the New Zealand Curriculum, guides our teaching and learning programmes, while the kindergarten philosophy underpins all we do. Tamariki learn through play in their own time, through their own interests, guided by trained teachers who are registered with the Teaching Council of New Zealand. You’ll often find our kindergartens located on, or near, local primary schools. Preparation for school and a smooth transition are a key part of the work for our kaiako.
Our kaiako are overseen by Professional Leaders with a focus on quality and ensuring the highest educational standards. Formerly known as the Canterbury Westland Free Kindergarten Association, Kidsfirst – and its kindergartens – consistently receive strong reports from the Education Review Office. You can read more about their assessment of our governing organisation here.
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
