Find Our Kindergarten
106 Hackthorne Road
Cashmere
Christchurch
New Zealand
Why Choose Us
Being so close to the Port Hills shapes day-to-day kindergarten life at Kidsfirst Cashmere, offering inspiring views and a special connection to this distinctive part of Christchurch.
In light-filled indoor spaces, tamariki get plenty of time, opportunities and resources to be creative and expressive. One of the benefits of kindergartens is that they get to learn through their own interests and at their own pace with guidance from fully qualified, registered teachers.
There’s lots of room in our beautiful Big Backyard, too, for children to learn more about the natural world, explore and gain a deeper understanding of their role as kaitiaki. Large and mature trees provide shelter outside in all weather, and there are peaceful areas for calm and reflection.
The diverse languages and cultures of our hill community are woven into daily kindy life, and we are privileged to have generous-spirited whānau with roots all over the world who regularly share their experiences and knowledge.
Being so close to Cashmere Primary School gives older tamariki the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the school environment. This makes for a smooth transition when kindy kids are ready to take the next step in their educational journey.
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 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.
What Families Say
Latest News
Adventures in the community
Apply Now
A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
