Find Our Kindergarten
146 Hawthornden Rd
Avonhead
Christchurch
New Zealand
Why Choose Us
Our individualised approach to learning recognises each child as a competent learner, and works alongside their natural interests. Through uninterrupted play time, tamariki develop their understanding of the world while building the confidence to tackle new challenges.
Fully qualified, registered kaiako support children’s nature-based learning experiences, where, in our Great Big Backyard, tamariki set their own physical challenges using moveable equipment. They learn to be kaitiaki in an environment sheltered by established trees, where outdoor exploration and discovery continues throughout the changing seasons.
Inside our well-resourced spaces, our tamariki find opportunities to inspire their curiosity and develop creativity. Quiet reflection areas sit alongside space where tamariki can spend time with their friends – and is all designed to support independence and belonging.
Manaakitanga and whanaungatanga form the foundation of our kindergarten culture. We value the diverse languages, cultures and identities of our families, creating strong partnerships that enrich our learning community.
Nau mai, tauti 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.
What Families Say
Latest News
Recognising the Year of the Snake
Kidsfirst Hawthornden tamariki have been marking the Lunar New Year by making colourful snakes (it’s the Year of the Snake 🐍), along with lion dancing and reading stories. Kindy mum, Summer also joined in, sharing some traditional Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebrations 🥳❤️
Chinese Language Week learning
Welcome to Chinese Language Week – always full of fun, learning and creativity across all of our kindergartens. Kidsfirst Hawthornden tamariki have been sharing stories in English and Mandarin, practising calligraphy with the help of whānau, and exploring a vibrant indoor Chinese Garden. 太棒了 Tài bàng le – great work Kidsfirst Hawthornden, enjoy the rest of the week 🇨🇳🧧❤️
It’s kōanga in our Big Backyards
With a whole lot of blossoming going on around Aotearoa as kōanga settles in, Kidsfirst Hawthornden tamariki didn’t have to go far to see some magical seasonal changes. The tall cherry blossom tree in their Big Backyard and nearby Avonhead Park being filled with all things flowering meant kaiako and tamariki got to see these changes close up, and get some fresh air along the way. Ka rawe, Kidsfirst Hawthornden – what a way to welcome the warmer weather 🌸🌱
Nǐ hǎo Chinese Language Week
They’re celebrating Chinese Language Week at Kidsfirst Hawthornden, with a special play area reflecting a Chinese garden, calligraphy, and a traditional tea ceremony in their big backyard. Tamariki also welcomed Ryan’s mum, Emily, who read a book with actions and music in both Chinese and English ❤️😊
Crafts & baking for ANZAC Day
This ANZAC Day – ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou – we will remember them. Every year, our kindergartens find a way to mark this important day, and it is extra special at Kidsfirst Hawthornden, where former service members Kerry and Cindy are kaiako. Mum, Shelley Godoy, came along for the day, and helped tamariki make ANZAC biscuits and poppies, and shared stories about the meaning of ANZAC Day. Tamariki went home with a t-shirt from Shelley’s Poppy Tee Campaign.
12 years on…
The anniversary of the Canterbury quakes is always a difficult time for the region. This year, Kidsfirst Hawthornden marked the 12 year anniversary with a visit to the earthquake memorial in Avonhead Park, where tamariki, kaiako, and whānau laid flowers, and sang “E tū Kahikatea”. This beautiful waiata speaks of ‘standing like the kahikatea to brave the storms’.
Painting fun with friends at kindy
It’s always great to play with friends, get creative with some paint, or just spend time in the kindergarten’s big backyard, as these tamariki from Kidsfirst Hawthornden are doing – another great example of te ao kindy in action. Welcome to our world of kindergarten. Kei runga noa atu, Kidsfirst Hawthornden.
Roaring for the Year of the Tiger
Happy Lunar New Year! As always, there’s a lot of excitement as our kindergartens get into the sprit of the Year of the Tiger. At Kidsfirst Hawthornden, tamariki flexed their creative muscles with a range of activities.
A big week with EIGHT birthdays
A big rā whānau ki a koe (happy birthday) to eight kindergartens across our Kidsfirst network. Portsmouth Street, Redwood, Trengrove, Karoro, Hawthornden, Hei Hei, Halswell and Avonhead are all celebrating this week! It’s the perfect occasion to take a look back on some historic photos of the kindy’s over the years…
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
