Find Our Kindergarten
Why Choose Us
At Kidsfirst Hokitika, our identity as West Coasters shapes everything we do. Our special status as an Enviroschool sets us apart, empowering tamariki to become environmental leaders who understand and care for their unique coastal environment.
Through innovative sustainable practices, we connect te ao Māori perspectives with cultural diversity and environmental responsibility. Our qualified kaiako support children to explore their role as kaitiaki through hands-on experiences in our natural gardens and established outdoor spaces.
Whanaungatanga sits at the heart of who we are and our location in magical Hokitika provides rich opportunities for community connection. Regular excursions into town help tamariki develop strong relationships with their West Coast community while deepening their understanding of local heritage and environmental responsibility.
Inside our welcoming spaces, children discover quiet areas for creativity alongside zones for collaborative play. Outside, our environment encourages safe risk-taking through the use of real tools and equipment, helping tamariki develop confidence and practical skills.
We take pride in helping children formulate questions about their world while building the knowledge and capabilities they need to become positive environmental citizens.
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.
What Families Say
Latest News
Outdoor excursions bring excitement
Tamariki love going on excursions with kaiako and whānau. They’re opportunities to get out in the community, and into nature – and there’s so much to learn and experience. For tamariki at Kidsfirst Hokitika, it’s a chance to put their values into practise. Older children show their manaaki by pairing up with younger tamariki, to give them a helping hand on the walks. Time in nature also allows tamariki to show their whakamana – children empowering themselves while navigating new physical challenges. Tau kē, Kidsfirst Hokitika, what fantastic mahi and care for one another.
Lanterns light the sky for Matariki
Matariki celebrations are in full swing across all of our kindergartens, which means spending time on projects to acknowledge this special time. Hokitika starts their Matariki celebrations with a lantern parade. Kidsfirst Hokitika tamariki have spent hours creating a papier-mâché version of the local taniwha, Poutini, for the parade, and can’t wait to share it with whānau and their wider community. Tau kē, Kidsfirst Hokitika, fantastic mahi.
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
