Find Our Kindergarten
Why Choose Us
At Kidsfirst Hoon Hay, we create an open and expansive environment where tamariki develop confidence through active exploration. Our thoughtfully designed spaces support both challenging physical play and quiet sensory experiences.
Under the canopy of mature trees and native shrubs, children discover adventure and exploration in our Big Backyard. Our flourishing edible garden brings our community together as tamariki and whānau tend the plants, share in the harvest, learn about sustainable food production and explore their role as kaitiaki.
Inside, our inspiring learning spaces encourage creative expression and physical activity. Our qualified kaiako support children to make their own choices, fostering independence while building on individual interests and abilities. Through this approach, every member of our kindergarten community becomes both teacher and learner.
Regular exploration of the wider Hoon Hay community helps tamariki understand their place in the world. These experiences, combined with the kindy’s strong relationship with Te Komanawa (Rowley School), create natural pathways for children as they prepare for their next learning journey. Identity, language and culture are celebrated here, with a special Pasifika focus shared with our neighbouring school.
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
Engaged in excellence
Our Kidsfirst values underpin all of the mahi that goes into every day, and we celebrate the teams that exemplify those values every year at our AGM. Kidsfirst Hoon Hay was recognised this year with an Engaged award for their contribution to a research project on school transition in a Pasifika context. Congratulations to the Hoon Hay teaching team 😊❤
Our thanks to BDO New Zealand for their sponsorship of this year’s Engaged award, and to all of our values awards sponsors for their support.
Building Māiatanga for Samoan Language Week
Samoan Language Week this year celebrates the strength that comes from being comfortable with your own language. As Amelia from Kidsfirst Hoon Hay explains, tamariki can build confidence from learning a language, too.
Special breakfast for Samoan Language Week
Kidsfirst Hoon Hay celebrated Samoan Language Week this morning with a special breakfast. Whānau and tamariki were treated to traditional food, and played host to some visitors from the neighbouring school. They shared a performance of Samoan songs, and there was time left over for a play.
Talofa Samoan Language Week!
Samoan Language week starts today, and there’s plenty of fun ways you can learn more about the Samoan language. Here’s Amelia from Kidsfirst Hoon Hay with some basic phrases.
Talking animals for World Wildlife Day
World Wildlife Day is here. We asked some tamariki and kaiako from Kidsfirst Sunbeam and Hoon Hay what their favourite animal is (wild or otherwise). Their answers ranged from a humble dog, to the terrifying T-Rex.
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
