Find Our Kindergarten
Why Choose Us
At Kidsfirst Karoro, our unique coastal location creates an extraordinary learning environment for tamariki. As a proud Silver Enviroschool, we nurture our tamariki to explore their role as kaitiaki of their precious West Coast environment.
Sustainability comes alive through daily hands-on experiences, where tamariki develop problem-solving skills while tending to vegetable gardens, and managing the worm farm and recycling systems. These real-world activities foster natural environmental awareness and responsibility.
Nestled beneath native bush, tamariki can explore our West Coast flora and fauna on their own or with others, discovering natural wonders right from our doorstep. The gentle symphony of waves and birdsong creates a peaceful learning atmosphere, while clear days reward adventurous climbers with magnificent views of Aoraki from the monkey bars.
Inside, children’s creativity flourishes through thoughtful exploration. Fully qualified, registered kaiako honour each child’s unique mana, wairua and mauri, supporting learning experiences deeply connected to this special place in Aotearoa.
The vast outdoor environment, abundant with native plants and climbing trees, invites tamariki to explore and discover nature’s treasures throughout the changing seasons.
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
Kidsfirst Karoro Celebrates the Rain
After weeks of drought conditions and water restrictions, tamariki at Kidsfirst Karoro made the most of a turn in the weather. Waterfalls cascaded from the roof, there were puddles to splash in, and great opportunities for fun and learning – ka rawe – awesome! ☔️❤️
Kidsfirst Karoro shows Green-Gold Kaitiakitanga
A big ka pai to Kidsfirst Karoro on the West Coast for achieving a coveted Green-Gold Enviroschools Aotearoa NZ award. The award was celebrated at an event attended by kindy whānau past and present, and special guests Mayor Tania Gibson and Kidsfirst Chief Executive, Sherryll Wilson.
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
