Find Our Kindergarten
24 Rochester Street
Linwood
Christchurch
New Zealand
Why Choose Us
At Kidsfirst Linwood, tamariki flourish in a home-like environment where cultural identity thrives. Our daily life weaves together local Linwood stories with te ao Māori, while actively celebrating and respecting all cultures and languages.
Unique features like our bird aviary offer children special opportunities to learn about care, responsibility, and natural life cycles. In our expansive outdoor space, tamariki build physical skills and confidence as they navigate the purpose-built scooter track and explore their surroundings.
In our Big Backyard, tamariki learn kaitiakitanga, and understand their responsibility, learning to care for Papatūānuku while exploring native plants, observing wildlife, and developing a deep connection to the natural world that surrounds them. Here, tamariki build physical skills and confidence as they navigate the purpose-built scooter track and explore their surroundings.
Children experience rich community connections through regular visits to the neighbourhood rest home, beach, estuary and art gallery. These adventures are enhanced by visits from community partners, including the Christchurch City Council Outreach Librarian and local kaiawhina, who support well-resourced literacy and numeracy learning experiences.
Under the guidance of fully qualified, registered kaiako who foster whanaungatanga and ūkaipōtanga, each child’s language, culture, and identity is celebrated. This culturally responsive environment particularly supports English language learners and children with diverse needs, helping tamariki develop strong self-esteem and cultural confidence while building meaningful friendships.
A comprehensive support network, including connections with local primary schools, Plunket, and family support agencies, ensures every child and whānau receives the support they need to thrive.
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
Whānau join beach learning day
It’s been a busy start to ngahuru for our kindergartens close to the water. Kidsfirst Linwood headed to the estuary and Te Kai a Te Karoro – South Brighton – recently for a day of exploration, confidence building and learning about the natural world. Whānau and grandparents joined the adventure and provided much-appreciated help along the way as tamariki got up close to birdlife, pāpaka 🦀 and other beach dwellers. Ka mau te wehi 🌊❤️
Celebrating our Kaiako
There’s something so special about kindergarten and Kidsfirst that people stay and stay. Congratulations to former Kidsfirst Richmond head teacher, and Kidsfirst Linwood kaiako, Su Blacklock, who was recognised at this week’s Long Service awards for her 50 year milestone. A big shout out to our other decades-long recipients, 28 in total, who have clocked up between 10 and 50 years with Kidsfirst. Check out our gallery for more, and send them some congratulatory aroha ❤️🥳
Kites fly high in the wild weather
Christchurch’s wild, whacky weather offered tamariki at Kidsfirst Linwood the perfect opportunity to fly their manu aute (kites) in their big backyard. Laughter could be heard down the street as kites caught the breeze, and were lifted into the air. What a great way to spend a windy day, Kidsfirst Linwood – ka rawe! 🪁💨😊
Matariki crafts win Te Tiriti Partnership Award
Matariki is such a special time of year, and there are two reasons for Kidsfirst Linwood to be extra excited about it this year, after their big win at our recent Legacy awards. The Linwood team won a Te Tiriti Partnership Award for their fantastic work, including last year’s Matariki craft project, where tamariki made their own version of these very special stars. Kei runga noa atu, Kidsfirst Linwood
Flower & veggie koha brings learning fun
It was a big day for Kidsfirst Linwood when Karen from Zealandia Horticulture came with a koha of flower and vegetable plants. The visit was made all the more exciting by the presence of local police officers, who work with Zealandia in the community. Organised in conjunction with the kindergarten’s local Plunket kaitiaki, the new plants will fit perfectly into the kindergarten’s big backyard, and there were plenty for whānau to take home, too. Thank you, Zealandia, and the Canterbury Police, for your generosity, and for making the day all the more fun. Ka mau te wehi, Kidsfirst Linwood 🌷🥕
Crafting stars for Matariki
It’s been a big week of Matariki celebrations across our kindergartens. At Kidsfirst Linwood, tamariki marked this special event by crafting stars that represent those in the Matariki cluster. Keen to learn more about Matariki? Visit https://www.twoa.ac.nz/hononga-stay…/te-iwa-o-matariki
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
