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Why Choose Us
At Kidsfirst Maniototo, our rural identity shapes every aspect of learning. Our distinctive Musterer’s Hut sparks imaginative play that follows the farming calendar, while our giant sandpit hosts daily agricultural projects where tamariki build dams, plough paddocks, sow seeds and more.
The kindy environment transforms with the seasons – from summer’s dusty dirt mounds to winter’s muddy wonderlands. Frosty Maniototo mornings invite outdoor exploration beneath high country skies, while a wrap-around wooden deck provides sheltered play spaces year-round.
Inside, large windows fill our spaces with natural light, creating bright and inspiring spaces where children’s imagination and collaboration flourish through thoughtfully chosen resources.
Fully qualified, registered kaiako incorporate natural resources gathered by our community into daily learning. Through regular visits to the school and Playcentre, tamariki strengthen their connection to our rural community while developing as kaitiaki of this special environment.
We embrace our small community character, where tamariki often learn alongside siblings, cousins and family friends. This creates a unique whānau atmosphere where relationships naturally deepen through shared experiences.
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.
Latest News
AGM recognition for Maniototo
Rainbow art and winter fun
As winter sunshine comes and goes, there’s nothing like a rainbow to cheer things up. Kidsfirst Maniototo kaiako Shelley Robinson took the opportunity and encouraged Isaiah to paint what he saw, and here’s the colourful rendering. Nature and seasons bring so much fun and learning every day – koia kei a koutou, Kidsfirst Maniototo, and well done Isaiah! 🌈😊☀️
National Simultaneous Story Time
Kidsfirst Maniototo celebrated National Simultaneous Story Time in style last week at their local library. Constable Jess read “The Speedy Sloth”, at the same time as others celebrating the day across New Zealand and Australia, to an excited group of tamariki and Maniototo Area School new entrants, many of whom were former kindy kids. What a great way to keep those connections alive in true kindy style 🥰❤️📚
Whanaungatanga and family picnic
They’ve been celebrating whanaungatanga at Kidsfirst Maniototo this week, with a family picnic. It’s the first one since COVID, and welcomed new whānau to the kindergarten. Games were played and the families spent time together. What a great way to end the week – kia pai tō rā whakatā, and we’ll see you on Monday 👋❤️
Snow falls for the first day of kindy
It was back to kindy for Kidsfirst Maniototo tamariki, after their recent snow day, and they wasted no time getting back into their Big Backyard to make the most of what was left. Lots of fun was had making snowballs – and kaiako were on the receiving end of a few well-aimed shots! Tau kē, Kidsfirst Maniototo, what a fantastic way to make the most of the cold weather.
It’s a snow day for Maniototo!
It’s been four seasons in one day for many across the South Island lately, and in Central Otago, it’s most definitely hōtoke. It was a snow day for Kidsfirst Maniototo tamariki today – fingers crossed they’ll be back and building fabulous snow creations tomorrow. Karawhiua- give it heaps, Maniototo, we can’t wait to see what you come up with.
Ngā mihi o Matariki, te tau hou Māori
Ngā mihi o Matariki, te tau hou Māori – Happy Matariki! We hope you’re spending time with those you love this weekend. Kidsfirst Maniototo have helped us out with a reminder that all of our kindergartens are closed today. Kia pai tō rā whakatā, have a great weekend.
Construction trucks bring curiosity and excitement
Kidsfirst Maniototo tamariki were enthralled when Fulton Hogan trucks pulled up to reseal the road outside the kindergarten. Curious tamariki lined the fence windows, and there was lots of discussion about what was happening to their road. “I just love doing this!” said Bjorn, as he watched the variety of vehicles doing their work. On his next trip to kindy, Ghiah made sure his Nan knew about the works, cautioning her to be “careful driving on my new road, Nan.” The Fulton Hogan team took time to chat with the children, who were delighted to receive new drink bottles from their visitors. Tau kē, Kidsfirst Maniototo, what an awesome experience!
Fun in the sun on the years hottest day
It’s been a month of wild weather across all of our rohe, and in Central Otago, they’ve been spending time in the sun, having fun and keeping cool. Kidsfirst Maniototo recorded the hottest day of their kindergarten year recently, and tamariki had lots of ideas for ways to chill out. They set up a sprinkler in the kindergarten’s big backyard – it was lots of fun, and there were plenty of opportunities to work together, take turns, make sure their friends were staying safe, and learn about sun safety. Tau kē, Kidsfirst Maniototo!
Embracing community connections at the library
Imagination can so easily be sparked with a good book. That’s exactly what Kidsfirst Maniototo encouraged, when they traveled to their nearby whare pukapuka (library). Located on the grounds of the local Maniototo Area School, they embraced their community connections for an afternoon of fun and learning.
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
