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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.
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
