Find Our Kindergarten
107 Rattray St
Riccarton
Christchurch
New Zealand
Why Choose Us
Kidsfirst McKenzie weaves together a rich tapestry of cultures, creating a unique environment where tamariki discover the strength in diversity. Our welcoming spaces invite whānau to share their traditions, fostering deep respect for different perspectives and ways of being.
The languages and cultures of our community are woven into daily kindy life, and we are privileged to have generous-spirited whānau with roots all over the world, who regularly share their experiences and knowledge.
A commitment to sustainability comes alive through the native garden in our Big Backyard, where children connect with indigenous plants while developing an understanding of their role as kaitiaki. The natural canopy of established trees provides summer shade while creating year-round opportunities for nature exploration and tree climbing. Our thriving vegetable garden provides hands-on experiences with growing and sharing kai, deepening children’s connection to the natural world, while specially designed equipment helps tamariki build physical confidence.
Inside our spacious rooms, natural light streams through windows creating bright areas where children’s learning unfolds naturally. Our fully qualified, registered kaiako plan responsive programmes that reflect both children’s interests and whānau aspirations, guided by Te Whāriki curriculum.
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.
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
