Find Our Kindergarten
Why Choose Us
Every child deserves a learning environment that honors their unique cultural identity and helps them grow confidently. At Kidsfirst Niu, tamariki are supported to explore, embrace and celebrate their heritage languages while discovering new ways of communicating.
We believe language is the heart of identity. Our program places a special emphasis on lea faka-Tonga – Tongan language – and anga faka-Tonga – Tongan cultural practices – while welcoming children from all backgrounds. Whatever their home language, all tamariki and whānau are welcome here, and we are grateful for the contribution that our whānau, fāmili and kāinga make and the cultural richness they bring.
Inspired by the Tongan way of being, our approach is built on core values that support every child’s growth. Ofa – love and grace – loto-to – humility – faka’apa’apa – respect – mamahi’i me’a – loyalty – and tauhi-vaha’a – maintaining good relationships – are more than just words. These values come to life through daily practices like lotu – prayer – and hiva – singing – creating a nurturing space where tamariki / fānau feel valued and understood.
Pukepuke ‘a fufula is a saying that encourages families to maintain their traditional values and language, reminding us that learning is a journey of connection and perseverance. It speaks to the heart of our commitment to supporting each child’s unique cultural journey, particularly in preserving lea faka-Tonga and anga faka-Tonga.
Tamariki thrive when they can explore freely. Our Big Backyard offers endless opportunities for physical discovery, while thoughtfully designed indoor spaces are designed to spark curiosity, encourage language development, and celebrate cultural connections.
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
Uike Kātoanga’i‘o e lea faka-Tonga
Kaiako win Proud at AGM
Kidsfirst’s strong values underlie everything we do, and at our Annual General Meeting we celebrate the ways they have been brought to life over the year that has been. Today’s values spotlight is on Kidsfirst Niu – the teaching team was recognised with a Proud award for their work in weaving the threads of lea faka-Tonga and anga faka-Tonga, the Tongan language and culture, into everything they do at kindergarten, even through challenging times. We couldn’t be more proud of them. Congratulations to the team at Niu ❤️
Our thanks to Modern Teaching Aids NZ for their sponsorship of this year’s Proud award.
Singing and dancing into Tongan Language Week
Kidsfirst Niu are celebrating Tongan Language Week this week with sipoti (sports), me’akai (food), Tongan arts, and traditional dancing and singing. It all started off with traditional-style clothing. ‘Ofa keke ma’u ha uike lelei – have a great week!
Rā whānau ki a koe to three kindys!
We all love a birthday, and with almost 70 kindergartens, there’s always something to celebrate across the network. Kidsfirst Niu, The Bays, and Burnham have all had big days over recent weeks. Rā whānau ki a koe to all of you.
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
