Find Our Kindergarten
Why Choose Us
Generations of local whānau have trusted our kindergarten to give tamariki a better start to their early childhood learning and enjoyed the connections and warm welcome of kindy. They return to our kindergarten, drawn by our longstanding reputation and the happy memories created here. Our qualified, registered kaiako work in partnership with whānau, celebrating the languages, cultures and identities that enrich our programme.
As an Enviroschool, we extend learning beyond our gates, using innovative approaches to develop environmental citizenship. Our location near the Ōpāwaho River and Port Hills provides rich opportunities for children to connect with nature while building leadership skills and confidence.
In our Big Backyard, tamariki experience a world of challenges and fun. There’s lots of room for children to learn more about the natural world, explore and gain a deeper understanding of their role as kaitiaki. Large and mature trees provide shelter outside in all weather, and there are peaceful areas for calm and reflection.
Inside our beautifully renovated, light-filled indoor spaces, children discover resources that spark creativity and collaboration. Tamariki get plenty of time and opportunities to be creative and expressive. One of the benefits of kindergartens is that they get to learn through their own interests and at their own pace with guidance from fully qualified, registered teachers.
We’re close to our local primary schools, giving older tamariki the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the school environment. This makes for a smooth transition when kindy kids are ready to take the next step in their educational journey.
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
Kindy neighbours share the aroha
One of the benefits of being part of Kidsfirst is our kotahitanga – we’re so much better together, thanks to having nearly 70 kindys in our network. It’s the Kidsfirst way to offer manaakitanga when somebody is in need, so when Kidsfirst Ōpāwa St Martins needed a temporary home while their kindy was being renovated, our Hargest Crescent, Beckenham and The Bays kindergartens welcomed them with open arms. Ōpāwa St Martins kaiako kept tamariki settled and whānau connected through it all, and in the spirit of ako, there was learning and growth for everybody. We were proud to recognise the teams as Ngā Whetū at this year’s Annual General Meeting for their whakaute, whanaungatanga and more. He whānau kotahi tatou – we are all one big family at Kidsfirst.
PJ’s, onezies and dressing gowns galore
Dressing gowns, onesies, and PJs made Pyjama Day a cozy one at Kidsfirst Ōpāwa St Martins. Kaiako kept everyone warm with fluffies, and snuggly bedtime stories were enjoyed by all. What a great way to spend a cold day. Kei runga noa atu, Kidsfirst Ōpawa St Martins – it might be cold outside but that kindy warmth is always there.
Embracing Hinemoana for Sea Week
New Zealand Sea Week gave Kidsfirst Ōpāwa St Martins tamariki the opportunity to learn about Hinemoana – an important ocean maiden in te ao Māori. Hinemoana was said to care for ocean life, travelers, and explorers at sea, and is noted for her sense of manaakitanga. Hinemoana’s lifelong lessons have been in action all week at the kindergarten, with tamariki celebrating each other’s kindness, and recognizing when their friends had a ‘heart like Hinemoana’. Kei runga noa atu, Kidsfirst Ōpāwa St Martins, what outstanding mahi
Celebrating love with a community gathering
This Valentines Day saw one of our kindy kaiako Stacey, hosting a free community gathering. Common-UNITY was a way to connect families of young ones who live along the Ōpāwaho-Heathcote awa. The kaupapa was around getting to get to know one another, creating links and finding commonalities with neighbours – developing relationships with both the river and one another!Last year this day was postponed due to wild weather, so it seemed fitting a day full of such aroha coincided with the kaupapa of Valentines! We had tasty grazing tables abundant in healthy kai to nibble on created by our Ōpāwa/ St Martins kindy wildlings, giant outdoor games and even free flowers on offer to gift loved ones.
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
