Find Our Kindergarten
345a Main North Road
Redwood
Christchurch
New Zealand
Why Choose Us
At Kidsfirst Redwood, our location next to Redwood Park creates unique opportunities for nature connection. Cheeky fantails become regular teachers in our programme, while native birds and insects help tamariki develop wonder about their natural world. Regularly exploring our area helps tamariki to develop genuine connections on our community.
Through manaakitanga and whanaungatanga, we create an environment where sustained and uninterrupted play allows children to develop as confident risk-takers and strategic thinkers – reflecting our deep commitment to bicultural practice.
Inside our home-like spaces, thoughtfully presented resources invite exploration and discovery. Outside, our environment comes alive with established trees, real grass and a thriving vegetable garden complete with a worm farm. These natural elements support children’s understanding of their role as kaitiaki of the environment, while strengthening their connection to Papatūānuku.
Our fully qualified, registered kaiako support appropriate risk-taking through the use of real tools, helping tamariki develop practical skills while learning to make safe choices in all weather conditions.
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.
Latest News
A big week with EIGHT birthdays
A big rā whānau ki a koe (happy birthday) to eight kindergartens across our Kidsfirst network. Portsmouth Street, Redwood, Trengrove, Karoro, Hawthornden, Hei Hei, Halswell and Avonhead are all celebrating this week! It’s the perfect occasion to take a look back on some historic photos of the kindy’s over the years…
Apply Now
A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
