Kindy Daily

Exploring te ao Māori at Wigram

Te kōrero tawhito — ancient stories — came to life at Kidsfirst Wigram when tamariki explored the legend of Ranginui and Papatūānuku through art and stories. Tamariki illustrated the tales in visual form, providing a backdrop for the stories to be told and retold, and one young storyteller gained so much knowledge he became a skilled narrator, with kaiako signing alongside him in NZSL. Kua rārangi tahi tātou he whākiri mātauranga mō ngā rangatira o āpōpō — together we are weaving an education mat for our leaders of tomorrow. Koia kei a koutou Kidsfirst Wigram ⭐️❤️

New builds for Big Backyard

A big ngā mihi nui to the Menzshed Greymouth, who created a brand new hammer house and picnic table top for Kidsfirst Greymouth to replace the old ones. Tamariki now have fresh spaces to build, paint and create in their Big Backyard. It’s whanaungatanga from community groups like this that make such a big difference to our kindergartens, and we’re so grateful for their support. Ka pai to everyone involved for bringing the project to life 🔨💖

Disco night at Hawthornden

What better way to shake off any remaining winter blues than dancing into spring with friends and whānau at kindy? Kidsfirst Hawthornden’s disco night hosted whānau and recent kindy graduates for some whakamanamana. Tamariki arrived in fancy dress and their best dancing shoes ready to boogie, and shared kai with friends and family. Whanaungatanga sits at the heart of everything at Kidsfirst Hawthornden, and it was a great way to celebrate those kindy bonds. Ngā mihi nui to all the whānau who helped make the evening a success. Koia kei a koutou, Kidsfirst Hawthornden – it’s always so much fun to celebrate together 🎵🍦🍕

Spooky fun at Kidsfirst Wigram

Building Bonds Beyond Kindy Gates

Whanaungatanga is alive and well at Kidsfirst Cotswold Avenue, where tamariki enjoy a special relationship with their neighbours at Cotswold Mātāhae School. Being right next door means regular waves over the fence to siblings and old friends, cheering on the school’s cross country runners, and fortnightly trips to the school library for story time. Each term, tamariki also get to visit a new entrants classroom, making those important connections that help with the transition to school when their time comes. These ties strengthen tamariki’s sense of community and belonging – showing them that learning happens everywhere, and how friendships extend beyond the kindy gates. Koia kei a koe, Kidsfirst Cotswold Avenue, what a wonderful way to nurture those lasting bonds with kura whānau 📚💖

Belfast Kindy Takes Flight

Manawanui and dedication flowed at Kidsfirst Belfast as tamariki learned and performed a very special Pīwakawaka dance – just like the fantails that flutter through their local area. This mahi connects tamariki deeply to their ako ā-rohe — place-based learning that has been a big focus for the kindy this year. Wearing Pīwakawaka tails they had constructed with kaiako, tamariki took their performance to neighbouring Sheldon Park, even catching the eye of a local neighbour working from home who shared the whakamanamana with their work team. Ka mau te wehi, Kidsfirst Belfast, this is such a beautiful and creative reminder that whakamanamana is all the better when shared 💖

Manaakitanga Lives at Rutland

Whanaungatanga and kotahitanga flourished over Term 3 at Kidsfirst Rutland Street through shared moments that brought everyone closer. From quiz nights with whānau raising funds for new resources, to disco dancing and watching construction magic happen outside the kindy gates, there’s been a lot going on. Elysse from Hato Hone St John visited to talk with tamariki about emergencies and how to call for help. There have also been weekly visits from nearby Paparoa Street School, with shared reading time keeping those all important connections strong. Everyone’s welcome at Kidsfirst and Rutland Street are living the manaakitanga ❤️

Colourful Kōanga Joy at Kindy

As kōanga arrives and the days get warmer and brighter, Kidsfirst Linwood welcomed the new season with a spectacular colour extravaganza. Tamariki and whānau arrived dressed in their brightest, boldest outfits for a day filled with pure whakamanamana. What a great way to celebrate renewal, connection, and the simple joy of “just because”. Kei runga noa atu, Kidsfirst Linwood, and thanks for adding a splash of colour to the start of spring 🌈☀️

Making the most of Avonhead Park

Kidsfirst Hawthornden tamariki make the most of their extra big Big Backyard whenever they can and there was lots of whakamanamana on a recent visit. Kicks and swings were practised and confidence grown with every move. Being surrounded by such a wonderful outdoor space means endless opportunities for learning and adventure. Kei runga noa atu koe, Kidsfirst Hawthornden – it’s great to make the most of what’s on your doorstep ⚽

Celebrating Māori Language Week

With Te Wiki o te Reo Māori happening across Aotearoa, Kidsfirst Avonhead invited Loopy Tunes Preschool Music to come and share waiata with tamariki. There was lots of whakamanamana and learning along the way. In all of our kindergartens, te reo Māori is alive every day but this special week gives us all an opportunity to learn some kupu. Ka pai Kidsfirst Avonhead, what a great way to get into the spirit of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori ❤️