Kindy Daily

Kindy Daily

There’s always a lot going on at kindy

So much happens at our Canterbury, West Coast and Central Otago kindergartens every day, and you can read about it on our kindergarten news pages. Our Kindergarten Daily section is a great place to see the day-to-day happens across out network.

Step inside the world of learning, our great big backyard and take a look at what our tamariki and kaiako have been getting up to.

Latest News Feed

June 9, 2025

Safety lessons with smiles

The people in our neighbourhood play such an important role in strengthening connections that tamariki have to local communities. At Kidsfirst Linwood, emergency services personnel like Elysse and Hone the Puppy from Hato Hone St John are regular visitors. Tamariki get a glimpse into the important work ambulance officers do and learn life-saving information like how to call 111 in an emergency. Community Constable Spike Crowther is another familiar face – on his last visit he joined Linwood’s morning waiata and talked about his role in keeping the Linwood community safe. Tamariki explored the equipment on his vest, tried it on (it was very heavy!), and practised what to say to a police officer if they ever got lost. Flashing lights and lots of smiles were part of a warm kindy haere mai at the end of this very special visit 🚔😊🚑


June 5, 2025

Learning blooms in all weather

There’s always lots to do, learn and experience at kindy no matter the season. Kidsfirst Hei Hei tamariki took the opportunity to practice manaakitanga, kindness and kotahitanga during a recent spell of bad weather and are looking forward to some upcoming weather experiments thanks to the rainy day inspiration 🌧️❤️😊


Manaakitanga on Pink Shirt Day

Tamariki learn and grow in so many different ways at kindergarten. Practicing important life skills like respect, collaboration and caring are a big part of learning in the early years. Pink Shirt Day is a fixture on the calendar every year at Kidsfirst Northcote, where kaiako and tamariki embrace the opportunity to celebrate diversity and promote kindness and inclusiveness. The story of how Pink Shirt Day came to be and its messages are shared at mat time, where the conversation is all about he aroha whakatō, he aroha puta mai – If kindness is sown then kindness you shall receive. What a great example of manaakitanga, Northcote 🥰❤️


May 26, 2025

Sign language stars at Belfast

NZSL week has come this year but the learning goes on in our kindergartens all year round, giving everyone an opportunity to have a go and help create a sense of belonging and understanding for all tamariki. Belfast tamariki love sharing the kindy aroha no matter the language, and here they are in action signing their kindergarten motto. Ka rawe, Kidsfirst Belfast – you’re superstars ⭐👋❤️


Scones bring smiles at kai time

There’s nothing like a baking project to bring everybody together, get communication skills going and grow confidence. Ka rawe ki te mahitahi tēnei ata, thanks to the kindy’s small group of ringawera – bakers – it was sultana scones at kai time for all. Koia kei a koutou, Kidsfirst Nuffield – what an awesome way to bring some kotahitanga into the kindy day 😊❤️


May 16, 2025

Fairy dust & wonder at Avonhead

New ideas, creativity and wonder make te ao kindy special. At Kidsfirst Avonhead, a visit from Snowdrop the Fairy brought all of those things, along with some fairy dust kaitiakitanga for the Big Backyard. Tamariki took home a special trinket from Fairyland, too. Ka rawe, Avonhead – what an awesome and special day 🧚❤️


May 15, 2025

Sheldon Park: Belfast’s Backyard

There’s nothing like a kick through the leaves to really feel the change of season. Kidsfirst Belfast are fortunate to have Sheldon Park right on their doorstep, with loads of opportunities to explore an extra big Big Backyard, and learn about the place their kindy calls home. There was lots of autumnal excitement when they took a stroll with kaiako and visiting student teachers joined in the fun. Ka mau te wehi, Belfast – and a shout out to all the Kidsfirst whānau who help make every kindy day extra special 🌳🍂❤️


May 12, 2025

Tamariki host Mother’s Day events

It’s a big weekend ahead, but our kindergartens have started the Mother’s Day celebrations early with special events, crafts and cards. Arohai mai, aroha atu – Love given, love received was the theme that greeted whānau who came along to a morning tea at Kidsfirst Parklands and breakfast at Kidsfirst Avonhead. Tamariki proudly shared freshly baked cheese scones and waffles, and loved showing their whanaungatanga to their special guests. Hari Rā Māmā to all the special mothers and mother figures in the Kidsfirst whānau, hope you get a sleep in on Sunday 💖😊


May 7, 2025

Donations enrich kindy learning

As not-for-profits, our kindergartens are always grateful for support from whānau, local businesses, and groups. Events like Kidsfirst East Rolleston’s recent Wheel-a-thon enable our kindergartens to offer new experiences and resources to enrich learning. The Rolleston community lived their whanaungatanga with donations of goods and services, gift baskets and items for an auction, and helped make the event the talk of the town. East Rolleston tamariki will enjoy a brand new swing and exciting new educational resources thanks to their generosity. If you would like to support your local kindergarten, have a chat to the teaching team.


May 1, 2025

Friendship blossoms at Kendal Ave

Friendship has been a big focus this year at Kidsfirst Kendal Ave, with many new tamariki now well and truly settled into kindergarten life. It’s all about kotahitanga – being better together – for the Kendal team as they actively support these budding social bonds and the positive impacts these have on learning and social development. Ka pai Kendal Ave, it looks like those friendships are thriving 😊❤️


A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage