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

September 11, 2026

A Monet moment at kindy

Wakatipu

Claude Monet is the muse of the moment at Kidsfirst Wakatipu, with tamariki drawing inspiration from a brand new book about the French artist. In the first week, soft pastel-coloured paints set the scene as tamariki tried their hand at Monet-inspired art. The following week, kaiako brought out tempera paint blocks and collage materials, and tamariki set to work on their own water lily creations. They blended colours, tested brush strokes and deliberately applied the shapes, textures and light in the paintings to their own masterpieces. Ka rawe, Kidsfirst Wakatipu, looks like you have some very talented little artists in the making 🎨🌸😊

September 9, 2026

A day of gymnastics fun

Mairehau

A double decker bus was the ride of choice for Kidsfirst Mairehau on a recent trip to the Christchurch School of Gymnastics. After a warm-up with the gym instructors, tamariki split into groups and worked their way around the stations of spongy mats, ropes, monkey bars, walking beams, trampolines and a great big pit of foam pieces – marshmallows in tamariki speak. A big kai back at kindy helped replenish tired bodies. Ngā mihi nui to the whānau helpers who made it all possible – fourteen whānau came along to help, which meant every tamaiti could give things a go, take their time and build their confidence at their own pace. Adventures like these are only possible when whānau come alongside us. If you’d like to take part as whānau, let your kindergarten know 🤸🚌❤️

Raising funds for the PJ Project

Hāwea

Whanaungatanga is at the heart of what we do at kindy. Thinking of others is something we talk about a lot with tamariki. In that spirit, Kidsfirst Hāwea held a special day where everyone dressed in their comfy pyjamas to raise money for the PJ Project, which delivers warm pyjamas to tamariki living in hardship across Aotearoa. As a result, we were proud to be able to send them a $240 donation. Thank you to all the parents who supported us. Everyone had a great time, all in the name of a great cause. Kei runga noa atu, Hāwea 😴❤️

September 8, 2026

Building big ideas together

Redwood

Kidsfirst Redwood has had a very special visitor this month, with Sam and his support person Kirsten. Sam shared his passion for Lego with tamariki across three morning sessions, and his enthusiasm, stories and know-how sparked plenty of new ideas. Tamariki followed his instructions to build some set creations, then branched into free exploration with Lego and Duplo. It was a great opportunity to work alongside friends and problem-solve as they went. A big ngā mihi to Sam and Kirsten for sharing your time, creativity and inspiration – we can’t wait to see what gets built next 🧱❤️

Onam at Kidsfirst Greymouth

Greymouth

The Onam festival has been a big cause for celebration for Kidsfirst Greymouth tamariki and whānau. A harvest festival with roots in Kerala, India, Onam is recognised by communities all around the world with flowers, feasting and time spent together. Tamariki explored the traditions of Onam through art, stories, kōrero and shared kai, and welcomed whānau to celebrate Onam as a community. Thanks to the the families and kindergarten friends who share their culture and traditions for celebrations like these, which are a reminder of the ways diversity can bring us together 🌸❤️

September 3, 2026

Growing kaitiaki at Burnham

Burnham

Whether it’s out and about in the community or in their Big Backyard, Kidsfirst Burnham tamariki are discovering all the different ways to connect to their kindy home and the life in and around it. Getting up close to feed and care for woolly guests helps them grow as kaitiaki, building empathy, responsibility and respect for all living things. Regular excursions help them get to know the local neighbourhood, connect with the people and places that make it special, and learn about the environment along the way. These little adventures build confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of belonging. Ka mau te wehi, Kidsfirst Burnham 🐾🌿❤️ we look forward to seeing you out and about soon.

September 1, 2026

Selwyn Street’s sensory play

Selwyn Street

Sensory play is hands-on exploration that engages sight, touch, sound and smell, and it’s a firm favourite at Kidsfirst Selwyn Street. Each day, kaiako set up a wheat trough and water trough with a fresh twist. Spoons, containers, animals, magnets, plants and more invite tamariki to test new strategies, build fine motor skills and stretch their vocabulary as they explore alongside friends. There’s been a bit of extra magic in the frosty mornings too, with ice sparking fresh curiosity and a whole new dimension of discovery. Kei runga noa atu koutou, Kidsfirst Selwyn Street – what wonderful mahi ❄️💧❤️

Adventures in the community

Cashmere

Every week, older tamariki Kidsfirst Cashmere tamariki head out to the local reserve, and it’s become a highlight of kindy life. Amongst the trees they notice the seasons shifting, listen to the pūrākau and practise kaitiakitanga by caring for the ngahere they’ve come to know so well. There’s plenty of adventure too, just the right balance of measured risk to grow confidence, resilience and a lifelong love of the outdoors along the way. Thanks to the whānau who help make these special visits even better. Ka rawe – what a special way to build connection to the hāpori ❤️

Building links with Te Mataitihi

Halswell

There’s a brand school being built down the road from Kidsfirst Halswell, and tamariki have left a very special mark on it. As part of Watts and Hughes Construction’s ‘Little Hands, Lasting Legacy’ initiative, tamariki decorated wooden blocks that will be built right into the walls of Te Mataitihi, the new kura opening on Milns Road. The artwork will eventually sit hidden inside the walls, but it will always be there: a permanent link between kindy and kura. Behind the scenes, kindy kaiako have already begun building whanaungatanga with the Te Mataitihi team. They’ll welcome tamariki and whānau to the neighbourhood when the doors open in 2027 🏫💛

Learning about fire safety

Linwood

Cooking with fire has been a big focus at Kidsfirst Linwood, and the learning wouldn’t be complete without a visit from the NZ Fire Service. Thanks to Central City firefighters, tamariki got to see a real fire truck up close, and heard about the mahi that keeps our communities safe. There was plenty of excitement when the siren started, and there was even some hose-spraying action. The project was sparked by the generous koha of a new brazier welded by a kindy whānau member. The kōrero will continue with plenty of kindy cook-ups to come. Kia ora, Kidsfirst Linwood and our thanks to the NZ Fire Service for all the fun and learning their visits bring ❤️🚒 🔥

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