There’s something special about watching children settle into their day at Kidsfirst Parklands, and it shone through when they were named Ngā Whetū o Kidsfirst Uara in 2025.

Kaiako at this kindergarten work hard to curate spaces where every child can follow their own interests and build on that learning every kindy day.

When a tamaiti learns differently, teachers don’t wait to figure out what to do – they’re already thinking ahead about what might help. Maybe it’s changing how story time works, creating quiet spaces for children who need a break, or finding new ways to help tamariki express themselves. Children are encouraged to explore, grow, and thrive in their own unique ways at their own pace.

“It is just lovely hearing this team speak about tamariki – they’re so inclusive and nothing is a ‘problem'” says Hannah Jay from the Kidsfirst Education Team. This positive approach, rooted in whakaute, means whānau feel confident their children are being supported, and their budding capabilities nurtured.

Kidsfirst Parklands is a place in the community for families to gather, with regular celebrations that are all about kotahitanga and coming together. Their Mother’s Day morning tea with the theme “Aroha mai, aroha atu – Love received, love returned” perfectly captures the spirit of manaakitanga that also flows through everything they do.

The strong connections between kaiako, tamariki and whānau are what make learning meaningful at Parklands. By building genuine relationships with each family, kaiako ensure that every child and their parents feel they truly belong as part of their kindergarten community. The sense of whanaungatanga helps children feel confident to be themselves and take on new challenges while also feeling like they belong.

The peaceful feeling at Kidsfirst Parklands doesn’t happen by accident. Kaiako create spaces where children feel calm and confident to explore. Whether it’s a construction project in the sandpit, creating art, or playing with friends – tamariki know they’re in a place where they can take their time and be themselves. Through whakamanamana, everyday moments become opportunities for joy and discovery.

One of the things whānau love most about Kidsfirst Parklands is how adaptable their kaiako are. If something isn’t working for a tamaiti, kaiako will try a different approach. If whānau have suggestions, the team listens and makes changes. This flexibility, grounded in whakapono, means children and whānau develop confidence knowing these kaiako truly understand and care about everybody.

At Kidsfirst Parklands, tamariki are building friendships that will last a lifetime, practising kindness through whakaute, and discovering what it means to be part of a caring community. It’s the kind of place where families feel at home from the moment they walk through the door.

It’s the teaching team who weave this magic into every day.

“Through their expertise, reflective teaching, and dedication to children’s learning, the Parklands Kindergarten teaching team has created an environment where every child is nurtured, challenged, and inspired,” says Professional Leader Keryn Barlow. “Their professionalism and passion make a lasting impact, shaping their young learners into confident and curious individuals ready to embark on their lifelong learning journey.”