Our Story
Our Story
Nelson Tasman Kindergartens is proudly operated by the Nelson District Free Kindergarten Association.
Our journey began in 1948, with the opening of the first kindergarten in Nelson South. Soon after, kindergartens in Richmond, and Stoke followed — all founded by dedicated volunteers who believed every child should have access to quality early childhood education.
From the very beginning, our kindergartens have been built by communities, for communities. They've flourished thanks to the commitment of parents, community leaders, passionate teachers, and tireless fundraising committees.
Over the decades, thousands of tamariki have taken their first steps into learning through our doors, building strong foundations for a lifetime of success.
Today, the Association operates 22 kindergartens and centres across the Nelson Tasman region — and that legacy of care, quality, and community continues to grow.
Our Roots
The first kindergarten in New Zealand was established in Dunedin in 1889 by caring citizens who hoped to give all children a better life. These early pioneers dreamed of a future where quality education would be accessible to every child, not just the privileged few. Soon after, kindergartens opened in Wellington and Auckland to meet community needs.
Kindergartens have always been community-driven, focused on providing high-quality, teacher-led early childhood education to ensure a bright future for all tamariki. Throughout the 20th century, kindergartens became a treasured New Zealand institution, deeply rooted in community values and fairness.
They also played a significant role in advancing women’s participation in the workforce and continue to promote diversity in the teaching profession today. After World War II, kindergartens grew as community hubs nationwide, supported by parents, teachers, and leaders who built and maintained centres despite limited funding.
In Nelson, the first kindergarten opened in Nelson South in 1948, soon followed by centres in Bridge Street, Richmond, and Stoke. These were established by volunteers passionate about ensuring every child had access to high-quality education. Built by communities for communities, Nelson Tasman kindergartens have been a foundation for thousands of children’s learning journeys.
Kindergarten Today
Nelson Tasman Kindergartens proudly carry this rich history into the 21st century. We continue to serve our communities by providing high-quality education, unwavering support for whānau, and sector expertise.
Our programmes are research-driven and regularly audited by senior teaching teams to ensure the highest quality and the use of the latest educational knowledge. This commitment to excellence reflects our belief that every child deserves the best possible start.
Some examples of our progressive initiatives include:
Developing programmes based on the latest research in brain development
Creating community hubs where whānau can access multiple social services and support
Offering specialised transition-to-school programmes focused on physical development (Stoke)
Blending ICT and art to enrich learning experiences (Nayland)
Through these initiatives and ongoing dedication, Nelson Tasman Kindergartens honour our past while leading early childhood education into a bright future.
The Benefits of Being Part of Our Association
The Association ensures all our kindergartens and centres maintain the highest quality and are well resourced.
Teachers share ideas across the Association, so each centre benefits not only from its own team but from the combined experience of over 150 teachers.
Administrators and teacher aides support the teaching teams, allowing them to focus on what they do best — giving tamariki the best possible start for their future hopes and dreams.
Kindergartens also receive guidance and support from Senior Education Advisors, the Management Team, the Board, and the Association Office.
“Competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society.”
Te Whāriki, Ministry of Education (2017)
Our Supporters
The Rata Foundation have been very generous over the years supporting us to achieve our goals.
The Association, and teachers at Victory Square Kindergarten, continue to be extremely grateful to St Andrews Trust for funding the social worker at Victory Kindergarten, who provides a vital link with parents in this community.