Golden Bay Kindergarten

Up to 30 hours free • Play-based learning • Transition to school • Enviroschools Green Gold

Our Philosophy

Inspiring, guiding, and empowering every ākonga — because every child, every moment, and every contribution matters.

Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu – although it is small, it is precious.

Where we are

9a Wadsworth Street
Takaka 7110

03 525 9686
goldenbaykindergarten@ntk.org.nz

Hours

Monday: 8.30am - 2.45pm
Tuesday: 8.30am - 2.45pm
Wednesday: 8.30am - 2.45pm
Thursday: 8.30am - 2.45pm
Friday: 8.30am - 2.45pm

 

Welcome to Golden Bay Kindergarten

At Golden Bay Kindergarten, we place a strong emphasis on creativity, nature-based learning, bicultural practice, literacy, numeracy, science, and sustainability.

Our programme is enriched by regular visitors who bring a wide range of experiences and learning opportunities. These include workshops for whānau, visiting yoga instructors, storytellers, and bicultural educators.

We have a special relationship with the local iwi and are committed to supporting the cultural identity of every child.

Our strong community connections see us involved in local events, regular excursions, and smooth transitions into, through, and beyond kindergarten. We are active members of Golden Bay’s Kāhui Ako – Community of Learners.

Whānau involvement is encouraged and valued, and we welcome families to participate in our learning environment.

Our teaching team is 100% qualified and registered, with a strong commitment to ongoing professional development. At Golden Bay Kindergarten, we are proud to offer high-quality early childhood education in a fun, stimulating, and well-resourced setting.

  • It's been such a blessing to have our boy at kindy. I feel totally in awe of the teachers and how you hold the children there. Every time he had the wobbles it was met with love and awareness. He's felt totally at home and learned so many things.

  • Thank you for the wonderful work you all do - we are lucky as a community to have a pool of deeply caring teachers passionate about growing healthy confident children who care about nature and the environment.

  • I have been amazed to see how our boy has developed over the years with the support of you and the rest of the team. I have so much gratitude and appreciation for the work that you have done with him.

  • So nice to have you over. Our boy loved it. Please come back again for another play. Thanks for the cool story and pictures. You are awesome.

    Feedback from home visit

  • We were really happy with your visit! Our boy was super excited. That is so true he wanted to leave with you! :) We feel more connected with you too!

    Feedback from home visits

Our Team

  • Rebecca Olney

    Head Teacher

  • Lesley Hopkins

    Teacher

  • Casey White

    Teacher

  • Heather Kearon

    Teacher

  • Hazel Kerr

    Teacher

  • Tania Burt

    Teacher

  • Jemima Ward-Campbell

    Teacher Aide

  • To inspire, to guide, and to empower all ākonga / learners within our environment. We believe that every child, every moment, and every contribution matters — no matter how small.

    Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu — although it is small, it is precious.

  • Our kindergarten is surrounded by natural beauty, with a spacious outdoor area that invites exploration and connection.

    The children help care for our vibrant flower and vegetable gardens, which offer endless opportunities to engage with nature and support wellbeing — nurturing body, mind, and spirit.

  • Our teachers design programmes that respect each child’s unique learning journey. They support children in developing essential social skills such as:

    • Taking turns, asking and offering

    • Sharing tools, equipment, and materials

    • Collaborating, listening, problem-solving, negotiating, and sharing ideas

    • Showing empathy, understanding their own and others’ feelings, and appreciating different viewpoints

    Children also build early reading and writing skills through:

    • Language-rich conversations

    • Storytelling, books, and puppets

    • Music, dance, and drama

    • Access to a wide variety of creative materials

    • Learning to appreciate te reo Māori as a living language

    • Opportunities to practice mark-making and explore print symbols

    • Activities that develop body control and fine and gross motor skills

    To foster science, math, and problem-solving abilities, teachers provide experiences such as:

    • Puzzles, board games, blocks, and construction play

    • Sand, water, and messy play

    • Sorting, matching, grouping, and comparing

    • Exploring the natural world both in our outdoor spaces and the wider community

    • Purposeful counting and number activities

  • Most sessions are free under the Ministry of Education’s 20 Hours ECE policy. Some fees may apply for additional hours or children under two. Family contributions are requested to cover extra activities.

    Learn more about fees and funding

  • Nau mai, haere mai – a big welcome to all tamariki and whānau.

    At Golden Bay Kindergarten, children can begin their learning journey with us from the age of two. We’re open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 2:45pm, for all children over two years old. Our kindergarten operates from mid-January through to late December, with breaks during the school holidays and over the Christmas period.

    Before your child officially starts, we encourage three settling visits. These help tamariki feel comfortable in their new environment and give you time to build a relationship with their key teacher — supporting a smooth and positive transition into kindergarten life.

    We look forward to meeting you and sharing our wonderful kindergarten with you.

    Read the latest Education Review Office report for Golden Bay Kindergarten.