Our philosophy is deeply rooted in the values embodied within our Waharoa (Gateway).

Te Mata o Te Tamaiti – The Child’s Face
At the heart of everything we do is the child. Mana Tāne (courage and strength) and Mana Wāhine (kindness and compassion) guide our approach, all within the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the richness of Te Reo Māori me ōna Tikanga.

Ngā Rāu o te Ōki – Oak Leaves
We honour the Ōki as a symbol of life’s natural cycles and changing seasons. It represents strength and protection, like a sheltering umbrella over our kindergarten and wider community.

Ngā Raukura – The Five Feathers
Each child is a treasured taonga throughout their first five years. We nurture them with love and work closely in partnership with their whānau to support their growth.

Ngā Kuaka – Godwit
We respect the journey tamariki take—from home to kindergarten—where they make friends and grow as multicultural social citizens.

Ngā Wheke – The Octopus
Curiosity, wonder, inquisitiveness, and a thirst for learning are gifts we believe all tamariki are born with and cherish.

Ngā Maunga – Wharepapa & Pukeone
Wharepapa (Mt Arthur) and Pukeone (Mt Campbell) inspire us to strive for our highest potential through lifelong learning.

Ngā Awa – Riuwaka and Motueka
The Riuwaka and Motueka Rivers symbolize the gentle, connecting forces of our region and represent the broad, ever-expanding journey of learning — one that is inclusive of all.

Ngā Mangō Pare – The Hammerhead Shark
We aspire to foster strength, power, and tenacity in all tamariki through determination, thoughtful risk-taking, and active participation.

At Greenwood Kindergarten, we know that tamariki need to feel safe and secure before they can fully explore and try new things. That’s why we provide a nurturing environment where children have the time and space to explore, experiment, imitate, ask questions, and be curious — all essential for developing their thinking and problem-solving skills.

Our expansive outdoor area features beautiful, well-established trees that offer shade in the summer, and gardens bursting with fresh produce that tamariki enjoy throughout the year. Inside, we have a large, light-filled space with plenty of room for tamariki to engage in a wide range of activities.

Our kaiako design programmes that recognise and support each tamaiti on their unique learning journey.

We help tamariki develop important social skills, including:

• Asking, offering, and waiting for turns

• Cooperating and sharing tools, equipment, and materials

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

• Supporting others, appreciating different perspectives, and understanding their own and others’ feelings

To foster early reading and writing skills, kaiako provide opportunities such as:

• Engaging in language-rich conversations

• Storytelling, books, and puppets

• Music, dance, and drama

• Access to a wide range of creative tools and materials

• Valuing Te Reo Māori as a living, relevant language

• Practising mark-making and exploring print symbols

• Activities that develop control over both large and fine motor skills

Kaiako also support tamariki in developing science, mathematics, and problem-solving skills through:

• Puzzles and board games

• Blocks and construction equipment

• Sand, water, and messy play

• Sorting, matching, grouping, and comparing

• Exploring the natural world in our large outdoor environment and on community outings

• Purposeful experiences with counting and numbers

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 Greenwood Kindergarten, children can begin their learning journey with us from the age of two. We’re open Monday to Friday, 8:15am to 2:30pm, for all children over two years old. Our kindergarten operates from mid-January through to late December. We remain open during school breaks but do close for the Christmas holidays. 

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 Greenwood Street Kindergarten.