Matangi Āwhio
Auckland Point Kindergarten

Welcoming tamariki from three months • Up to 30 hours free • Play-based learning • Transition to school • Enviroschools Silver

Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua

Guided by the past into the future

Where we are

111 Haven Road,
Nelson 7010

03 546 3383
aucklandpointkindergarten@ntk.org.nz

Hours

Monday: 8:00am - 3.30pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 3.30pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 3.30pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 3.30pm
Friday: 8:00am - 3.30pm

 

Nau mai haere mai ki te kohungahunga o Matangi Āwhio Auckland Point Kindergarten

Matangi Āwhio is situated in central Whakatū, on land that holds deep history as the site of a pā, kāinga (seasonal camping site), and tauranga waka (a safe landing place for waka) dating back to 1450. Our connection to the maunga behind us, the community, awa, and moana is reflected in the tohu above, gifted to us by whānau kaumātua Shane Paratene and Noel Hemi alongside Hakaraia Hemi.

Matangi Āwhio provides quality early childhood education for tamariki aged three months to six years, with two carefully designed learning spaces for under-twos and over-twos.

In the under-twos area, our kaiako (teachers) offer calm, respectful care, gently supporting each child’s physical, emotional, and learning needs. They model rich language and respond with warmth, creating a secure, nurturing environment.

In the over-twos area, teachers are active, enthusiastic participants in play and learning. Tamariki are supported to follow their interests, develop independence, and build self-care skills through meaningful, play-based experiences.

Each child has an individual profile that captures their unique journey at Matangi Āwhio. Learning stories highlight their interests, strengths, and milestones, keeping whānau connected and informed every step of the way.

  • "Thank you so much for being amazing caregivers and kaiako for our son. Knowing he was in such loving and caring hands away from home made the terribly difficult decision to start kindergarten so much easier. He loves yu all and we are pretty fond of you too"

    R & N

  • "Best kindy for my girls to attend. The girls are flourishing and interacting so well with everyone. Definitly the best decision I made bringing them to Auckland Point"

    J.P.

  • "Thank you so much for teaching and caring for our girl. She has a strong sense of belonging and that is very much thanks to you all"

    B & B

Our Team

  • Michelle Dons

    Head Teacher, Kaiako/Kaitiaki

  • Jo Bourke

    Teina/Under Two's Kaiako

  • Tanisha Marsden

    Teina/Under Two's Kaiako

  • Rachel Ryan

    Teina/Under Two's Kaiako

  • Megan Pope

    Teina/Under Two's Kaiako

  • Lorraine Pwaisiho

    Pakeke/Over Two's Kaiako

  • Niva Nacagilevu

    Curriculum Leader & Pakeke/Over Twos Kaiako

  • Kathy Ewers

    Kaiwhakahaere/Administration

  • Matangi Āwhio is on the journey to becoming a fully bilingual kindergarten, embracing te reo Māori and a te ao Māori way of being and doing. We respect this in all that we do and grow our knowledge every day.

    Our values are co-constructed with whānau and tamariki, allowing for growth and change within our community. This kaupapa is a living document that evolves with us.

    We extend aroha through manaakitanga — offering awhi, tautoko, and encouragement. We build mana through kindness, acceptance, respect, and friendship. We encourage tamariki to be empathetic, welcoming, resilient, and confident expressing their feelings. Everyone is capable and takes pride in their abilities.

    We protect our environment through kaitiakitanga, embracing nature and taking positive risks. We understand atua as guardians of their realms and step into leadership roles accordingly.

    Through whanaungatanga, we belong to a wider whānau and community where diversity is celebrated, everyone is included and supported, and relationships between home and kindy are loving and secure. We deeply value whakapapa and identity, celebrating them every day.

  • Matangi Āwhio is located on the Auckland Point School grounds in central Whakatū. The land was first established as a pā in 1450 by our tupuna Pohea and has served as a pā, kāinga, and tauranga waka for centuries.

    We have two connected learning spaces: Teina, for tamariki under two, and Pakeke, for children from two years until they transition to kura. Both spaces use karakia, waiata, and pūrākau to support smooth transitions.

    Our tamariki are encouraged to embrace nature, take positive risks, and learn in ways that nurture their social, emotional, and physical growth.

  • Teina – Under 2s
    In our Teina space, we nurture our youngest tamariki through calm, respectful relationships and gentle, responsive interactions. Free movement is a key kaupapa, allowing infants to explore and develop at their own pace. We provide open-ended materials and natural resources to support uninterrupted play, encouraging each child’s unique rhythms.

    We uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi in all aspects of our practice, with te reo Māori and tikanga Māori woven through our teaching, being, and caring. As a Silver Enviroschool, we guide tamariki to build a deep connection with and respect for Papatūānuku.

    Pakeke – Over 2s
    Te Rūma Pakeke is a vibrant mixed-age space for tamariki aged two to five. Teachers work as facilitators and collaborators, learning alongside children and supporting growing independence.

    Free play is central, with an environment shaped by children’s interests. Tamariki are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, building confidence and laying foundations for lifelong learning.

    Strong whānau and community connections create an inclusive, welcoming space where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels at home.

    Transition to School
    Transition to school is a celebrated milestone. Teachers work closely with tamariki and whānau to support this step, providing guidance, reassurance, and opportunities to build skills and confidence for the next stage.

  • 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 Matangi Āwhio
    Auckland Point Kindergarten, children can begin their learning journey with us from the age of three months. We’re open Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 3:30pm. Our kindergarten is open during the school holidays but closed 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 Matangi Āwhio Auckland Point Kindergarten.

Auckland Point Kindergarten - Matangi Awhio - is a whanau of akonga, a family of learners. Embracing a holistic way of learning through responsive and reciprocal relationships within ​The Early Childhood Curriculum-Te Whariki.