Murchison Kindergarten

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

 Kua rārangi tahitatou he whāriki matauranga mō ngā rangatira a āpōpō.

Together we will weave an education mat for our leaders of tomorrow.

Where we are

23 Hampden Street
Murchison 7007

03 523 9398
021 936 315
murchisonkindergarten@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 Murchison Kindergarten

Murchison Kindergarten is nestled in the heart of a wonderfully caring rural community that truly puts people first. Once a well-loved home, the kindergarten now provides a peaceful, home-like environment where tamariki can learn and grow, surrounded by nature and familiar faces.

As a close-knit, multi-generational community, many whānau know each other well — and arrival and departure times often become social moments, where parents catch up and build connections. This strong sense of belonging flows into the kindergarten, where relationships are at the heart of everything we do.

Our tamariki bring a wealth of common sense, confidence, and curiosity to their play. Many have grown up alongside their whānau on the farm or in the community, developing strong working theories and a deep connection to the world around them. Their play is full of creativity, problem-solving, and agency, nurtured by kaiako who value and extend their thinking.

We are proud to be supported by a dedicated family liaison group who generously give their time and energy to help create a rich, high-quality learning environment for all.

Murchison Kindergarten is led by an enthusiastic, energetic team of kaiako and support staff, committed to providing high-quality education and genuine bicultural practice. Kaiako work closely with individuals and groups, engaging in meaningful kōrero to support each child’s interests, learning, and development.

We wholeheartedly embrace the aspirations of Te Whāriki — that every child will grow to be a competent and confident learner and communicator, healthy in mind, body, and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging, and able to make a valued contribution to society.

We also maintain a strong relationship with Murchison Area School, supporting smooth and positive transitions as tamariki move on to their next learning journey.

At the heart of our practice is manaakitanga — showing care, respect, and gratitude to our community, and fostering respect for people, places, and things in all that we do.

  • We've watched this Kindergarten go from strength to strength in the last three years. The team there are incredibly approachable and to be honest have had a huge and valuable part in growing our children into the (mostly!) wonderful wee people they are today!

  • Our children are valued, respected, loved, delighted in and shown fair and reasonable boundaries. Their every learning whim is indulged, which really feeds their inquisitive minds. They are encouraged to give things a go which boosts their confidence. They care for people, animals and things more than we could ever hope for and we have seen for ourselves how much the Murchison team make all the kids a priority, not just ours.

  • We always feel a friendly and welcoming vibe on site and the team really make the effort to know our children and our family. We are so appreciative of the support we have received as a family over the years, it's always a blessing to know you have good people around your children when you aren't with them yourself.

  • We find this a very open and inclusive Kindergarten and feel privileged that our children have been able to attend and have this as their start in the education system.

Our Team

  • Erin Cody

    Head Teacher

  • Daphne Zimmermann

    Teacher

  • Louise Gudsell

    Administrator

  • Kua rārangi tahi tātou he whāriki mātauranga mō ngā rangatira ā apōpō.

    Together we will weave an education mat for our leaders of tomorrow.

    Core Values and Principles

    • Ako Torowhānui / Holistic Learning
      We value child-centred play, curiosity, challenge, and fun as powerful ways for tamariki to learn and grow.

    • Ngākau Aroha
      We nurture empathy, compassion, kindness, and caring for others.

    • Whakaute
      We foster respect for people, places, and things.

    • Manaakitanga
      We respect and embrace the diverse cultures and beliefs within our community.

    • Whanaungatanga
      We celebrate the importance of our unique community and strong relationships.

    • Kaitiakitanga
      We cultivate love and care for Papatūānuku, fostering awareness and responsibility to protect her.

    Our philosophy centres on nurturing competent, confident learners who are ready, willing, and able to be lifelong learners—guided by these core values and principles.

  • Murchison Kindergarten is nestled in the heart of a wonderfully caring rural community that truly puts people first. Housed in a lovingly restored family home, the kindergarten offers a peaceful garden and a warm, home-like setting where tamariki can learn and grow. Our environment is rich with varied learning experiences that inspire curiosity, imagination, and exploration, while providing plenty of opportunities for developing important skills in maths, literacy, and science.

  • At Murchison Kindergarten, tamariki enjoy a wide range of experiences that nurture their learning and creativity.

    Cooking is a special way we show manaaki—caring for our friends and helpers—using fresh produce from our garden or surplus from whānau. It’s not only fun but also a great way to learn about healthy eating.

    Alongside cooking, tamariki explore gardening, building and construction, science, music, dramatic play, art, sand and water play, and storytelling.

    We’re lucky to have a wonderful group of Story-grans who visit regularly to read, play, and engage in rich conversations with the children.

    Tamariki also enjoy weekly visits to the library and attend ‘Kindy Gym’ every Tuesday morning at the recreation centre.

    We love being part of our community and take part in local events such as the annual flower show, helping tamariki connect with the wider world around them.

  • 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 Murchison 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.