Nelson South Kindergarten
Up to 30 hours free • Play-based learning • Transition to school • Enviroschools Silver
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 Nelson South Kindergarten
At Nelson South Kindergarten, we are passionate about providing high-quality early childhood education where relationships are at the heart of our practice.
Our team of fully qualified and registered teachers have been working together for many years, creating a stable, experienced, and caring environment for tamariki (children) and their whānau (families).
We are proud to be part of a rich, multicultural community, welcoming families from Aotearoa/New Zealand and all around the world. With an open-door policy and regular family events each term, we invite whānau to be actively involved in their child’s learning, development, and sense of belonging.
We also offer a special transition-to-school group for our eldest tamariki, supporting them to develop the skills and confidence they need for their next learning journey.
You are warmly welcome to visit us anytime, or get in touch to find out more about enrolment.
Our Team
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Leba Sauira
Head Teacher
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Debbie Masters
Teacher
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Christine Lee
Teacher
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Steph Hazlitt-Black
Teacher
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Beda Dahal
Teacher
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Linda MacLean
Administrator
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We believe every child arrives with their own kete of knowledge, experiences, and culture. At Nelson South Kindergarten, we value and respect these contributions, weaving them into the life of our kindergarten. By recognising and building on what tamariki bring, we foster a learning environment where each child’s identity, language, and strengths are celebrated.
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Our kindergarten is an inclusive, welcoming space designed to reflect the diversity of our community. With open-ended resources and opportunities for discovery, tamariki are encouraged to explore, create, and grow in a safe and supportive setting.
We are strongly connected to our local community and environment. These connections are woven into our daily learning and provide tamariki with opportunities to engage in real-world experiences beyond the kindergarten.
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Our programme is guided by the ideas and interests of tamariki, with kaiako (teachers) responding to emerging learning through rich, play-based experiences. We provide resources and opportunities that prompt curiosity, support problem-solving, and extend skills and knowledge.
We also place a strong emphasis on community connections. Each week, groups of tamariki and kaiako head out on excursions to places such as the Nelson Intermediate gymnasium, the Grampians, Nelson Provincial Museum, Isel Park, the Nelson Public Library, and local primary schools. These adventures extend children’s learning, build confidence, and strengthen their sense of connection to the world around them.
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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.
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Nau mai, haere mai – a big welcome to all tamariki and whānau.
At Nelson South 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 a break 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 Nelson South Kindergarten.
