Nelson Central Kindergarten

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

Hours
About
Our Team
More Info

Where we are

51b Brook Street
Nelson 7010

03 548 9936
nelsoncentralkindergarten@ntk.org.nz

Hours

Monday: 8.15am - 2.30pm
Tuesday: 8.15am - 2.30pm
Wednesday: 8.15am - 2.30pm
Thursday: 8.15am - 2.30pm
Friday: 8.15am - 2.30pm

 
Two children wearing rain boots and waterproof jackets standing on a leaf-covered ground, with their heads bowed and hands clasped together.

Welcome to Nelson Central Kindergarten

From 2021 to 2023, Nelson Central Kindergarten was proud to be one of just six communities across Aotearoa selected to take part in Te Hurihanganui — a national initiative focused on achieving greater equity in education by deeply embedding cultural understanding.

Through our involvement, we’ve worked to strengthen practices that affirm and uplift every child’s cultural identity. This includes empowering our kaiako to reflect on how their teaching can support or impact that identity, encouraging whānau to be confident, active partners in their child’s learning, and ensuring tamariki have access to resources that reflect both Te Ao Māori and Pākehā world views.

This journey continues to shape our commitment to inclusive, culturally responsive education.

Our Team

  • Head Teacher at Nelson Central Kindergarten.

    Kellie Warren

    Head Teacher

  • Kaiako at Nelson Central Kindergarten.

    Rebecca McDonnell

    Teacher

  • Kaiako at Nelson Central Kindergarten.

    Laura Harley

    Teacher

  • Administrator at Nelson Central Kindergarten.

    Judith Norton

    Administrator

  • At Nelson Central Kindergarten, play is at the heart of learning. We believe tamariki thrive in an environment where their natural curiosity is nurtured through meaningful, hands-on experiences.

    Whanaungatanga guides our everyday practice — we value strong, reciprocal relationships with tamariki, whānau, and our wider community. We honour the mana each child and family brings, fostering a culture of manaakitanga where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and supported.

    As tangata whenua, Māori are acknowledged and celebrated. We encourage our tamariki to grow as kaitiaki — caretakers of the environment — developing a deep respect for the natural world and their role within it.

  • Nestled in a peaceful semi-rural setting, Nelson Central Kindergarten is just a short walk from St Joseph’s and Nelson Central Schools, and our tamariki go on to attend a variety of local primary schools.

    We’re lucky to have access to a neighbouring paddock, home to our friendly sheep, Cupcake and Dumpy. This space provides tamariki with wonderful opportunities for outdoor exploration, connection to nature, and hands-on learning in a calm, natural environment.

  • Nature-based play is a key part of our day at Nelson Central Kindergarten. Tamariki spend time outdoors every day, connecting with the natural world in our peaceful neighbouring paddock.

    Our Kura Kids transition-to-school group supports tamariki as they prepare for the next step in their learning journey, with regular visits to the library and the Suter Art Gallery.

    We also take part in regular excursions within our wider community and welcome visits from local groups and external educators who enrich our programme.

    A strong focus on social and emotional wellbeing underpins all we do, supported by our kindergarten treaty and the Kid Power programme, which helps tamariki build confidence, empathy, and self-awareness.

  • 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 Nelson Central 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 all year, with a break during 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 Central Kindergarten.

ENQUIRE TO ENROL
  • A wooden deck with scattered number tiles, a basket of pinecones, and flowers, sunlight casting shadows.
  • Several monarch butterflies resting on a plant in a garden, with a wooden fence in the background.
  • Children using scissors to peel purple sweet potatoes at a yellow table with a wooden tray of sweet potatoes and a potted plant with green leaves.
  • Close-up of a bright yellow sunflower with a large dark brown center, set near a window with a blue sky and clouds visible in the background.
  • A small brown chick inside a cage with a food dish, a water dispenser, and scattering of feed on the floor of the cage.
  • A monarch butterfly chrysalis hanging from a green plant stem, with a monarch butterfly in the background among green leaves.
  • Decorative rocks, some painted with colorful designs, arranged on a woven mat with a woven basket holding markers, and a booklet titled 'Kupe and Whekewui' on a wooden surface.