More Than Pets: The Special Friends at Our Kindergartens
Tamariki at Waimea Kindergarten enjoy a cuddle with one of their kindergarten pets.
One of the lovely things about our kindergartens is that they’re all a little different.
Each has its own personality, its own community and its own little things that make it special. At some of our kindergartens, that includes having pets as part of the kindergarten whānau.
From guinea pigs and frogs to chickens, a much-loved cat, a turtle and even some very young lambs, these pets have become part of everyday life for tamariki and kaiako.
At Waimea Kindergarten, three guinea pigs, Milkshake, Agatha and Flossie, are always quick to notice when the vegetable bags are being opened. Feeding and cuddling them is one of the loveliest ways for tamariki to settle into the day. The kindergarten is also home to tropical fish and two frogs, Jeremiah and Linda, who can often be spotted peeking out from among the leaves. Tamariki named the frog after Linda, who runs their local gym sessions, because this little frog hops just like her!
At Hira Rural Kindergarten, three heihei (chickens) are part of the daily routine. Tamariki help with their food and water, collect the eggs and spend time getting to know their feathered friends. The heihei have their own personalities too and are not shy to give a quick peck if they are patted in the wrong way!
Then there’s Bella at Motueka South Kindergarten. Bella first began visiting kindergarten with her family back in 2017, happily walking alongside tamariki on their way to and from kindergarten. One day she decided she wanted to stay permanently and over the years, Bella has become a much-loved part of the kindergarten. She might be there to greet families, join in an outdoor adventure or simply sit quietly alongside a tamaiti.
At Nelson Central Kindergarten, Peanut and Coconut, two lambs have been bringing plenty of delight to tamariki and their whānau over the past few weeks. Tamariki have loved taking turns bottle-feeding them and spending time getting to know their woolly new friends. Now weaned and growing more independent, Peanut and Coconut have the freedom to wander between their paddock and Prickle Mountain next to the kindergarten, and they can be spotted enjoying a snooze in their cosy shelter.
And at Grove Street Kindergarten, tamariki have a hard-shelled kind of friend in Squirtle the Turtle. Squirtle, a Red-Eared Slider, moved in back in 2019 and was given his name by tamariki. He’s often brought out to explore the kindergarten grounds and to say hello to everyone.
Not every kindergarten has a pet, and they don't need to. Every one of our kindergartens has its own character, community and special things that make it feel like their place.
For those that do have pets, they become part of everyday life and a much-loved part of coming to kindergarten. Caring for them gives tamariki the chance to learn about kindness, empathy and responsibility in a really hands-on way. From filling food bowls and checking water to learning to be gentle, patient and respectful of their needs, tamariki discover that even the smallest acts of care matter. They also learn to take turns, work together and look after the living things around them.
And over time, they become part of the memories of growing up. More than pets, they are part of the kindergarten whānau.
Take a closer look at our special friends: Click on any of the photos in the gallery to view it larger.
