At Waimea Kindergarten, we create an inclusive, play-based learning environment that empowers and respects tamariki and their voices. We believe children learn best through play—where they can explore, create, imagine, and investigate what matters most to them. This nurtures a lifelong love of learning. Our kaiako nurture children’s hearts and minds, working alongside whānau to support their learning and wellbeing. Responsive, caring, and respectful relationships between tamariki, kaiako, and whānau are at the heart of our philosophy.

Statement of Intent
Children will leave Waimea Kindergarten with the skills, dispositions, and attitudes needed for lifelong learning.

Te Reo Māori
Ka hangaia mātou i tētahi taiao tākaro hei whakamana me te whakaute i ngā tamariki me o rātau reo. Me whakapono ana mātou ko te tamaiti te kaiārahi i roto i o rātou auahatanga, pohewatanga, mātaitanga hei poipoia i o rātou aroha ki te ako. Na ngā kaiako hei mahitahi i te whānau hei poipoia i te ngākau, te hinengaro, te hauora me ngā akoranga o ngā tamariki.  Ko te whanaungatanga urupare, manaaki me te whakautea i waenga i ngā tamariki, ngā kaiako me ngā whānau te pou here o tō mātou kaupapa.

Tauākī o te Whakaaro
Kei ia tamaiti ngā pūkenga, āhuatanga me ngā waiaro hei poipoia i o rātou akoranga mō tōna oranga.

Both of our beautiful spaces offer tamariki rich opportunities to create, investigate, discover, and learn. Surrounded by natural outdoor environments, children are encouraged to engage with their world, build confidence, and follow their own interests—reflecting their natural curiosity and our local curriculum.

We provide thoughtful provocations, resources, and spaces that empower tamariki to explore freely and take agency in their learning.

Sustainability is a key focus at our kindergarten, evident in the way we resource and care for our environment.

At our kindergarten, learning through play is at the heart of everything we do, supporting tamariki’s holistic development across social, emotional, physical, and cognitive areas. We value and respect diversity, celebrating the unique strengths, interests, and backgrounds that each child and whānau bring.

Our flexible, responsive programme nurtures a strong sense of belonging and empowers tamariki as capable, confident learners, encouraging them to reach their full potential. Using a strengths-based approach, kaiako plan intentionally to support each child’s growth, providing time and space for exploration at their own pace.

We work closely with whānau, sharing successes and responding to their aspirations. Our commitment to kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga is woven throughout our curriculum, which upholds the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and reflects Te Ao Māori.

Grounded in the principles and strands of our bicultural curriculum, Te Whāriki, our programme includes learning and using te reo Māori, New Zealand Sign Language, and other languages to support children’s communication and social skills.

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 Waimea Kindergarten, children can begin their learning journey with us from the age of two. We’re open Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 5:30pm. 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 Waimea Kindergarten.