Our kindergartens are a home away from home, a place where every tamaiti is recognised, respected and included for who they are and who they want to become.
Ko ngā tamariki te pūtake
Children are central to all we do
Our kindergartens offer a child-led, learning through play philosophy that enables tamariki to grow at their own pace.
Te arataki ā-tikanga rua
Bicultural leadership
As partners of Te Tiriti o Waitangi we are committed to growing an environment that strengthens te ao Māori.
Me tiaki, me manaaki i te taiao
Protect and enhance the environment
We teach our tamariki to be kaitiaki o te taiao, guardians of our natural environment.
Our community
Central Kids has 48 kindergartens in 27 towns across the central North Island, with a range of opening hours depending on the needs of the community they serve. Some are all ages kindergartens, enrolling tamariki from 0-6 years of age.
Find a kindergarten near you
Our leadership team
Central Kids kindergartens benefit from being part of non-profit association that's dedicated to ensuring every tamaiti has access to early childhood education. Our board and leadership team provide direction and expertise to ensure our kindergartens thrive.
Meet the leadership team
Work with us
Central Kids is a great place to start or grow your career in early learning, with opportunities for kaiako (teachers) at every level, tokotū whakahaere (administrators), kaiwhakaako (head teachers), social support, corporate services and leadership roles.
Join our teamThe future of our tamariki includes all of us - because when they grow, we all grow together.
Building connections for strong whānau foundations
Mātauranga Ake is the Central Kids social support team. The team provides free wrap around support and guidance for whānau, because we believe building strong foundations for whānau is key to giving tamariki the best start in life.
The centre is so warm and inviting
"We moved our daughter to Te Ara Mātauranga Kindergarten eight months ago. She has done nothing but grow and thrive since we made the change. The amazing teachers and support staff do everything they can to foster your wants and needs for your child's learning. The centre is so warm and inviting, you'll always find that the jug is hot, staff are having a laugh/play with kids (even a dance), and the speaker is playing in the background. I couldn't ask for more as a mum."
Phillippa Owler
Whānau feedback
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