About Us
Central Kids has been providing high-quality, affordable early childhood education and care since 1951. We offer a child-led, learning through play philosophy that enables children to grow at their own pace – socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively (thinking creatively, problem solving, decision making).
Our team of highly qualified, experienced kaiako (teachers) understand the importance of surrounding your child with passionate, positive influences from an early age, and are truly invested in the future of your tamariki, as well as the wellbeing of your whole whānau.
All of our early childcare centres live and breathe te ao Māori values, to connect our tamariki to our history and heritage. Te Reo is naturally woven into our everyday language and we authentically engage with local iwi and marae to expose our tamariki to customs and culture from an early age. It’s important to us that we celebrate diversity and create a culture of inclusiveness for a more connected community, inside and outside of our early childhood centres.
Experience the difference in the development of your tamariki at one of our Central Kids early childhood centres. We look forward to welcoming you and your whānau.

Why Central Kids
A passionate team of people who strive to contribute every day
Our experienced, qualified team will ensure the daily happiness and growth of your child through a high level of attention and interaction.
Read MoreProven holistic teaching
philosophy
Te Whāriki is our national early childhood curriculum that enables every child to reach their potential and become school ready through the philosophy of learning through play.
Read MoreA strong cultural fabric that guides our values
As partners of Te Tiriti o Waitangi we are committed to growing an environment that strengthens te ao Māori through our practice and through connection to our local community.
Read MoreAffordable and accessible
to everyone
We believe that quality education should be something all tamariki can experience, and provide flexible financial and accessibility options to help remove any barriers for our whānau to achieve this.
Read MorePractice being
sustainable
Protecting our planet for future generations starts with the current generation. We teach our children to be kaitiaki of our part of the earth, giving them a sense of ownership and investment in our planet’s wellbeing.
Read MoreOur Senior Leadership Team

Christine Hall
Chief Executive Officer Kaihautū

Nick Cockroft
Corporate Services Manager

Shona Goss
Finance Manager Kaitiaki Pūtea

Tristan Wallace
KaiaratakiEducation Lead

Aroha Tamaiparea
Regional ManagerNorth Waikato

Dale Campbell
Regional ManagerRotorua

Gail Pierce
Regional ManagerTaupō

Kim Wyborn
Regional ManagerEastern Bay of Plenty

Racheal Bell
Regional ManagerSouth Waikato

Henrietta Cassidy
Mātauranga AkeManager

Amber Bremner
Senior CommunicationsAnd Marketing Lead