A positive place for growth
Central Kids has been providing high-quality, affordable early childhood education and care since 1951. We are a non-profit kindergarten association, with 50 kindergartens in 27 towns across the central North Island.
Kindergartens provide a unique early education environment that nurtures the development of tamariki through a blend of play-based, holistic education grounded in a structured curriculum, strong whānau and community involvement, and a commitment to inclusivity.
Our kindergartens are a home away from home, a safe place where every tamaiti is recognised, respected and included for who they are and who they want to become.
Meeting the needs of our enrolled whānau is important to us, because when whānau thrive, so do our tamariki. Our kindergartens have a range of opening hours depending on the community they serve, and some are all ages kindergartens, enrolling tamariki from 0-6 years of age.
All Central Kids kindergartens deliver the same high quality education and care.
Annual Report 2023 (PDF)
ERO Governing Organisation Evaluation Report 2024
Central Kids is a proud member of Te Pūtahi Kura Puhou o Aotearoa | New Zealand Kindergartens.
Child-centred learning
Central Kids kindergartens offer a child-led, learning through play philosophy that enables tamariki to grow at their own pace.
To play is to grow. Using Te Whāriki early learning curriculum, we encourage every tamaiti to reach their potential by giving them the best possible surroundings to experiment and discover the world they live in.
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Bicultural leadership
Central Kids is a bi-cultural organisation and proud partner of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Staying connected to the past, present and future is important to us, and we are committed to growing an environment that strengthens and celebrates te ao Māori through our practices.
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Environmental focus
Protecting our planet for future generations starts with the current generation.
We encourage and teach our tamariki to be kaitiaki o te taiao (guardians of our natural environment), giving them a sense of ownership and investment in the wellbeing of our environment.
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Low fees and extra support
We believe that quality education should be something every tamaiti can experience, and provide flexible financial and accessibility options to help remove any barriers for our whānau to achieve this.
As a non-profit organisation we are committed to keeping fees low and reinvesting in our communities.
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Our policies
We take safety and wellbeing seriously, and have a range of policies and procedures in place to ensure we meet our obligations.
You are welcome to view our policies and procedures at any time, and our key policies are available online.
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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.
Learn moreThe 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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