Central Kids Elstree is situated in the Glenholme area. We were one of the very first kindergartens that were established in Rotorua, opening our doors in 1964. Our longevity has meant that we have had up to three generations of whānau attending over the years. It has been the involvement and support of our whānau and local community that has contributed to this longevity which is still going strong today.

Our centre philosophy begins with the whakataukī “Aroha ki te ako, ki te aroha. Loving to learn, learning to love.” Growing kindness and empathy in our tamariki is a priority at Elstree. This is woven through our programme in a number of ways including upholding the values of manaakitanga, giving care and respect to everyone who walks through our doors, to our environment and to all creatures great and small. We are involved regularly in community events such as the Salvation Army can drives and Awareness Days for the Epilepsy Foundation and Rotorua Heart Kids.

Caring and protecting our environment is an important part of our kindergarten programme. We have a number of initiatives including terracycling and “weekly recyclers.” Other sustainable practices include our compost, worm farm, vegetable gardens and reusable Elstree wet bags.

We run a marae kindergarten programme – Ngā Kākano o Apumoana – which was created within a partnership between Central Kids Elstree and Apumoana Marae in Rotorua. Once a week, eight of our oldest tamariki will spend their morning at the marae, immersed in Apumoanatanga.

Nau mai haere mai – we welcome you to visit our kindergarten anytime.