*conditions apply
Nau mai haere mai - Welcome
We invite you to come and join us at Irongate Kindergarten in our beautiful large grounds. We have a relaxed and inviting natural environment where tamariki can explore their way of being, giving them space to develop and extend their interests.
Kaiako are supportive of the individuality of each tamariki, growing and supporting them to be confident and happy people, developing a sense of wellbeing and belonging within the kindergarten setting.
Mutual respect and honor of one another and the environment is evident throughout our learning spaces.
We value our partnership with whānau, with an open door for you to bring your talents and skills to enhance our tamariki learning journey.
If you are passing by and would like to come and have a look around to meet Kaiako and see if we are the right fit for your tamariki, then pop in on a Tuesday between 8.30 and 9.45 we have Cuppa and Kai – hot scones/bread/muffins and a cuppa. (You can pop in any time we just don’t have the hot scones etc on other days)
Nau mai haere mai.
Vision and Philosophy
Vision
At Irongate Kindergarten our heart is community – layer upon layer –past, present and future, to embrace and grow the whole child.
WHAKAPAPA – the people to whom we are connected. We are people through other people, and all that they represent in terms of knowledge and experience.
Hutia te rito o te harakeke kei whea to kōmako e kō? Ki mai ki ahau he aha te mea nui o te Ao? Maku e kī atu he tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata! | If the heart of the harakeke was removed, where would the bellbird sing? If I was asked what was the most important thing in the world I would be compelled to reply, it is people, it is people, it is people! |
Philosophy
Through ngakau nui we foster whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and kotahitanga, supporting and growing children’s mana and sense of wellbeing and belonging.
Hours and Fees
30 hours free early childhood education.
Monday – Friday:
8.30 am – 2.30 pm
Term Dates
Term One 2023
Starts: Tuesday 23 January
Finishes: Friday 6 AprilStatutory Holidays:
Waitangi Day: Monday 6 February
Good Friday: Friday 7 April
Easter Monday: Monday 10 April
ANZAC Day: Tuesday 25 AprilTerm Two 2023
Starts: Monday 24 April
Finishes: Friday 30 JuneStatutory Holidays:
King's Birthday: Monday 5 June
Matariki: Friday 14 JulyTerm Three 2023
Starts: Monday 17 July
Finishes: Friday 22 SeptemberTerm Four 2023
Starts: Monday 9 October
Finishes: Wednesday 20 DecemberStatutory Holidays:
Labour Day: Monday 23 October
Hawke's Bay Anniversary: Wednesday 1 November
Fees
Up to 30 hours free early childhood education when you attest your 20 free hours. Terms and conditions apply.
Kaiako

Deb Jones
Kaiako Matua (Head Teacher)
Diploma of Teaching
(Early Childhood Education)

Michael Sixtus
Kaiako
Bachelor of Teaching
(Early Childhood Education)

Carol Patterson
Kaiako
Bachelor of Teaching
(Early Childhood Education)

Lesley Russell
Kaiako
Diploma of Teaching
(Early Childhood Education)