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.
More info
Whānau Welcome Booklet
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.
ERO Quality Evaluation Report
Hours and Fees
20 January - 18 December 2026
We are open during school term breaks (excluding summer holidays)
Monday – Friday:
8.30 am – 2.30 pm
Dates Closed
2026 Statutory Holidays
Waitangi Day – Friday 6 February
Good Friday – Friday 3 April
Easter Monday – Monday 6 April
Anzac Day – Saturday 25 April
King’s Birthday – Monday 1 June
Matariki – Friday 10 July
Hawkes’ Bay Anniversary – Friday 23 October
Labour Day – Monday 26 October
Kaiako Professional Development
We will be closed on the following dates to support kaiako professional development, ensuring continuous growth and improvement:
Friday 17th April (1 day)
Monday 13th July - Friday 17th July (1 week)
Friday 9th October (1 day)
Fees
ZERO FEES
Kaiako
Cilla Te Kira
Kaiako Matua (Head Teacher)
Bachelor of Teaching
(Early Childhood Education)
Diploma of Social Services
Kai Oranga, Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi (Level 4)
Te Ahu o te reo, Te Ataarangi – EIT
Whakatō te Kākano, Kurawaka – EIT (Level 2)
New Zealand Diploma in Te reo Māori – EIT (Level 5, Year 1)
Lesley Smith
Kaiako
Diploma of Teaching
(Early Childhood Education)
Michael Sixtus
Kaiako
Bachelor of Teaching
(Early Childhood Education)
Katlyn Harrison
Kaiako
Bachelor of Teaching
(Early Childhood Education)
Roylene Halton
Kaiako
Diploma of Teaching
(Early Childhood Education)
Staff Name
Kaiako
Bachelor of Teaching
(Early Childhood Education)
