Nau mai haere mai - Welcome
Whanaungatanga (relationships) are at the core of our philosophy. Our kaiako place great importance on collaborative and meaningful connections with tamariki, whānau and the wider community. We pride ourselves on providing a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment. We embrace diversity and are fortunate to have a multi-cultural community who share their knowledge, experiences and culture with us. ‘Play’ is the work of a child, and our programme emerges from the interests of the child. Social and emotional competence is fostered through social interactions, mindfulness techniques, intentional teaching, role modelling and manaakitanga (caring, nurturing). Our natural environment promotes wonder, awe, risk-taking, curiosity and kaitiakitanga (guardianship). We are teachers with passion and teachers that care.
He waka eke noa
We are all in this together.
Please visit us any time, we look forward to meeting you.
Vision and Philosophy
Vision
For every child to experience an environment of aroha and play, peacefulness, wonder and challenge, that nurtures holistic foundations for future learning and life.
Philosophy
Tamariki and their whānau are the heart of our being. Values of Manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, kaitiakitanga and ako underpin our philosophy.
Child paced play is our curriculum, supporting holistic development and valuing children’s uniqueness.
Through mindful observation and purposeful interaction teachers guide tamariki to manage their emotions and develop meaningful relationships with others and our natural environment.
ERO Quality Evaluation Report
FROM OUR ERO REPORT:
‘Children make choices about their learning through a curriculum that advances their sense of autonomy. Younger children’s social and emotional competence is promoted. Children’s oral language development is fostered through positive teacher-child relationships and sustained conversations’.
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
Petra Dufresne
Kaiako Matua (Head Teacher)
Bachelor of Teaching
(Early Childhood Education)
Sarah Hopkins
Kaiako
Diploma of Teaching (ECE)
Bachelor of Education
Olivia Still
Kaiako
Bachelor of Teaching
(Early Childhood Education)
Sarah Donovan
Kaiako
Bachelor of Teaching
(Early Childhood Education)
Melody Appleton Ferguson
Kaiako
Graduate Diploma in Primary Education
staff name
Kaiako
Bachelor of Teaching
(Early Childhood Education)






