Childcare options in Kihikihi

Kainga Tamariki Philosophy

Kainga Tamariki is a small family-orientated, privately owned centre. We have an open door policy where parents and Whᾱnau are welcome to visit at any time.

We have a team of professional teachers and staff who work collectively to ensure a safe, happy, caring and stimulating environment. Our children, parents, whᾱnau and teachers are a diverse team bringing together their individual and collective knowledge to extend and enhance the childrens learning.

We support the principles of Treaty of Waitangi and acknowledge and incorporate our dual heritage, resources will be sought for any cultures enjoying our centre.

We believe New Zealand has a unique multi-cultural heritage and believe it is the right of all children to have equitable opportunities for all learning irrespective of gender, ability, age, ethnicity and background.

We believe children learn through free play both independently and alongside peers. We encourage TuakanaTeina where by the older children help the younger children to accomplish their learning outcomes.

Our programme reflects childrens strengths and interests with TeWhᾱriki as the guiding document for our practice. The programme is based on the interests of the child and supported and encouraged by the teachers so they become self-motivated learners and create a foundation for lifelong learning.

Our dedicated teaching team provides a quality teaching and learning environment where by attending any courses, workshops and conferences this is to keep up to date with the early childhood trends and issues.

We have a well-established teaching team, who are fully trained, registered and experienced and are committed to providing high quality early childhood education. Central Kids Kihikihi’s vision is to provide a positive, warm, and inviting environment where children, parents, and whanau are valued and welcomed. 

We believe that relationships are the key to quality education and we develop positive reciprocal relationships with children, their families, and the community.

Our kindergarten whakatauki encompasses all that we do and believe at Central Kids Kihikihi. “Ma to ako, ma te tipu, ka neke whakamua tatou. As we learn and as we grow, we move forward together”.

Te Kōhanga Reo o Ngā Kākano o Kihikihi is a centre-based kōhanga reo located in Kihikihi and provides for up to 41 tamariki. Book a visit today to connect with our kōhanga reo and to learn more about the options for your whanau.

Te Kōhanga Reo

The kōhanga reo movement is a unique initiative based on total immersion in Māori language and values with the aim of passing on Māori culture to future generations.

Kōhanga reo emphasise the revitalisation of the culture through te reo Māori and are dependent on the active participation of the whole whānau. The kaupapa of kōhanga reo aims to strengthen whānau capabilities in cultural, social, economic, spiritual and political matters. Education, health and wellbeing are inherent within all aspects of the kaupapa. The prime focus is the whānau – its collective development, growth, accountability and wellbeing set within a Māori cultural context.

Kōhanga reo do not regard tamariki in isolation, but as important members of the whānau. The kōhanga reo philosophy is that tamariki will benefit when whānau successfully operate according to the kaupapa. Tamariki are an integral part of whānau development.

The following key goals are the foundation of te kōhanga reo kaupapa established in 1982:

• total immersion in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in daily operations
• whānau decision-making, management and responsibility
• accountability
• health and wellbeing of mokopuna and whānau.

The key goals of te kōhanga reo assure that there will be:

• security in te reo Māori
• a supportive, caring environment for mokopuna
• whānau (collective) sharing of responsibilities, knowledge and expertise
• greater respect and appreciation of each other.