Childcare options in Hamilton

Te Kōhanga Reo o Toku Mapihi Maurea is a centre-based kōhanga reo located in Hamilton and provides for up to 22 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.

BestStart Sir Tristram Avenue is a brand new early learning centre just down the road from Te Rapa Racecourse. We provide quality education and care for children from 3 months until they go to school. Contact us to book a tour, we'd love to show you around!

Playing, learning, growing together

BestStart Sir Tristram Avenue is located in a beautiful new building with learning spaces designed to support the specific development stages of every age group – infants, toddlers and preschoolers - with high quality, engaging resources designed to spark curious minds.

Passionate teachers - Our team of experienced, passionate teachers have been working together for a number of years - we're excited about our new space and are looking forward to getting to know our new children and families. We're a very creative team, always looking for new ways to engage our children in fun learning activities that build their skills and self belief.

We love to learn outdoors and have an expansive outdoor area where children can challenge themselves on the playground equipment while building their independence and self-confidence.

Relationships at heart - Creating great relationships is at the heart of what makes centre life great. We get to know each child and their family so together we can best support them to thrive. Every child’s learning journey and milestones are captured and shared through one-on-one communication and our online learning portfolios on Storypark. This is a great way to keep up to date with what your child is doing while at the centre. .

Ready for school - BestStart’s Be School Ready initiative for our preschool children is incorporated into everyday experiences and activities, supporting children to develop the skills, knowledge and attributes that will help them in their learning journey to school. The initiative encourages children to use their developing self-help skills and provides a range of opportunities to extend their independence and grow confidence.

Meals provided - Families love that we provide fresh, healthy, nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day - no packing lunches in the morning!

We offer:

• 20 hours free for 3-5 year olds and WINZ subsidies available* if required
• Great teacher to child ratios and a passionate team who have worked together for years
• Gift for all new enrolments*

Contact us today to book a tour!

Welcome to Busy Bees, Te Rapa

Busy Bees Te Rapa is all about fun, excitement and most importantly setting your child up for a lifetime of learning. We're committed to creating a stimulating, safe and rich environment for your children to learn and grow during their early years.

At Busy Bees Te Rapa, we value every child and see them as unique and a special taonga. Our Teachers are passionate about encouraging children's creativity, supporting their emerging social interactions, and celebrating their individual successes. Our centre caters for tamariki up to six and we are open from 7.30am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Conveniently located in the heart of Hamilton City, we're easy to find and within a short traveling distance to Te Rapa Racecourse. We're the natural choice for busy parents and local families in the community.

Our centre welcomes tamariki and their whānau, supporting children to develop into capable learners with a strong cultural identity. Qualified teachers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, providing quality education in a stimulating environment. We welcome your child to our community and look forward to helping them start their education journey. We would love to see you.

Our Rooms

Kaakano: 

In Kaakano (Under 2’s), we take pride in our teaching practice influenced by the RIE Philosophy, where we genuinely respect and understand and encourage reciprocal relationships with our parents, whānau and community. This helps tamariki to develop and strengthen their trust in those around them and in the environment; to feel secured and gain a sense of belonging. We also aspire to provide our tamariki with consistent routines and uninterrupted play giving them the freedom to explore, learn and grow together with their peers and pepi.

Puawai: 

Our room supports tamariki between the ages 2 to 3.5 years. In Puawai Room we express love and affection to your little one while fostering close relationships with families via whanaugatanga and acknowledging cultural diversity through pedagogy that is attentive to cultural differences. To prepare the toddlers for preschool, we also strive to encourage independence and intentional teaching.

Kowhai: 

Ages 3.5 to 6 years, Our centre has a large outdoor space where children can create, explore, be imaginative and expressive. There’s plenty of room to safely run about, being imaginative and physically active. We support social and emotional skills by encouraging tamariki to learn independence through looking after their belongings, serving their own kai and helping to clean and care for resources. We support ongoing discussions throughout the day around being a kind friend to all and we support problem-solving in peer relationships through individual and group discussions at mat-times.