Childcare options in Ngaruawahia

Our Philosophy

We believe tamariki should play and have fun. The Māori philosophy of kaitiakitanga, caring for the environment, others and ourselves is our guiding framework. We provide a positive, nurturing place where tamariki are free to play and explore in a safe and fun way. We welcome all tamariki and their whānau. The Club environment ensures that tamariki have a strong sense of belonging, as well as preparing tamariki for their transition to school.

Te Kōhanga Reo o Waikeri is a centre-based kōhanga reo located in Ngaruawahia and provides for up to 30 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.

Active Discoverers Educare is set under the hakarimata ranges with a family feel to the wonderful nature environment. The team are local to the community and love sharing our wonderful centre with local whanau, children and the community. We love getting to know new families and involving them in our centre and the wonderful centre events we have too.

Our programme celebrates the benefits of play, recognising its ability to encourage children’s creativity and imagination, support risk taking and problem solving, and develop and refine physical skills and abilities. 

Our family based centre allows tamariki to interact with and care for their siblings, whanau, and/or peers, developing essential social skills and creating a strong sense of belonging and contribution. 

We recognise the strong community spirit, and rich cultural history here in Ngaruawahia. We regularly engage in local events, happenings, and outings, acknowledging the amazing talent we have within our community, and utilizing the natural wonders right at our doorstep.

Ko te mea nui, ko nga tamariki, where children come first, forms the foundation of Galbraith Kindergartens Waikato and flows into the kindergarten’s philosophy of:

• Whanaungatanga, to provide a learning environment in which all tamariki will learn to respect themselves and others, and the kindergarten environment and community, and
• Manākitanga, to provide an environment for children, whānau, staff and the wider community to feel welcome and valued.

Our programme centres around child initiated learning, based on their interests and fostering discovery and adult supported learning. We consider Papatūānuku (Mother earth) as an important element in supporting children’s learning and this links into many aspects of our programme. Whānau relationships provide the connection between home and the kindergarten to support children’s learning. Whānau input is valued and encouraged in all areas of the kindergarten operations. We have strong relations with our local community and schools of Ngaruawahia.

Galbraith Kindergartens Waikato delivers high quality, affordable (cheap!) education and childcare:

• Warm & welcoming staff who are passionate about teaching and learning.
• Safe, caring and stimulating environment.
• Well resourced and huge outdoor play area.
• Children develop social interaction and respect.
• An exclusive early childhood partnership with the Enviroschools Programme (eg. recycling, composting, gardening).
• In Partnership with Sports Waikato Under5 Energize to eat healthy, be active & have fun! 
• Learning based on the NZ Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whāriki.
• Value family/whānau and kindergarten partnership.
• Transition to school programme.

Our qualified staff carefully plan programmes that fulfil the early childhood curriculum. We aim to ensure children are competent, confident and successful learners. Children will learn and develop:

• A strong foundation in reading, writing and maths
• Art, creativity, music and dance skills
• An understanding of sustainability and their environment
• The importance of New Zealand's heritage
• Social skills, behaviour management and manners
• Self confidence
• Learning skills such as independence, creativity and curiosity
• Friendships that may last throughout their schooling
• Relationships with consistent, familiar teachers
• To understand and operate within a structured routine

Teachers provide learning extensions that prepare you child for school which include numeracy & numbers, literacy & language, nature & science, computers & technology, puzzles & games, creative arts, sand & water play, trips, transition to school programme, child friendships… and more!

Children work together at mat time to share daily information, stories, songs, movement, drama & waiata, etc.

Kids Time Early Learning Centre is located at 3 Galileo Street in the heart of the Ngaruawahia township. 

The Early Learning Centre has two separate buildings connected by a deck area. 

The Infants and Toddlers area caters for children aged 3 months to 2 years.  The Preschool area caters for children aged 2 years up to 4 years. 

 The Early Learning Centre has a large park-like outdoor area for children to explore.  

The Infants and Toddlers room has a cosy homelike atmosphere perfect for nurturing your young child.  

The Preschool has a spacious indoor area divided into smaller learning areas for different activities designed to encourage learning through active exploration and play.  

Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Kaahu is a centre-based kōhanga reo located in Ngaruawahia and provides for up to 29 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.

Te Kōhanga Reo o Tūrangawaewae is a centre-based kōhanga reo located in Ngaruawahia and provides for up to 35 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.