Childcare options in Tikipunga

Kia ora, We are a boutique centre for children 2 and over. We are inspired by the belief  that we are helping build the foundational skills for a happy life. We know children are natural learners who learn through play. Through play our dedicated professional teachers work alongside your child to build knowledge together. We focus on real learning that will build the foundations for success in everything your child does in the future. Children’s positive dispositions such as perseverance, determination, curiosity, confidence,and kindness will be nurtured in our quality home like environment where the children feel safe and secure.

We are located in a wonderful villa in Tikipunga catering for the local families and wider Whangarei.  

Our play space is free and flexible allowing children’s creativity to flourish while understanding the rules and boundaries of respectful social interactions.

Forest View Kindergarten is situated on the outskirts of Tikipunga, close to Whangarei Falls and on the way to Glenbervie.

Forest View Kindergarten is set amongst beautiful native trees, with lots of gardens, including barrels of wonderful herbs, flowers and vegetables.  A large grass area is also part of our lovely outdoor space. You can hear Tui singing, see children exploring their natural environment searching for insects and dinosaur bones. Children and teachers are working alongside each other engaging in learning, researching ideas, investigating and asking questions.

You will see the children being independent learners.  We view children as being born with a sense of wonder and having a natural affinity for nature. You will see the children being active with lots of opportunity to run, climb trees, hit, kick and throw balls, blow bubbles, swing and jump; developing their important fundamental movement skills. You will see our children being creative and expressive through a variety of media such as dramatic play, storytelling, dancing, music, art and construction. You will see teachers and children gathering for mat-times; singing, storytelling, dancing and sharing stories and ideas.

It is within all of these experiences that teachers promote the literacy/language learning and the mathematical/scientific concepts.

We welcome parents, grandparents and whanau to share in the learning with their child.  We share our day with ‘friends’ on our Facebook page.  Every child has their own portfolio giving an insight to their learning journey.

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.

We have two Child Care Centers, side by side. 

Little Treasures ages 0-3 and Junior Treasures ages 3-5

Tikipunga Kindergarten is a purpose built facility with areas for both indoor and outdoor play.

Tikipunga Kindergarten is a well-resourced facility with ample areas for both indoor and outdoor play that is located next door to Tikipunga Primary School.

Our programme reflects whānau aspirations and the tenets of our philosophy where relationships with self, others, and our environment are central to our work and play. 

Assessment of learning is done in collaboration with whānau with the focus being on building a positive learner identity.

Tikipunga Kindergarten prides itself in having deep connections with the natural world with living play-spaces and a nature-based curriculum. We embrace the Enviroschools kaupapa where we empower children, learn for sustainability, honour Māori perspectives, show respect for diversity of people and cultures and nurture sustainable communities. We foster a deep respect for the natural environment and promote protection of Papatūānuku. We have a fantastic nature programme where our older tamariki are able to enjoy weekly excursions to a local bush area. We also grow our own fruits and vegetables, cook kai over the fire pit and, with raincoats supplied, we get to enjoy being outside experiencing all the elements!

Tikipunga Kindergarten is fees-free and all meals are provided free of charge.

Nau mai, haere mai and welcome to Totara Grove Playcentre

Playcentre is unlike any other early childhood education organisation. At Playcentre, both children and their parents / caregivers attend.

At Playcentre children get the opportunity to learn and explore in a fun and safe environment.

The curiosity and creativity of our tamariki is nurtured in a way that allows them to learn about themselves and their world.

Your child will be given a chance to explore, create, climb, read, sing, experiment, play music, wear costumes, have their face painted (or do it themselves!), garden, do carpentry with real tools, bake and cook, build sandcastles, swing, slide, dance, spend time in nature and get messy.

The activities change every day. Playcentre parents all bring different skills, interests, and cultural backgrounds to add to the rich learning environment.

We welcome families with children aged 0 – 6 years. Mixed age play allows your children to engage with others older and younger than themselves. Pre-schoolers learn how to communicate, share and negotiate with empathy for their younger peers.

At Playcentre, families come together and lifelong friendships are formed.

We welcome you to visit any time during the year. You are entitled to three free visits so come and check out what we do – we would love to meet you and your family!