Home

He Whānau Manaaki Kindergarten Association

He Whānau Manaaki o Tararua Kindergartens is a not-for-profit group of 101 kindergartens and a home based service committed to providing quality education and a caring approach.

Our name translates as ‘Caring Family’, and that says a lot about the way we go about things.

When you choose Whānau Manaaki, you have the reassurance of knowing your service is committed to the highest quality standards.

Our approach means your child receives the care and education that is right for them, at a pace that works best for them so they can make the most of every growth and learning opportunity in their own time, in their own way.

There's a proud tradition of helping children and families make the most of those vital pre-school years.

Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens was formed when the Wellington Kindergarten Association and the Rimutaka Kindergarten Assocation joined to create one organisation to better support our high quality services and to advocate for children. Whanganui Association have also since joined us.

We look forward to you becoming part of our 'caring family' too.

High quality early childhood education

20 HOURS FREE early childhood education per week

Days and times to suit different needs

100% FULLY QUALIFIED and REGISTERED teachers

Genuine commitment to BICULTURAL practice

Connection to the nationwide kindergarten movement

Grounded in the kindergarten tradition, each Whānau Manaaki service is unique, reflecting families and communities. We remain firmly committed to the things that make the kindergarten philosophy so effective: qualified staff, strong educational leadership, a focus on preparation for school, allowing children to learn at their own pace, and encouraging family participation.

Whānau Manaaki supports our kindergartens and home based providers with professional development, keeps them up to date with the latest on child development, and provides administrative services so our people can spend more time teaching and caring for children. In turn, whānau and families have the reassurance of knowing their kindergarten is well supported by a professional organisation dedicated to the highest quality standards, informed by the current thinking.

Kindergarten: quality education and a caring approach that ensures children are challenged and are nurtured, and that parents, whānau and caregivers can join in these vital early educational experiences.