Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens in Porirua
In 2014, two established kindergarten organisations (the Rimutaka Kindergarten Association and Wellington Kindergartens) came together to become one, creating He Whānau Manaaki o Tararua Free Kindergarten Association Incorporated (Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens) - one of the largest providers in the New Zealand early childhood sector.
We are an incorporated society governed by our board - an elected group of parents and staff representatives - which sets policy and strategic direction. Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens operate within the policies and guidelines the board sets, with the support of a senior management team.
We offer high quality teaching and learning with our 100% qualified and registered kindergarten teachers and our highly skilled and trained educators.
Whānau Manaaki provides administrative, management and property management support to 85 kindergartens and educational leadership and professional development for up to 700 teaching staff and home based educators. An ongoing focus on innovation and educational excellence enables our teachers and educators to provide to the needs of children and families, reducing their administrative load.
More than 5,600 children now attend one of Whānau Manaaki’s 85 kindergartens and 150 children are enrolled with our Pasifika-focused Etu Ao home based service. Whānau Manaaki children are getting a great start to their formal education in a caring community setting.
Adventure Kindergarten, Whitby
18 Longitude Place , Whitby
(04) 234 8022
adventure@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
"Our programme offers children opportunities to enquire and investigate topics of environmental, global, national, and local interest , with time to continue learning and researching their interests over a sustained period of time."
Ascot Park Kindergarten
Conclusion Street , Porirua
(04) 235 7146
ascotpark@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
" At Ascot Park we encourage our whānau to be part of our programme in whatever way they can to support the children’s learning. We encourage family groupings, so siblings and cousins can attend together. We encourage participation of children and their whanau with special learning needs, and will work alongside other agencies to support and encourage full participation.”
Awatea Kindergarten
19 Awatea Street , Porirua
(04) 237 7290
awatea@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
" At Awatea Kindergarten (previously Mungavin Kindergarten) we are warm and welcoming, we reflect the cultural diversity of our Porirua community, and we have strong relationships with whānau."
Discovery Kindergarten, Whitby
Pullen Lane , Whitby
(04) 234 819
discovery@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:45am – 2:45pm
“The programme is soundly based on the children’s interests. When children identify interests, teachers support them by providing resources and engaging children in conversation to extend their learning and deepen their developing understanding. The progression and development of these interests are reflected on our planning walls in the centre. Stories are also placed in the children’s profile books, which are available at all times for the whānau to read.”
Katoa Kindergarten, Elsdon
52 Takapuwahia Drive, Elsdon , Porirua
(04) 237 4262
katoa@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
Playgroup: Monday and Friday: 9am – 11am and 12pm – 2pm
"Katoa Kindergarten is supportive of whānau by offering a playgroup each Monday and Friday which runs alongside the kindergarten session. We run workshops with a topic chosen by parents and whānau which range from arts and craft groups, cooking sessions, yoga sessions, parent education and support.”
Maraeroa Kindergarten, Canons Creek
36 Astrolabe Street, Cannons Creek , Porirua
(04) 237 4276
maraeroa@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
" Our kindergarten is surrounded by the diverse and vibrant Cannons Creek Community in Eastern Porirua.
We are nestled into the valley that once contained Maara Roa; the long garden cultivated in days gone now, by our whaea or mother. The nearby Maraeroa Marae has honoured her by naming the wharenui Ukaipo Hiato - the gathering place of the mother who provides for all the people. We believe our name carries the power of this history and have taken on the role of a caring for our extensive maara. We value the rich opportunities this outdoor environment provides for the tamariki by learning and living alongside each other each day."
Moira Gallagher Kindergarten, Cannons Creek
24 Hampshire Street , Cannons Creek
(04) 237 8929
moiragallagher@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:45am – 2:45pm
“We are the oldest kindergarten in Porirua, located in multicultural Cannons Creek, and we have a strong relationship with our community.
Whanaungatanga, Manaakitanga, Whakapapa and Tuakana/Teina play a significant role in our teaching philosophy. Teachers support children’s independence and extend their thinking, empowering them to make decisions about their own learning.”
Nuanua Kindergarten, Cannons Creek
Warspite Avenue , Porirua
(04) 238 2809
nuanua@wmkindergartens.org.nz
SessionTimes: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
" Nuanua Kindergarten in the heart of Cannons Creek nurtures the Samoan and Tokelauan languages and culture. Our teachers are fluent in these languages and use them throughout the learning experiences and activities. Every morning children gather for Lotu (devotions). We start on a positive note with blessings that set the tone for the day. This is also a time to welcome new children and families to the Nuanua village. Every Friday Rev Perema from PIC Cannons Creek joins us for Lotu.”
Papakowhai Kindergarten
5 Yarrow Place, Papakowhai
(04) 237 8634
papakowhai@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
" Our kindergarten in the quiet suburb of Papakowhai benefits from a large outdoor area with mature trees. Many native birds visit and feed in our garden. The gardens are nature’s teacher as the tamariki learn to plant and harvest food.
Our tamariki have interesting places to climb and explore including trees, boxes and the bank by the school. We have a hammock to relax in and many separate spaces for busy children to learn and have fun."
Paremata Kindergarten
51 Paremata Road, Paremata
(04) 233 8662
paremata@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
" Paremata Kindergarten operates a free play programme and provides a range of opportunities for children to learn, explore, gain knowledge, dispositions and skills and of course have fun. Children are able to explore both the inside and outside learning environments and choose areas of interest to them. On Monday morning there is kapa haka (Māori waiata and dance), and on Thursday we also have library time where the children are welcome to choose one of our books to take home to read. Returned library books are placed in the ‘library return box’. This is the box which is kept on the shelf in the children’s locker room. We are fortunate to have Susan who is our admin support in the office and, Kevin, our teacher aide, who works with both groups of children.”
Plimmerton Kindergarten
Beach Road , Plimmerton
(04) 233 1027
plimmerton@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
“A unique and innovative aspect of our programme is Bush Sprouts - Ngā Tipuranga o te Ngahere. The ten oldest children spend one whole kindergarten day in the bush every week. Teaching in the bush is based on the philosophy of Forest Kindergarten, and aims to give children open-ended opportunities for learning and challenge and a real connection with the natural environment.
We have a deep commitment to inclusive education, with the added strength of four of our teachers having experience and education in Special Education. We celebrate and embrace diversity and believe children learn best when they and their family’s home culture and experience is valued and where they are treated equitably and with dignity.”
Pukerua Bay Kindergarten and Pre-Entry
1 Wairaka Road , Pukerua Bay
(04) 239 9442
pukeruabay@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
" Pukerua Bay Kindergarten and Pre-Entry provide high quality early childhood education for children from 0 - 5 years old. We have 100% qualified teachers and offer a fun, interest based curriculum for children.The kindergarten liaises with local schools and draws children from Paekakariki to Plimmerton. Our environment is egg and nut free”
Tairangi Kindergarten
Cnr Warspite Avenue & Omapere Street , Porirua
(04) 235 8385
tairangi@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: 8:45am – 2:45pm
" Children need to bring a lunch box with sufficient food for lunch and afternoon tea. Water is available throughout the session so we ask you not to send drinks along. As part of our programme we regularly bake with children. Our kindergarten has a healthy food policy. We are a nut free zone because of allergies.
Our free play programme enables children to make their own choices and become empowered about their learning and development. We value all parent and whānau input into the programme.”
Titahi Bay Kindergarten
48 Herewini Street , Titahi Bay
236 7225
titahibay@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
" Our kindergarten opened in 1972 and is situated on top of a hill overlooking Mana o Kupe Ki Aotearoa/Mana Island and Te Waipounamu/the South Island. The hill, Whitireia, is a significant local landmark. We share the local Māori stories of te taniwha, Awarua, and te toroa, Rereroa with the children regularly. These stories tell of how the local landforms – te Mana o Kupe ki Aotearoa and Onepoto were formed. We also name our two session groups after Awarua (for the older children) and Rereroa (for the younger children)."
Toru Fetū Kindergarten
36 Astrolabe Street , Porirua City
(04) 239 6063
torufetu@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 7:30am – 5:30pm
“Toru Fetū Kindergarten opened in June 2010 and is a purpose built Pasifika centre in Cannons Creek, Porirua, that offers a service for children from six months to five years.
We are offer a full day service and we open for 49 weeks of the year.
Our children are in three classrooms - Punanga Reo, Akoga Fakamasani and Aoga Tama Ikiiki.
Our mission here at Toru Fetū Kindergarten is to be a place that nurtures a sense of pride, togetherness and belonging for all, while celebrating the language and culture of each Pasifika nation.”
Waitangirua Kindergarten
4 Kalingo Street , Waitangirua
(04) 235 9410
waitangirua@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
“We offer a programme which is flexible, purposeful, stimulating and challenging by following the children’s interests and supporting their learning and other needs. We have a transition to school programme, and a peer reading programme with one of our local schools. We offer Kapa haka once a week. A Samoan cultural aide supports our programme in Samoan, and a language extension teacher supports children needing extra one to one assistance.”
*All information copied from the Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens website
We are an incorporated society governed by our board - an elected group of parents and staff representatives - which sets policy and strategic direction. Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens operate within the policies and guidelines the board sets, with the support of a senior management team.
We offer high quality teaching and learning with our 100% qualified and registered kindergarten teachers and our highly skilled and trained educators.
Whānau Manaaki provides administrative, management and property management support to 85 kindergartens and educational leadership and professional development for up to 700 teaching staff and home based educators. An ongoing focus on innovation and educational excellence enables our teachers and educators to provide to the needs of children and families, reducing their administrative load.
More than 5,600 children now attend one of Whānau Manaaki’s 85 kindergartens and 150 children are enrolled with our Pasifika-focused Etu Ao home based service. Whānau Manaaki children are getting a great start to their formal education in a caring community setting.
Adventure Kindergarten, Whitby
18 Longitude Place , Whitby
(04) 234 8022
adventure@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
"Our programme offers children opportunities to enquire and investigate topics of environmental, global, national, and local interest , with time to continue learning and researching their interests over a sustained period of time."
Ascot Park Kindergarten
Conclusion Street , Porirua
(04) 235 7146
ascotpark@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
" At Ascot Park we encourage our whānau to be part of our programme in whatever way they can to support the children’s learning. We encourage family groupings, so siblings and cousins can attend together. We encourage participation of children and their whanau with special learning needs, and will work alongside other agencies to support and encourage full participation.”
Awatea Kindergarten
19 Awatea Street , Porirua
(04) 237 7290
awatea@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
" At Awatea Kindergarten (previously Mungavin Kindergarten) we are warm and welcoming, we reflect the cultural diversity of our Porirua community, and we have strong relationships with whānau."
Discovery Kindergarten, Whitby
Pullen Lane , Whitby
(04) 234 819
discovery@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:45am – 2:45pm
“The programme is soundly based on the children’s interests. When children identify interests, teachers support them by providing resources and engaging children in conversation to extend their learning and deepen their developing understanding. The progression and development of these interests are reflected on our planning walls in the centre. Stories are also placed in the children’s profile books, which are available at all times for the whānau to read.”
Katoa Kindergarten, Elsdon
52 Takapuwahia Drive, Elsdon , Porirua
(04) 237 4262
katoa@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
Playgroup: Monday and Friday: 9am – 11am and 12pm – 2pm
"Katoa Kindergarten is supportive of whānau by offering a playgroup each Monday and Friday which runs alongside the kindergarten session. We run workshops with a topic chosen by parents and whānau which range from arts and craft groups, cooking sessions, yoga sessions, parent education and support.”
Maraeroa Kindergarten, Canons Creek
36 Astrolabe Street, Cannons Creek , Porirua
(04) 237 4276
maraeroa@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
" Our kindergarten is surrounded by the diverse and vibrant Cannons Creek Community in Eastern Porirua.
We are nestled into the valley that once contained Maara Roa; the long garden cultivated in days gone now, by our whaea or mother. The nearby Maraeroa Marae has honoured her by naming the wharenui Ukaipo Hiato - the gathering place of the mother who provides for all the people. We believe our name carries the power of this history and have taken on the role of a caring for our extensive maara. We value the rich opportunities this outdoor environment provides for the tamariki by learning and living alongside each other each day."
Moira Gallagher Kindergarten, Cannons Creek
24 Hampshire Street , Cannons Creek
(04) 237 8929
moiragallagher@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:45am – 2:45pm
“We are the oldest kindergarten in Porirua, located in multicultural Cannons Creek, and we have a strong relationship with our community.
Whanaungatanga, Manaakitanga, Whakapapa and Tuakana/Teina play a significant role in our teaching philosophy. Teachers support children’s independence and extend their thinking, empowering them to make decisions about their own learning.”
Nuanua Kindergarten, Cannons Creek
Warspite Avenue , Porirua
(04) 238 2809
nuanua@wmkindergartens.org.nz
SessionTimes: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
" Nuanua Kindergarten in the heart of Cannons Creek nurtures the Samoan and Tokelauan languages and culture. Our teachers are fluent in these languages and use them throughout the learning experiences and activities. Every morning children gather for Lotu (devotions). We start on a positive note with blessings that set the tone for the day. This is also a time to welcome new children and families to the Nuanua village. Every Friday Rev Perema from PIC Cannons Creek joins us for Lotu.”
Papakowhai Kindergarten
5 Yarrow Place, Papakowhai
(04) 237 8634
papakowhai@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
" Our kindergarten in the quiet suburb of Papakowhai benefits from a large outdoor area with mature trees. Many native birds visit and feed in our garden. The gardens are nature’s teacher as the tamariki learn to plant and harvest food.
Our tamariki have interesting places to climb and explore including trees, boxes and the bank by the school. We have a hammock to relax in and many separate spaces for busy children to learn and have fun."
Paremata Kindergarten
51 Paremata Road, Paremata
(04) 233 8662
paremata@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
" Paremata Kindergarten operates a free play programme and provides a range of opportunities for children to learn, explore, gain knowledge, dispositions and skills and of course have fun. Children are able to explore both the inside and outside learning environments and choose areas of interest to them. On Monday morning there is kapa haka (Māori waiata and dance), and on Thursday we also have library time where the children are welcome to choose one of our books to take home to read. Returned library books are placed in the ‘library return box’. This is the box which is kept on the shelf in the children’s locker room. We are fortunate to have Susan who is our admin support in the office and, Kevin, our teacher aide, who works with both groups of children.”
Plimmerton Kindergarten
Beach Road , Plimmerton
(04) 233 1027
plimmerton@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
“A unique and innovative aspect of our programme is Bush Sprouts - Ngā Tipuranga o te Ngahere. The ten oldest children spend one whole kindergarten day in the bush every week. Teaching in the bush is based on the philosophy of Forest Kindergarten, and aims to give children open-ended opportunities for learning and challenge and a real connection with the natural environment.
We have a deep commitment to inclusive education, with the added strength of four of our teachers having experience and education in Special Education. We celebrate and embrace diversity and believe children learn best when they and their family’s home culture and experience is valued and where they are treated equitably and with dignity.”
Pukerua Bay Kindergarten and Pre-Entry
1 Wairaka Road , Pukerua Bay
(04) 239 9442
pukeruabay@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
" Pukerua Bay Kindergarten and Pre-Entry provide high quality early childhood education for children from 0 - 5 years old. We have 100% qualified teachers and offer a fun, interest based curriculum for children.The kindergarten liaises with local schools and draws children from Paekakariki to Plimmerton. Our environment is egg and nut free”
Tairangi Kindergarten
Cnr Warspite Avenue & Omapere Street , Porirua
(04) 235 8385
tairangi@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: 8:45am – 2:45pm
" Children need to bring a lunch box with sufficient food for lunch and afternoon tea. Water is available throughout the session so we ask you not to send drinks along. As part of our programme we regularly bake with children. Our kindergarten has a healthy food policy. We are a nut free zone because of allergies.
Our free play programme enables children to make their own choices and become empowered about their learning and development. We value all parent and whānau input into the programme.”
Titahi Bay Kindergarten
48 Herewini Street , Titahi Bay
236 7225
titahibay@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
" Our kindergarten opened in 1972 and is situated on top of a hill overlooking Mana o Kupe Ki Aotearoa/Mana Island and Te Waipounamu/the South Island. The hill, Whitireia, is a significant local landmark. We share the local Māori stories of te taniwha, Awarua, and te toroa, Rereroa with the children regularly. These stories tell of how the local landforms – te Mana o Kupe ki Aotearoa and Onepoto were formed. We also name our two session groups after Awarua (for the older children) and Rereroa (for the younger children)."
Toru Fetū Kindergarten
36 Astrolabe Street , Porirua City
(04) 239 6063
torufetu@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 7:30am – 5:30pm
“Toru Fetū Kindergarten opened in June 2010 and is a purpose built Pasifika centre in Cannons Creek, Porirua, that offers a service for children from six months to five years.
We are offer a full day service and we open for 49 weeks of the year.
Our children are in three classrooms - Punanga Reo, Akoga Fakamasani and Aoga Tama Ikiiki.
Our mission here at Toru Fetū Kindergarten is to be a place that nurtures a sense of pride, togetherness and belonging for all, while celebrating the language and culture of each Pasifika nation.”
Waitangirua Kindergarten
4 Kalingo Street , Waitangirua
(04) 235 9410
waitangirua@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Session Times: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
“We offer a programme which is flexible, purposeful, stimulating and challenging by following the children’s interests and supporting their learning and other needs. We have a transition to school programme, and a peer reading programme with one of our local schools. We offer Kapa haka once a week. A Samoan cultural aide supports our programme in Samoan, and a language extension teacher supports children needing extra one to one assistance.”
*All information copied from the Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens website