Set overlooking Whangarei Harbour, Portland Kindergarten offers a welcoming, learning environment where our tamariki are supported to explore, create, and connect with the world around them.
What we offer:
Every tamaiti who walks through our gate is recognised as a unique individual, bringing their own strengths, traits, whakapapa, culture, and identity. We see each child as being wrapped in a korowai of their ancestors, carrying with them the mana, stories, and connections that shape who they are.
We believe tamariki learn best when they feel secure, valued, and deeply acknowledged for who they are. Through a play-based, child-led curriculum, we nurture curiosity, creativity, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging. We work alongside whānau to honour each child’s aspirations, build on their strengths, and support their learning journey at their own pace.
Our connection to Papatūānuku is woven through daily life, encouraging tamariki to care for, respect, and learn from the natural world around them.
We are guided by the principles and goals of Te Whariki, He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa, NZ Early Childhood Curriculum 2017.
Tamariki engage in everyday learning through hands-on experiences such as caring for our vegetable gardens, participating in the Green Walk, managing the compost and worm farm and observing our butterfly garden.
Our older tamariki participate in our Nature Programme.
Through this, children develop an understanding of kaitiakitanga and their role as kaiawhina, caring for our natural world.
Our belief at Portland Kindergarten is that Tamariki learn in a welcoming environment surrounded with beautiful things and through positive, respectful relationships that foster kindness, creativity, and resilience. Our bicultural practices focus on whanaungatanga, ensuring that each individual’s mana and identity is always affirmed, creating a sense of belonging and safety for all. We acknowledge the uniqueness of each child by respecting that they do not come on their own but are wrapped in the korowai of their whānau and tupuna.
Our inclusive environment values each child’s competence and capability empowering them to lead their own learning, nurturing their holistic development and growing their self-belief that they can make a positive difference in the world.
We are committed to an Enviroschools Kaupapa, sustaining, and guarding our unique place in the community for future generations.
We value strong partnerships with whānau and warmly welcome families to become part of our kindergarten community. We operate with an open-door policy and love connecting with new families. If you're in the neighbourhood, please pop in to meet the team and see our beautiful kindergarten in action.
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 2.30pm
We are FEES FREE!
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