Te Puna Kindergarten

Welcome to Te Puna Kindergarten

Manaaki whenua, manaaki tangata, haere whakamua. Care for the land, care for the people and go forward.

Nestled in the rural outskirts of Te Puna, you will find Te Puna Kindergarten. Situated in a sunny spot just off Minden Road, we are housed in a purpose-built, award-winning, eco-efficient building. (Yes, it has won awards—just saying!)

Children and whānau enjoy our large, natural outdoor play area, which features fruit trees, logs, rocks, places to climb, and places to hide—creating endless opportunities for exciting adventures every day. Our local curriculum and philosophy are deeply connected to our whakairo (carving), gifted to the kindergarten during its opening in 2019. From this carving, we have developed our five learning pou:

• Mōhiotanga Whānau / Manaakitanga
• Te Pura / Kaitiakitanga
• Papatūānuku / Whānaungatanga
• Poripori / Ako
• Maramatanga Whānau / Rangatiratanga

Through these learning pou, children gain a profound connection to the whenua (land) we share and learn the rich stories it holds.

We are a community of sharers, contributing excess fruit, eggs, and vegetables to a communal sharing table. Te Puna Kindergarten has also embarked on a highly successful kūmara-growing journey, and we are now expanding our gardens at the back of the kindergarten. These gardening projects are hands-on learning experiences for the children.

Our whānau are always welcome to stay, participate, or lend a hand—whether by sharing their time or helping with small tasks, like taking home washing when needed. Once a term, the children venture out into the wider community through van trips, building connections beyond the kindergarten.

    > Click here to view our Te Puna Kindergarten Vision