At Onehunga Kindergarten, we provide a warm, inclusive, and inspiring environment where tamariki feel empowered to explore, learn, and thrive. Our teaching is grounded in Te Whāriki – New Zealand’s Early Childhood Curriculum – and shaped by the values we share as a team, our multicultural community, and our commitment to caring for the planet. 

Our Values: What matters most – Our teaching team has reviewed and refined our shared values through the lens of the four principles of Te Whāriki. 

• Empowerment – We nurture confident, capable learners. Tamariki are encouraged to express themselves, take risks, and grow in a space where they feel seen and valued. 
• Family and Community – We welcome every child’s language, culture, and background. Belonging is strengthened through inclusive practices and strong relationships with whānau. 
• Holistic Development – Our programme is play-based and tamariki-led, filled with rich, hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and problem solving. 
• Relationships – Relationships are at the heart of learning. We foster trust, respect, and collaboration between tamariki, kaiako, whānau, and the wider community. 
• Sustainability – We teach tamariki to care for Te Ao – our planet – through everyday experiences that support kaitiakitanga and environmental responsibility. 

Outdoor Learning 

Our large, natural outdoor space provides tamariki with daily opportunities to move, explore, and connect with nature. Features include: 

• A vibrant garden where tamariki care for and learn from Papatūānuku 

• Physical play spaces to develop strength, balance, and coordination 

• Open-ended areas for exploration and problem solving 

• Loose parts to support creative, collaborative play 

• A mud kitchen for sensory, scientific, and imaginative experiences 

Sustainability in Action 

Sustainability is woven into our daily life at Onehunga Kindergarten. Tamariki engage in: 

• Composting, worm farming, and recycling 

• Using natural and repurposed materials in play 

• Caring for our garden and outdoor spaces 

Each child also has the opportunity to take home Tiny Tim, our sustainability mascot, and share with their whānau how they care for the environment. These shared stories help strengthen connections between home and kindergarten while building lifelong environmental awareness. 

 Celebrating Culture and Identity 

Our kindergarten reflects the cultural diversity of our Onehunga community. We are committed to inclusive practices that honour the identity, language, and traditions of every child. We: 

• Celebrate cultural festivals and traditions from across the world 

• Encourage the use of home languages in meaningful ways 

• Integrate te reo Māori and tikanga Māori into daily routines 

• Invite whānau to share their stories, customs, and knowledge with us 

Tamariki develop a strong sense of belonging when they see their identity valued and reflected in their learning environment. 

What You will See 

• Children leading their own play and learning 

• Active, joyful, hands-on experiences 

• Kaiako engaged alongside tamariki – learn about our fully qualified teaching team here

• Close connections with whānau 

We welcome you to visit us and see all we have to offer.  Meet the team and learn more about the enrolment process.