Ngā pou | Our pillars
As a collective, Kindergartens Aotearoa advocates for high quality, affordable early childhood education for all.
We believe ECE is a public good
Advocacy for equality
Our advocacy efforts are focused on ensuring that ECE remains affordable and accessible to all, including addressing disparities in participation and quality.
Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
We acknowledge our individual and collective responsibility to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Our values - whānaungatanga, manaakitanga, aroha, mana, kounga, mahi tahi and pono - recognise and reflect associations’ bi-cultural obligations to provide culturally responsive environments to ensure Māori tamariki have equitable opportunities to learn.
The status of kindergartens as a not-for-profit public, education must be protected
Kindergartens Aotearoa operate as non-profit, community based ECE services.
Qualified and certificated kindergarten teachers are are part of the wider teaching profession recognised in legislation as public sector employees in the employed in the Education Service.
The inclusion of kindergartens in legislation highlights the unique position of kindergartens in Aotearoa’s education system.
Kindergartens are largely funded by the government in return for high-quality services that meet the educational and well-being needs of tamariki across all communities.
Kindergartens provide positive outcomes for tamariki & whānau
Qualified teachers and good staff to child ratios
Tamariki benefit from a 100% qualified teaching workforce and good staff to child ratios. Our kaiako are supported by ongoing professional development including opportunities for research and leadership, ensuring excellence in pedagogy.
Fair pay, great conditions
We champion the professionalism of our workforce by ensuring fair pay and prioritising staff wellbeing. We advocate for pay parity across the ECE sector.
Holistic development
Guided by Te Whāriki, kindergartens focus on nurturing tamariki as confident, competent learners, healthy in mind, body, and spirit, and secure in their sense of belonging.
Smooth transitions to school and beyond
By fostering foundational skills through play-based learning, tamariki are well-prepared for success in primary education and beyond.
Whānau partnerships
Parents and caregivers are actively involved in education, building a collaborative foundation for lifelong learning.
Welcoming and inclusive learning environments
Kindergartens are warm, welcoming environments that recognise and celebrate the language, culture and identity of tamariki, whānau and community.
We are future and sustainability focused
Innovative Practices
Our kindergartens are at the cutting edge of curriculum delivery, integrating new research and educational strategies into our teaching and learning.
Care for Te Taiao
Tamariki are introduced to sustainability-focused learning environments such as forest and beach kindergartens and Enviroschools. Through environmentally conscious practices we foster an early appreciation for caring for the planet.
Strategic Growth
Kindergartens Aotearoa is focused on reversing the national downward trend in enrolments by growing and modernising services and creating innovative programmes that meet 21st-century needs.
Future-proofing ECE
We are working collectively to ensure kindergartens are resilient, relevant and impactful. Together we are able to adapt to shifts in government policies, demographic changes, and societal expectations.
Partnership and Community
Locally rooted services
Each kindergarten reflects the identity and unique aspirations of its community, creating culturally responsive, inclusive, and localised learning environments.
Building partnerships
Collaborations with iwi, whānau, and local organisations strengthen kindergartens’ ability to meet community needs and aspirations. We aim to build connections across the social service sector including the wider education sector, health, housing and social development.
Shared vision with whānau
Kindergartens work in partnership with families to support the learning and development of tamariki, fostering a shared sense of responsibility and connection.
Community wellbeing
Our kindergartens create spaces for connection and collaboration. As hubs of their communities, kindergartens contribute to social cohesion and foster relationships that benefit tamariki and their whānau.