Maungaarangi Kindergarten Welcome Bay

Welcome to Maungaarangi Kindergarten Welcome Bay, located in Tauranga, New Zealand. Our kindergarten is a place of privilege where we have the opportunity to learn alongside you and your child. The name "Maungaarangi" translates to "Mountains in the Sky," reflecting the beautiful natural surroundings that our kindergarten is nestled in.

Situated next door to Welcome Bay School, our kindergarten boasts large sloping grounds that provide our tamariki (children) with ample space to explore and challenge themselves in a natural environment. In recognition of our commitment to environmental sustainability, we have achieved a Silver Enviroschools Reflection.

At Maungaarangi, our vision is to awaken wairua (spirit) and grow leaders. We believe in fostering respectful, responsive, and reciprocal relationships that promote lifelong learning. Through intentional teaching and an ethic of care called manakitanga, we ensure that your child feels safe and nurtured, building meaningful relationships with their peers, teachers, and whānau (family).

Our philosophy and assessment framework, Ngā Pūrākau Māori (Māori Legends), inspire our children's passion for learning. We focus on holistic well-being (Ko Te Ngakau Aroha), families and community working together (Whānaupiripiri), living alongside the natural world (Whenua Whāngaihia), exploring and learning (Ngā Kete Marama), and embracing spiritual essence and magic (Wairua).

Our localised curriculum embraces the people and places in our community, allowing our tamariki to connect with their surroundings and develop a sense of belonging. As we say, "Whāia te iti kahurangi Ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei" which means "Seek the treasure you value most dearly: if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain."

Starting from Term 3, 2023, we have exciting changes to our session times. Our NEW kindergarten session times are from 8.45am to 2.45pm, Monday to Friday. Our NEW Playgroup session times are now from 8.45am to 11.45am on Wednesdays only.

At Maungaarangi Kindergarten Welcome Bay, we promote kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of papatūānuku (mother earth) through our forest, gardens, and native areas. Our children are empowered to self-manage risk-taking, using our purpose-built bike riding track and flying fox. With 100% qualified teachers who value authenticity in practice and a sense of fun, we are committed to providing the best learning experience for our tamariki.

We also offer a Pēpe (baby) playgroup and Roopū Tuakana for our older children, ensuring continuity of learning between kindergarten and school. Additionally, we have a partnership with Enviroschools, further enhancing our commitment to environmental sustainability.

Join us at Maungaarangi Kindergarten Welcome Bay, where we nurture the potential within every child and create a generation prepared to embrace future challenges with a positive outlook and confidence.