Mahora Kindergarten

Welcome to Mahora Kindergarten, located in the heart of West Hastings, New Zealand. Nestled in a rich natural environment, our kindergarten provides a space where children can climb trees, play and learn, and create lasting memories. At Mahora Kindergarten, we believe in fostering creativity, joy, and exploration to set the perfect foundation for each child's learning journey.

Our kindergarten is held together by five Pou, each representing a core value that is woven into every aspect of our institution. Whanaungatanga, Manaaki, Mauri, Kaitiakitanga, and Ako strengthen each other to ensure a high-quality early childhood experience for both children and their families.

In our expansive environment, children have numerous opportunities to explore and learn, creating a sense of wonder and fun. We believe that play is the finest form of learning, and it is through play that children develop essential skills, patterns of behavior, and attitudes towards themselves as learners. Our dedicated and experienced team of teachers have a strong understanding of child development and dispositional learning, and they are passionate about supporting neurodiversity.

At Mahora Kindergarten, we understand that our institution is not just for your child, but for you as well. We strive to create a sense of belonging and provide support to families. Whether you need a friendly ear or a cup of tea, we are here for you.

Community involvement is highly valued at Mahora Kindergarten. We believe in building genuine relationships with children and their families, as well as local agencies, schools, and people. We aim to create a positive impact within the community by incorporating the Enviroschools kaupapa into our program and practices.

We believe in the wonder of childhood and ensuring that each child's time at kindergarten is magical, filled with positive memories. Fun, laughter, and silliness are part of our everyday activities for children, their families, and our teachers. We also believe in valuing each child's voice, providing interactions that enhance their Mana, and creating an inclusive environment for all children.

Respectful and guardianship are important values at Mahora Kindergarten. We strive to protect and care for our environment, while fostering inquiry and curiosity in children. Our kindergarten is a community of learners, where everyone, including teachers, learns from one another. We provide an engaging and motivating environment for children, valuing them as unique individuals.

At Mahora Kindergarten, we are open Monday to Friday, including term breaks, except for the Christmas break and public holidays. We offer flexible hours, with a charge of $5.00 per hour for any hours over 6 hours per day.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in early childhood education, we offer a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education). To find out more about our individual kindergartens and to inquire about your child's 30 hours of free education, please visit our website.

Mahora Kindergarten is proudly operated by the Heretaunga Free Kindergarten Association.