Play and Learn Early Education Programmes

22/07/2026

Kia ora everyone,

A quick update: Friday's event has been postponed.

Following recent talks with the Ministry of Education, we're now engaging constructively on a positive way forward, and we've postponed the event so it doesn't unintentionally get in the way of those discussions. A full letter with more detail will be sent out separately shortly.

Thank you again for all the support, letters, and advocacy so far. It's made a real difference.

Ngā mihi nui

06/07/2026

We need your voice! 🌿
For over 20 years, Nature Kindergarten has given Auckland children the chance to learn, play and grow in the natural world. Right now, we're asking anyone who's been part of this journey, current parents, former parents, grandparents, or friends of the programme, to share what Nature Kindergarten has meant to your family.
Your words will help us make the case for a proper, dedicated licensing pathway for nature-based early childhood education here in Aotearoa.
Send your testimonial to [email protected]
And please come along and show your support in person: Save Nature Kindergarten Community Event, Friday 24 July, 4.00 pm, Long Bay Regional Park.
Bring your whānau, bring your friends. Every voice counts. 💚

25/06/2026

Help Save Nature Kindergarten

For over 20 years, Play and Learn's Nature Kindergarten has given Auckland children the chance to learn, play and grow in the natural world, led by qualified teachers, with full health and safety systems in place.

Now, because of a gap in New Zealand's regulations, the programme is under threat. New Zealand appears to be the only country in the world that requires every early childhood service to operate from a traditional licensed premises, with no pathway for nature-based programmes. The Ministry of Education recently cancelled the licence of our base centre, and is now questioning the excursion model that has made Nature Kindergarten possible for two decades.

We're not asking for lower standards. We're asking for regulations that recognise nature-based education for what it is: legitimate, evidence-based, and enormously valuable for children.

With a general election approaching, we have a real opportunity to be heard.

Save Nature Kindergarten Community Event
Friday 24 July | 4.00 pm | Long Bay Regional Park

Ministers of Education have been invited. Numbers matter. Please share widely and come along if you can.

09/12/2024

We are passionate about play because we understand and listen to the research.

03/12/2024

Our different centres and spaces across nz include long bay regional park

15/11/2024

Everyday is a great day to go outside. Sometimes adults feel they need to do something (other than hold secure safe play boundaries when outside) - how about searching a colour scavenger hunt 🌸👣🌸

05/11/2024

“Play is the foundation of learning, creativity, self-expression, and constructive problem-solving. It’s how children wrestle with life to make it meaningful. ”
Susan Linn
Contemporary American psychiatrist

Our Churchill park nature kindergarten is open Mondays and Tuesdays. They are taking enrolments now

[email protected]

30/10/2024

Why we do what we do …. We’ve been outside for over 30 years! We know how important risky play is

The Detail: During New Zealand Play Week, experts say play should be mandatory, and a bit riskier.