Hutt City Kindergartens

To mark 100 years of kindergarten, each received a tree and plaque, along with cupcakes. We were excited to see each kindergarten's creativity and community spirit which really shone through.

Some held dress-up days, others hosted breakfasts, and others invited whānau along to be part of tree planting and shared kai.

Our Head Office team marked the occasion with a morning tea, sharing stories of our own kindergarten connections - from being kindy kids ourselves to how we’ve each come to be part of HCK.

It was a great day of celebration, reflection, and connection across our whole organisation as we honoured 100 years of kindergarten.

Celebrating 100 Years of Kindergarten in Aotearoa New Zealand 🌿

Today marks a very special moment in the history of kindergarten in Aotearoa.

On 10 June 1889, the first kindergarten opened in Dunedin beginning a movement that would shape the lives of generations of tamariki, whānau and communities across New Zealand.

Here at Hutt City Kindergartens, we are proud to be part of this incredible legacy.

To celebrate this milestone, every one of our kindergartens will be planting a tree a symbol of growth, strength, connection and the future.

Just as those who came before us planted the seeds of the kindergarten movement 100 years ago, we continue to nurture and grow opportunities for tamariki today and into the future.

We will also be sharing morning tea together and each kindergarten has chosen its own special way to celebrate this important occasion with their tamariki and whānau.

For 100 years, kindergartens have been places where tamariki are valued, where relationships matter, where learning through play is honoured, and where communities come together.

We acknowledge all of the kaiako, leaders, whānau and advocates past and present who have contributed to this remarkable journey.

As we celebrate this centenary, we also look forward with hope and excitement to the next 100 years of kindergarten in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Ngā mihi nui and happy 100th birthday to Kindergartens in New Zealand!

Holiday Kindergarten – Final Call for Enrolments

Kia ora whānau,

A quick reminder that enrolments for our July Holiday Kindergarten are closing soon (Friday 12 June).

Spaces are filling up quickly, and we now have limited availability:

Avalon: Wednesday and Thursday of Week 2 are now at capacity, with no spaces available on those days

All other days across Avalon, Epuni, and Arakura still have spaces available

If you’re planning to enrol your tamariki, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

Pre-enrol here: https://www.huttkindergartens.org.nz/holiday-kindergarten/

Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you have any questions, please contact your Kindergarten Administrator.

Budget 2026: Early learning deserves better

We support NZ Kindergartens concerns about Budget 2026.
Kindergarten Associations have received just a 0.48% funding increase - well below what’s needed to sustain high-quality, teacher-led early learning.

As not-for-profit providers, we see every day how important these early years are for tamariki and whānau. But rising costs and limited funding make it harder to continue delivering the quality our communities deserve.

The early years matter. Investment in quality ECE matters.

We remain committed to our kaupapa and to supporting every child to thrive.

Ngā mihi for your support 💛

Budget 2026: New Zealand Kindergarten (NZK) Network “Underwhelmed and Disappointed” by Funding Increase

Today I released a media statement stating that the Government’s 2026 Budget funding increase for Early Childhood Education (ECE) falls well short of what is needed to genuinely support quality education outcomes for young children.

While the wider ECE sector received a 1.5% increase in funding rates, Kindergarten Associations which deliver teacher-led, community-based early learning with 100% qualified teachers is set to receive an increase of just 0.48%.

The announcement is deeply disappointing for a sector already carrying significant cost pressures.

We are underwhelmed and disappointed by Budget 2026. At a time when the Government continues to talk about lifting educational achievement, all of the evidence points to the importance of investing early and investing in quality, teacher-led Early Childhood Education.

Instead, we continue to see a disproportionate focus on the compulsory schooling sector, while the value and impact of quality ECE is too often overlooked. The reality is that the foundations for lifelong learning, wellbeing, participation, and achievement are built in the early years. Research consistently shows that high-quality ECE delivered by qualified teachers has one of the strongest long-term impacts on educational success, social wellbeing, and future economic participation. Yet this Budget does little to recognise or support that reality.

Kindergarten Associations across New Zealand are already absorbing significant and growing financial pressures, including workforce costs, compliance obligations, and increasing demand for support for Tamariki with diverse learning and behavioural needs. Quality ECE is not childcare. It is one of the most powerful educational and social investments a country can make, and if we are serious about improving long-term outcomes for children, then ECE cannot continue to sit on the sidelines of education investment and policy attention.

Kindergartens are not-for-profit, community-based organisations. We are deeply committed to ensuring children and whānau can access high-quality early learning, regardless of their circumstances. But quality cannot continue to be expected on the cheap.

The modest increase for Kindergarten Associations risks further widening the gap between the actual cost of delivering barrier-free, quality education and the funding provided by Government.

The Kindergarten Movement has supported generations of New Zealand children and families for more than 100 years. We remain committed to our Kaupapa and to delivering exceptional outcomes for Tamariki and whānau, but this Budget does not provide the level of support needed to sustain and strengthen that work into the future.

We’re incredibly proud to share that Norma Roberts, one of our General Managers at Hutt City Kindergartens, has been recognised with a King’s Service Medal in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for her services to early childhood education.

This honour comes at a particularly special time, as Norma also marks an extraordinary 50 years contributing to quality, teacher-led early childhood education in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Norma’s leadership has had a profound impact both within Hutt City Kindergartens and across the wider sector. Known for her thoughtful, values-driven approach, she leads with integrity and purpose - always centering the needs of tamariki, whānau, kaiako and communities.

Alongside her work with us at HCK, Norma continues to contribute nationally through her involvement with New Zealand Kindergartens, including as a Co-Leader, Board Member and Life Member. Her influence is reflected in the way she has supported others, helped shape sector thinking, and consistently advocated for high-quality early learning.

Her career reflects a long-standing commitment to the kindergarten movement, including championing Froebelian principles and supporting access to quality early education for all tamariki. She has also mentored and guided generations of kaiako and leaders along the way.

For those of us who work alongside Norma, it is her genuine care, humility and quiet strength that stand out most. She leads in a way that brings people with her, and her belief in the value of early learning continues to inspire us every day.

We couldn’t be more pleased to see this recognition of Norma’s lifelong contribution!

Ngā mihi nui ki a koe, Norma - and thank you for the difference you make for tamariki, whānau, kaiako and communities.

ONE WEEK TO OUR FREE ONLINE Whānau Workshop

Fostering a Language‑Rich Environment with Dr Sola Freeman

RSVP NOW TO SECURE YOUR SPOT

Parents and caregivers of infants, toddlers and preschoolers 💛

Join us for a relaxed online kōrero on supporting early language development and setting your child up for language learning at school - all from the comfort of home.

Dr Sola Freeman is an experienced early childhood specialist and facilitator who works closely with whānau and kaiako to support young children’s learning and development in practical, meaningful ways.

📅 Thursday 4 June 2026
🕖 7.00-8.00pm
📍 Online via Zoom

✨ Practical, everyday ideas
💬 Bring your questions or simply listen in

👉 RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/r/5vHeATx913
Spaces are limited, register today to secure your spot.

📧 Questions or prefer to RSVP manually?
Email [email protected]

Looking for a welcoming, community‑focused kindergarten for your tamariki / child? 🌈

Holborn Kindergarten has spaces available!

Located on the Eastern Hills of Stokes Valley, Holborn Kindergarten fosters a culture of respect, inclusion, positive social skills, fun, and a love for learning. They work closely with whānau and the community to support each child’s unique strengths and potential.

✨ Support for tamariki aged 2–5 years
✨ 100% qualified teachers
✨ 20 Hours ECE FREE + optional whānau contribution

🕘 Open Monday–Friday | 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
📍 158 Holborn Drive, Stokes Valley, Lower Hutt 5019

Come in for a visit or pre‑enrol today:
👉 https://www.huttkindergartens.org.nz/page/holborn/

We’d love to welcome you and your whānau / family to Holborn Kindergarten!

Holiday Kindergarten - limited spaces available! 🌞

We still have spots open this term break for tamariki enrolled at Hutt City Kindergartens.*

🕘 8.30am-2.30pm
📍 2 Central Hutt kindergartens & 1 x Wainuiomata kindergarten
👧 Up to 30 spaces per kindergarten
💰 From as little as $40 per week (with 20 Hours ECE)

A fun, safe day with our experienced kaiako - perfect for the holidays

Register your child’s spot now:
https://www.huttkindergartens.org.nz/holiday-kindergarten/

*Excluding Nettie Riley, Titiro Whakamua & Fetu Ao Kindergartens as they already run on longer dates or cater to infants under 2.

Spreading Warmth and Aroha at Taitā Kindergarten

Last week, Taitā Kindergarten was the grateful recipient of a beautiful donation from Crafting Threads Of Aroha - a collective of generous crafters who knit, crochet and sew clothing and blankets for communities across the Wellington region.

The group kindly gifted the tamariki a collection of lovingly handmade knitted jerseys and hats, helping ensure they stay warm as winter approaches. Each piece was made with care, aroha and a strong sense of community.

We are incredibly thankful to Louise and the Crafting Threads Of Aroha community for their generosity and for wrapping our tamariki in warmth and kindness. Ngā mihi nui - your mahi makes a real difference.

FREE ONLINE Whānau Workshop - Fostering a Language‑Rich Environment with Dr Sola Freeman

Parents and caregivers of infants, toddlers and preschoolers 💛

Join us for a relaxed online kōrero on supporting early language development and setting your child up for language learning at school - all from the comfort of home.

Dr Sola Freeman is an experienced early childhood specialist and facilitator who works closely with whānau and kaiako to support young children’s learning and development in practical, meaningful ways.

📅 Thursday 4 June 2026
🕖 7.00-8.00pm
📍 Online via Zoom

✨ Practical, everyday ideas
💬 Bring your questions or simply listen in

👉 RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/r/5vHeATx913
Spaces are limited, register today to secure your spot.

📧 Questions or prefer to RSVP manually?
Email [email protected]