Carterton Kindergarten

28/08/2026

Today we wore yellow for Daffodil Day! 💛🌼 Thank you to our wonderful tamariki for brightening our kindergarten with their yellow outfits, and thank you to everyone for your generous donations in support of the Cancer Society. Together, we can make a difference! 💛

21/08/2026

🌿🐞 What a beautiful day to explore our te taiao (natural environment)! ☀️

Tamariki spent the afternoon bug hunting with magnifying glasses and identification charts, carefully searching under rocks, bark, and in the dirt. 🔍🐜 Every discovery was an opportunity to learn, observe, and show respect for the living creatures around us. As they explored, they were reminded to tiaki he taonga 💚, be gentle because our insects are treasures too. 🌱✨

12/08/2026

It was wonderful to welcome Martin the Toy Maker back.

Martin has introduced woodworking as an art project, starting with the basics to support our younger tamariki as they learn about this creative space. Together, they are exploring workshop safety, including the importance of wearing closed-toe shoes, and learning how to use tools such as drills and sanders, along with gluing and clamping wood.

Beginning with these foundational skills helps build confidence and creates a strong base for future woodworking projects. The first creations were beautiful hanging manu (birds), which can now be seen drying in the tree under the verandah. We can't wait to see the finished results! 🐦🌿🪵

23/07/2026

🌧️🌿 Water experts in action! 🌿💧

Our tamariki had a fantastic time learning with Jill from Enviroschools! Using a hands-on landscape model of the Tararua Ranges, they made rain, followed the journey of water from the mountains to the sea, and explored how trees and wetlands help protect our environment. 🌳🏞️
Through play and discovery, tamariki investigated how people and nature are connected, and how our choices can make a difference to the world around us. 🌱✨
What a fun way to learn about te taiao and the amazing journey of water! 💙🌧️ 🌿💦

30/06/2026

Despite the wet weather we've been having lately, we were still able to enjoy some time exploring our beautiful Ngāhere at the back of our kindergarten. There was so much excitement as tamariki searched for bugs, pumped the old water pump, crossed the bridge, sheltered in the whare, and shared their special discoveries with friends. Rain or shine, nature provides endless opportunities for adventure, learning, and connection. 🌿🐞💧🌈

23/06/2026

Our tamariki have been busy harvesting from our kindergarten fruit trees 🍊🌿 They worked together to pick guava and mandarins, then turned their harvest into delicious guava smoothies to share.
Through this experience, they learned about caring for the food we grow and the joy of sharing it with others 💚

20/05/2026

We’ve been soaking up this beautiful autumn weather, and the tamariki have absolutely loved being outdoors!
Just a reminder too – our kindling is back up for sale, $5 a bag 🔥 Perfect for keeping those fires going as the cooler days settle in!

01/05/2026

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Kia ora whānau,

We currently have 4–6 spaces available. If you know of any tamaiti who might be keen on this kaupapa, we would love to hear from you!

Every Friday, dates will be confirmed upon registration.

Waea mai, tuku karere mai rānei ki te rehita 😊

20/04/2026

Communication from Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens Association:

*** All Kindergartens in areas where there is a red warning will be closed tomorrow ***

This includes Wairarapa, Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt and Wellington. Upper Hutt Kindergarten is closed tomorrow.

With the heavy rain we’re experiencing, please avoid unnecessary travel.

Stay warm, stay dry, and look after each other! 💛

01/04/2026

Come and see the exhibition of our Papatūānuku project, at the Wairarapa Event Centre, Carterton, available now until the end of the school holidays. Whakarongo ki a Papatūānuku - Listen to Papatūānuku. This project brought together pūrākau Māori, creative expression, and our growing focus on sustainability. Through this learning, tamariki explored the connection between the whenua, the awa, and all living things, deepening their understanding of how important it is to care for te taiao. We talked together about Papatūānuku and how the choices we make can either protect her or cause her harm, like giving her a “tummy ache.” This learning supported tamariki to grow their understanding of kaitiakitanga, knowing that we all have a responsibility to care for the natural world.