Tо̄tara Kids ELC

"No matter how old you get, may you always stop to fill your pockets with smooth stones, empty snail shells & other little treasures."
- Nicolette Sowder

Pockets and hearts are filled at TK Nature play.

We have some space available (Including limited Under twos)

* Daily Nature Play (every child goes at least once a week).
* Te Kete Rangimārie Social & Emotional Regulation Support Program.
* 20 ECE hours Free! (No extra charge- must meet ECE hours rules)
* Family Care (you and your child have a primary Kaiako too)
* Tui Tuakana (our four-year-olds) developing skills to be emotional, socially and physically ready for school.
* Small centre size with great ratios! 29 Children to 6 Kaiako.
* No public holiday fee
* Nappies provided

Coming to TK is like coming to a second home, run by a family, for extended family!

To enquire about these spaces (for 6m-6yrs) email us at [email protected] or join the waitlist at https://www.totarakids.co.nz/waitlist.
Any information on fees is available on our website, or email for more information.

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We know the ooshie trend is taking over, they are showing up in centres and schools all over New Zealand. Why not let the Te Kete Rangimārie trend take over too?!

Support your tamariki to build their emotional literacy, understand how to regulate themselves and be emotionally healthy humans!

Email us today to hear about our workshop options for Parents, Kaiako (of any age child), Homebased Educators and Leaders.

[email protected]

📸: Some of the team receiving our award at the ECC Conference last weekend!

Remember, that sometimes the environment outside of the fence provides great inspiration for what you can set up inside of the fence.

Taking ideas for our environment provocations, from the things happening in our community helps build amazing connections for our tamariki.

Did you see our team at conference and think “man they look good”? Check this our. 2027 diaries will be in the pipeline soon.

🌳Check it out 🌳 Bring Rangimārie to your day!

Enjoying the slowness of Nature Play while our kaiako find a little more intent and meaning in our Ako Takiwā after listening to the amazing Krystal Taiapa from New Zealand Tertiary College at the ECC Conference! All while my wee friend tells anyone we meet “I’m a TK kid” Turangawaewae in action.

What an incredible weekend.
We are so proud to have WON the ECC “Most Exceptional Centre” Award for 2026.
This shows me that choosing to do ECE differently, putting relationships and Rangimārie first, treating teachers as the most valuable resource we have, having workable, meaningful ratios and sticking to a clear philosophy with high standards for doing the most important job all pays off!
Tōtara Trees have deep, vast root systems to support them to grow and that is what we focus on here everyday- Children having strong foundations so formal learning sits on top when they move on to school. We strive for them to grow to be emotionally healthy individuals who carry with them the Manaakitanga, Wairuatanga, Whanaungatanga and Kaitiakitanga they have been wrapped in while here.
Our philosophy provides a clear road map, all our Kaiako (While still always being their authentic self and piece of pizza) are here for the same ride, with the same heart for children. We care deeply, we love big and we choose to show up to be the best we can be.

Do I feel beyond proud to have my vision (that grew from when I was 14) be recognised?
Absolutely yes!

Does this award reflect the input of every Kaiako, Child, MOE advisor, Intervention teacher, school teacher, Workshop attendee, Parent, Friends and all our families who have each bought their own special piece into TK?
Absolutely Yes!

Did Erin and I also present our Te Kete Rangimārie to the conference?

Also Yes, and we will share that soon!

Elise

Choosing to share our kaupapa, choosing to share our passion.