Gems Educational Childcare

02/09/2026

We love a good set up here at Gems! Ones that get our tamariki interacting with new textures, materials, nature and make believe.

What’s the most memorable play set up from your childhood?

28/08/2026

At our centres, we believe that attachment isn’t built through grand gestures, but through the consistent moments of everyday care. Drawing on the philosophies of Emmi Pikler and Reggio Emilia, we approach caregiving not as something we do to children, but as a partnership with them.

This respect extends into every care moment. Whether it’s dressing, feeding, or play, we involve the child in the process. We explain what we’re doing, offer choices where possible, and allow them to participate at their own pace. By honouring their autonomy—even in tiny ways like turning away from a spoon or reaching for a toy—we nurture their emerging sense of self and agency.

Simultaneously, we recognize that consistency is the bedrock of security. Babies thrive when their world is predictable. We strive to maintain gentle rhythms around meals, naps, and transitions, creating a stable container within which curiosity can flourish. In a Reggio-inspired environment, this predictability allows children to focus on exploration and relationship-building, knowing that their basic needs will be met with calm and intention.

When we combine respectful, autonomous care with consistent rhythms, we do more than soothe a fussy moment. We lay the groundwork for secure attachment, self-regulation, and a lifelong belief in their own competence.

We’d love to hear from you: How do you create space for your child’s autonomy during daily routines? Drop your thoughts below! 👇🏽

24/08/2026

We have a vacancy coming up for an exceptional Teacher.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about providing education and who shares in our ideals. We take inspiration and guidance from Pikler and Reggio within the context of Te Whariki. We believe that a connection to ourselves, each other and our learning and natural environments both indoors and out, is essential for learning. We work as a cohesive team, but we also recognise that individual talents and interests are golden.

If you have a deep respect for children as small humans who thrive in our care, plus have teacher registration and proven practice in education, then please connect with us. We may even be able to help with relocation* to the mountains to share in our crisp air!

What you can expect;

Minimum 32 hours per week full-time, permanent role
Working with children aged 0-3 years old
Full Pay Parity for registered teachers
Reallocation assistance available for those outside Queenstown. *Conditions apply
Professional development
Coaching and mentoring.
An incredible team who will go the extra mile.

To apply, please visit our website http://www.gems.net.nz/childcare-jobs-queenstown or email: [email protected]

19/08/2026

Over the past month, our tamariki have been exploring different parts of our local community through our Nature Play excursions, building meaningful connections with the people, places and organisations that make Queenstown so special.

Community is something we truly value at Gems. Queenstown is a small and unique community, and we believe that being connected to the people and places around us helps our tamariki develop a strong sense of belonging.

So far, we have had the opportunity to visit the Department of Conservation, Arrowtown Retirement Village, Country Club Retirement Village and Kiwi Birdlife Park. Each visit has offered our tamariki new experiences, opportunities to meet new people, and ways to learn more about the wonderful community we are part of.

And this is just the beginning! We have many more local adventures and connections planned for the months ahead, as we continue to explore, discover and grow our sense of belonging within our community.

Big thank you to the following people who have made this happen for our Gems Kōwhai and Miro tamariki- such special moments and new challenges and experiences they can all take forth into the future:

Bethan Ryan at Kiwi Park | Queenstown NZ
Sarah Moreton Department of Conservation
Brooke Rayner
Robyn Frey Arrowtown Lifestyle Village

19/08/2026

Over the past month, our tamariki have been exploring different parts of our local community through our Nature Play excursions, building meaningful connections with the people, places and organisations that make Queenstown so special.

Community is something we truly value at Gems. Queenstown is a small and unique community, and we believe that being connected to the people and places around us helps our tamariki develop a strong sense of belonging.

So far, we have had the opportunity to visit the Department of Conservation, Arrowtown Retirement Village, Country Club Retirement Village and Kiwi Birdlife Park. Each visit has offered our tamariki new experiences, opportunities to meet new people, and ways to learn more about the wonderful community we are part of.

And this is just the beginning! We have many more local adventures and connections planned for the months ahead, as we continue to explore, discover and grow our sense of belonging within our community.

Big thank you to the following people who have made this happen for our Gems Kōwhai and Miro tamariki- such special moments and new challenges and experiences they can all take forth into the future:

Bethan Ryan at Kiwi Park
Sarah Moreton Department of Conservation
Brooke Rayner Arvida Queenstown Country Club
Robyn Frey Arrowtown Lifestyle Village

17/08/2026

Starting in a new environment is quite the experience for a baby. New faces, new sounds, new routines and being away from the people they know best can take some time to adjust to.

Babies learn and explore best when they feel safe and secure. When they are given time to build trusting relationships with their teachers, their nervous system can gradually adjust to the new environment. From that sense of security comes the confidence to explore, play and form new connections.

Our approach is to follow each baby’s cues rather than expecting them to fit into a set timeframe. We allow them to observe, stay close to a trusted teacher, become familiar with the environment and gradually explore when they are ready. This also reflects the Pikler approach that influences our teaching philosophy — respecting babies as capable individuals and allowing development, movement and relationships to unfold at their own pace.

13/08/2026

Share a milestone your baby enjoyed this week with us below! 👇🏽

04/08/2026

Tiny hands. Big discoveries. 🌿🤎

Every day is an adventure for our babies as they explore the world through their senses. From feeling the softness of lavender and the texture of rosemary, to discovering sand, water, natural treasures, books and the joy of climbing, every experience helps build confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.

At Gems, we believe babies learn best through meaningful, hands-on experiences. By following their interests and allowing them the time to explore at their own pace, we’re nurturing independence, problem-solving and a deep connection with the natural world.

These little moments of wonder are laying the foundations for big learning tomorrow.

28/07/2026

Limited spots! Get in quick while they last!

28/07/2026

Join us at Gems Kōwhai with this special offer! Limited spots available

Gems Educational Childcare is a Queenstown (NZ) based early childcare organisation.

With three centres