The Garden Early Childhood Centre, Gate Pā.

Looking for a nurturing, play-based early learning environment where children can grow with confidence? 🌱 At The Garden Early Childhood Centre, Gate Pa, tamariki are encouraged to explore, discover, and thrive through meaningful relationships, self-directed learning, and nurturing, experienced kaiako.

Children enjoy a warm, friendly and welcoming home-like environment, our exciting new Tinkering Room for hands-on creativity, social skills, critical thinking and problem-solving, and weekly Forest Adventures for our 4-year-olds — building confidence, resilience, curiosity, and a strong connection with nature. With a strong sense of community, small group sizes and a focus on kindness and belonging, The Garden is a place where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow. 💚

Stop in for a visit and see why local whānau love being part of The Garden whānau.

To all the beautiful Mummas, Step Mums, Mummas to be, Mums who wanted to but couldn’t, Mother’s who are now angels, Mums who have angel babies, Mothers who are doing it solo, Nanas and Grandmas, we respect you, we cherish you, we need you, we think of you and we love you.

Happy Mother’s Day!

We are very excited to open our amazing new space in Tipu….

Loose parts play supports holistic development in line with Te Whāriki. Using open-ended materials like shells, sticks, fabric, and recycled objects allows tamariki to explore, create, and learn without fixed outcomes.

The benefits include enhanced creativity and imagination, as tamariki decide how materials are used. It also promotes problem-solving and critical thinking, since there is no single “right” way to play. Social skills are strengthened as tamariki collaborate, negotiate, and share resources. Loose parts play encourages physical development through hands-on manipulation and movement, and it fosters independence and confidence as tamariki take the lead in their learning.

Loose parts play also supports the principles of empowerment (whakamana) and exploration (mana aotūroa), helping tamariki develop a sense of agency and connection to their environment.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

Thank you to all our service personnel, past and present.

On this New Zealand Teachers’ Day, I want to take a moment to celebrate and thank each of our kaiako for their incredible work they do every single day. The warmth, patience, and creativity they bring to our tamariki’s learning journeys make a lasting difference—not just in their early education, but in the way they see themselves and the world around them. They nurture curiosity, kindness, and confidence, turning everyday moments into meaningful learning experiences. Their dedication, laughter, and care are the heart of our centre, and I’m so proud to work alongside such passionate and inspiring educators. Ngā mihi nui for all that they do and the joy they bring to our tamariki and their whānau.

Happy Fathers Day….

To all the important men in children’s lives. It’s not just the wonderful Fathers we want to acknowledge this Fathers Day, but also the Step-Dads, Poppas, Uncles, Grandads and Friends who may have a special place in a child’s life. We are thinking of the angel Dads too. This is your day and we thank you for all that you are and all that you do.