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• Christmas creationsChristmas creationsTamariki created festive candy canes to hang on the Christmas tree at home Read More
• Silver Enviroschool AwardSilver Enviroschool AwardProud to have been awarded Silver Enviroschool status - Kidsfirst Karoro. Read More
• Rippa RugbyRippa RugbyThese keen rippa rugby enthusiasts got some great tips from an expert coach to brush up on their ball skills. Read More
• Elderly visitElderly visitTamariki share music, nursery rhymes and song with local elderly rest home residents. Read More
• Vet Dad visitVet Dad visitVeterinarian Dad visits Kidsfirst Maniototo to talk to tamariki about his job helping animals. Read More
• Toro Pikopiko PuppetsToro Pikopiko PuppetsTamariki were captivated by a puppetry performance re-telling the Māori legend of Pourakahua - the birdman.
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• Tongan Rugby League visitTongan Rugby League visitKIdsfirst Niu welcomes Tonga National Rugby League Team – MATE MA'A TONGA. Read More
• Teddy Bears PicnicTeddy Bears PicnicKidsfirst Shirley continue to grow their local community connections. Read More
• Birthday celebrationsBirthday celebrationsKidsfirst Ngaire Larcombe welcomed special guests for their 40th birthday celebrations. Read More
• Blue for DiabetesBlue for DiabetesKidsfirst Karoro dressed in blue to support diabetes Read More

NEWS FROM AROUND

CENTRAL OTAGO

• Vet Dad visitVet Dad visitVeterinarian Dad visits Kidsfirst Maniototo to talk to tamariki about his job helping animals. Read More
• New signageNew signageBrand new signage for our Central Otago kindergartens is well received... Read More
• Local business supportLocal business supportWe are so grateful for support from our local communities Read More
• Giving back to communityGiving back to communityOur communities give so much that it's nice when we can give back. Read More
• Community of gardensCommunity of gardensIt's not just children who grow at kindergarten but our gardens too. Read More
• World communityWorld communityKindergarten children have the whole wide world at their little feet. Read More
• A community of animals A community of animals We have a whole community of different animals across our Kidsfirst network. Read More
• Children are amazingChildren are amazingMore and more parents are recognising just how much a quality ECE environment can learning can inspire wonder and awe in children. Read More
• Maniototo established by parentsManiototo established by parentsIt was the hard work and determination of local parents that got Kidsfirst Maniototo off the ground. Read More
• Parent Contributions Parent Contributions We are blown away by all the fantastic ways parents choose to contribute at kindergarten. Read More

For Matariki at Kidsfirst Nuffield, tamariki welcomed their whānau and entertained them with waiata (song), poi, rākau (stick games) and a haka - especially written for the kindergarten by Huhana Carter (our previous bicultural advisor).

“Our celebrations centred on whānau and giving thanks,” says Teacher, Rachel Ryan. “The tamariki, nga kaiako and whānau helpers had also made soup and kumara bread to share.”

“Everyone really enjoyed getting together and it was a great chance to make connections with new families,” adds Rachel.

“Our tamariki will continue to practice their waiata, haka, poi and rakau, as they are looking to perform again, this time for a local school, when they visit us!”

“We are also currently collecting non-perishable food items, to donate to ‘Help for the homeless’ which we do every year as part of Matariki. It teaches the children the importance of giving back and caring for our wider community and promotes whanaungatanga, engagement with and responsibility for others.”

QUICK READ

Matariki is a time for whānau to come together to reflect on their relationships, to remember their Whakapapa (ancestors) and to celebrate being part of the collective (whanaungatanga).

KIDSFIRST KINDERGARTENS ARE A NOT FOR PROFIT ASSOCIATION THAT HAS DEVELOPED AND MAINTAINED KINDERGARTENS IN CHRISTCHURCH, CANTERBURY AND ON THE WEST COAST FOR OVER 100 YEARS - AS THE PLACE LOCAL KIDS COME TO LEARN, PLAY AND HAVE FUN.