Te Kupenga Preschool is an early childhood centre on the grounds of the Omaka Marae, on Aerodrome Road in Burleigh, Blenheim. It is about five minutes from town. The preschool is a rural setting, and it is not a Kōhanga Reo, although it works to support each child's identity, skills and interests through a child-led programme.
The programme gives children time and space for uninterrupted play and the freedom to explore. The centre describes risky play as moving past uncertainty to try something new. All children share the same space, so older children learn leadership by helping younger ones. The preschool is licensed for up to 40 children, including up to five between one and two years. It is one of three centres run by Blenheim Early Childhood Centres, a not-for-profit organisation governed by a board of parents and caregivers. The organisation says it has provided childcare in Blenheim for more than 30 years.