Te Mata Kindergarten sits at 179 Te Mata Road in Havelock North, in the foothills of Te Mata Peak, known as the Sleeping Giant. It has a large natural outdoor environment, and its playground encourages large motor skills that support early literacy and numeracy. Each child has an individual learning plan, developed with whānau, and teachers build on children's own interests. The kindergarten is part of Heretaunga Kindergartens, an incorporated society. It follows Te Whāriki and the Enviroschools programme, in which children design and lead sustainability projects.
The kindergarten offers 30 hours of free early childhood education, and its website lists zero fees, subject to its terms. It is open during school term breaks, except the summer holidays. Teachers are 100 per cent qualified and registered, with a ratio of one teacher to ten children aged two to five, and all have first-aid certificates. Families can follow their children's learning through Storypark. It suits families in Havelock North who want a free, nature-based kindergarten, including those preparing children for local schools.