A non-profit kindergarten on Onslow Street in Huntly that has been part of the town since 1952. It is one of 47 kindergartens run by Central Kids across the central North Island, and it follows a play-based, child-led approach using the Te Whāriki early learning curriculum.
The kindergarten has a large indoor and outdoor learning and play area, and it is set up as a warm, homelike space where children can explore in their own time. Older children go on regular excursions into the bush. Kai is provided for all children in partnership with KidsCan, as part of the Food for Kids programme. The kindergarten's values include aroha, manaakitanga and whakawhanaungatanga, and it describes itself as bicultural.
A parent who has had children at the kindergarten since 2022 says the staff are kind and caring, and that the outdoor and indoor areas give children plenty to do. They also note that the kindergarten has male teachers, which their sons value. The kindergarten is at 9 Onslow Street in Huntly. Our pick in Huntly for a family who wants a play-based start with a strong community feel.