A community-based, not-for-profit kindergarten at 31 Hawea Street in Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, that is a proud Enviroschool. It is part of Inspired Kindergartens, and it has been providing early education for 38 years, according to its website. Its values are built around pūrākau, or local stories, and kaitiakitanga, or guardianship of the environment. It has an extensive outdoor space, a food forest, and an approach that mixes children's interests with teacher-led activities. Its teaching follows Te Whāriki and it has a transition to school programme developed with Arataki Primary School.
Sessions run Monday to Friday, either 8.30am to 12.30pm or 8.30am to 2.30pm. Holiday programmes run after Terms 1, 2 and 3. The kindergarten offers up to 30 free hours a week, which the website marks with an asterisk and says applies to some kindergartens only. It is donation-based, and families are invited to give voluntary donations. Visitors are welcome to come in and see the kindergarten.