Rivercity Preschool is an inclusive preschool at 45 Campbell Street in central Whanganui, set at the rear of the Sommerville Centre. The centre is set back from the road, with plenty of parking and a large outdoor area. Its indoor and outdoor spaces flow into each other, so children can follow their own interests. Its curriculum is built on Te Whāriki and includes local priorities, and parents are invited to give input. The values it names are honesty, integrity, humility, kindness, love, compassion and empathy. A speech language therapist is on the leadership team and is available for consultations with whānau, and visits the centre each term.
The centre is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 5.30pm. For children aged three and over, the centre says 20 hours are funded by the Ministry of Education, and the fee for the rest is $5 an hour, as at 2026. The centre uses its equity and targeted funding to discount fees for eligible families, and it asks families to look at the WINZ Childcare Subsidy and the Early Learning Payment. It also runs a transition to school programme with parent and teacher hui. Visits are welcome at a time that suits.