Find your village with Ruahine Kindergarten Association

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We’ve been supporting families like yours since 1949. We’re completely not-for-profit and have centres in Palmerston North, Manawatū, Rangitīkei, Pahiatua, and Foxton. Each centre reflects their local community, with qualified teachers to support your child as they grow and learn. 

Why are we the right choice for your whānau?

Education Not Just Care

100% of our teachers hold a teaching qualification that specialises in early childhood education. We understand how little brains develop and work alongside you to support your child’s learning needs.

Friendly Support

There’s no guidebook to being a parent — but there’s no shortage of advice. Our qualified teachers can help you filter through the noise and figure out what works for you and your whānau. We can help you navigate any challenges with our knowledge of social, physical and language learning.

Outdoor Play & Great Locations

All our locations have big, natural outdoor spaces, and they’re located in the heart of our communities. With strong links to local schools, your tamariki can make friends with their future classmates, and we will help them (and you) navigate the transition into school.

Open in the School Holidays

Our kindergartens are open throughout the school holidays, which makes life that little bit easier. We only close on public holidays, during the Christmas and New Year period, and a few days across the year, so teachers can take part in professional development to better support your child. There is no charge for these days.

New Zealand Kindergartens (NZK) is the national voice for 19 of Aotearoa’s 27 for-purpose, teacher-led, community-based kindergarten associations. The NZK Board governs Ruahine Kindergarten Association, and our Chief Executive works alongside other association leaders as part of the Network Leadership Team focused on amplifying the impact of kindergartens across the country.

A colorful logo for New Zealand Kindergartens with a purple background and the text 'Te Pūtaahi Kura Puhou o Aotearoa' and 'New Zealand Kindergartens' around the edges.

RKA is proud to partner with Enviroschools, the Toimata Foundation and Horizons Regional Council – a partnership which supports tamariki to care for the world around them and explore sustainability in hands-on, meaningful ways.  These values are woven into everything we do, aligning beautifully with Te Whāriki and helping your little one grow into a confident, connected and environmentally conscious learner.

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What Our Whānau Think

  • “Kindy is the centre of the kids’ world. It’s a place they get to be themselves and have fun learning and making friends.”

  • “It’s great to have a safe place to take my child. He loves it. All the family feel welcome.”

  • “My daughter has come such a long way after starting a year ago and learns a lot as well as having the time of her life.”

Haere Mai!

Don’t just take their word for it — come visit us yourself!

Book a free no-obligation visit today.

Contact Us