Welcome to Manu Kindergarten

Manu Crescent Private Kindergarten is a family-owned centre established in 1992. We provide quality early childhood education that allows learning to unfold in an unhurried way, within a relaxed and home-like setting.

Our kaiako (teachers) skilfully promote and extend children’s learning through a responsive, play-based programme that follows their interests and builds on their natural curiosity. With a calm atmosphere, a small group of just 20 tamariki (children), and fully qualified kaiako, we’re able to offer each child the attention and connection they need to thrive.

About Us

  • Location

    We’re located in a quiet back section in Vogeltown, New Plymouth. This peaceful, tucked-away setting gives tamariki the freedom to play in a calm, secure setting that feels like a home away from home. The kindergarten is within walking distance from the forests of the Upper Huatoki which we explore on our forest programme.

    A single-story building surrounded by a wooden fence and gate, with a sign labeled "manu Kindergarten EST. 1992." The area is landscaped with grass, trees, and shrubs.

  • Small Group Size

    Group size in early childhood is a key factor in determining children’s learning and social development. With this in mind we maintain a small group size of up to 20 tamariki, aged from about 3 to 5 years old. Having a small group allows strong relationships to naturally grow between tamariki, kaiako, and whānau, as well as reducing distraction.

    Two children looking at books

  • Curriculum

    Guided by Te Whāriki, the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum, our play-based programme supports holistic development. We have a rich environment in which children choose their own activities for much of the day. We also have routines and rituals around group time, music and kai, providing just the right amount of structure.

    A child playing in the sandpit

  • Environment

    Our environment is deliberately designed to be comfortable and homely. Outdoors, tamariki enjoy playing in the sandpit, climbing, swinging, and gardening. Indoors, they explore art, puzzles, counting games, construction, and more.

    Children playing on outdoor equipment

  • Quality Resources

    We provide a wide range of high-quality resources, carefully chosen with a preference for natural materials. Our environment is intentionally designed to inspire curiosity, encourage independence, and reflect the beauty of the world around us.

  • Forest Programme

    We offer a regular Forest Programme, where part of our session takes place in nearby native bush. These sessions build confidence and respect for the environment, and support wellbeing through hands-on experiences in nature.

  • "Play is the work of the child—it’s how they explore, discover, and make sense of their world."

    —Pennie Brownlee

  • "Children’s brains are built through responsive, loving relationships. The more connected a child feels, the more they learn."

    Nathan Wallis

  • “He taonga te mokopuna, kia whāngaia, kia tipu, kia rea — A child is a treasure to be nurtured, to grow, to flourish.”

    — Whakataukī, (Māori proverb)