Our Beginnings

Manu Crescent Private Kindergarten was founded in 1992 by Rhonda Miller, a dedicated early childhood teacher and mother of three young boys. Tucked away on the back section of the family’s ¼ acre property in Upper Vogeltown, the kindergarten was lovingly purpose-built by her husband Neil and their close friend Paul, with the goal of creating a warm, welcoming space for children to learn and grow.

Guided by Founding Principles

From the beginning, Manu Kindergarten has been guided by a set of clear, practical values that continue to shape our teaching and everyday practice:

  • A small group size that allows teachers to tailor learning and care to each individual child

  • A warm, home-like setting with natural materials and spaces that reflect the world around us

  • A programme that offers both structure and flexibility, responding to children’s needs without rushing or limiting children’s play

  • Children are active participants in the running of the kindergarten — they know how things work, where to find resources, and how to take responsibility for the space they share

These principles are at the heart of what we do — true to the original meaning of “kindergarten” as a garden for children. A place where they can grow, play, and learn in their own way and at their own pace.

The story continues

In April 2025, Rhonda’s son Scott Miller — who shares her commitment to quality early childhood education — stepped into the role of Head Teacher and Licensee. Scott began his teaching career as a primary school teacher, teaching junior students at a rural school in Taranaki. Prior to education, he completed an engineering apprenticeship at a large engineering firm in New Plymouth. Scott enjoys mountain biking, and other outdoor pursuits with his young family. He is a keen gardener, and is involved in environmental action as a member of the Huatoki conservation group. Scott brings his broad skill set and range of interests and to this exciting opportunity. His leadership carries forward the spirit of care, connection, and quality that has always been at the heart of Manu Kindergarten, while also bringing a fresh perspective and a practical, creative approach.

Scott’s wife Lucy is integral to the operation. Lucy is a registered nurse and brings a relationship-centred approach to her role as administrator. You will see her see her popping in and out of kindergarten, connecting with parents, managing enrolments and the finer details of centre, including our beautiful environment and resources.

New kindergarten advertisement featuring a woman named Rhonda Miller, with a headline about the need for flexibility in preschool learning and a photograph of Rhonda Miller at the bottom, smiling and looking to the left.
A young man and an elderly woman stand close together, smiling, in a cozy kitchen with kitchenware and spice jars in the background.
A black-and-white photo of a family of four sitting on the grass in a garden, with a large tree behind them. The family includes a man, woman, and two children, all smiling and closely sitting together.
People working on a construction site with a young man riding a small tractor, while others spread concrete, in front of a blue house.
Construction workers building a wooden house framework outdoors on a bright day.
Two women building a house, one inside and one outside, with a ladder and construction materials visible.
Children playing with wooden train tracks and toys in a cozy indoor playroom.
A woman with glasses reading a book to seven children sitting and standing outdoors near a tree, surrounded by green foliage.
A young girl painting a portrait on an easel with colorful paints and brushes, in an art classroom.
A pigeon perched on a leafy green tree with a bright blue sky in the background.

Tō Mātou Ingoa - Our name

Manu Crescent Private Kindergarten — or simply Manu Kindergarten — was originally named after the street we are located on. Over time, the name Manu, meaning "bird" in te reo Māori, has taken on deeper significance for us. It beautifully reflects our connection to the natural world, especially the many birds that visit our kindergarten garden.

Our fruit trees often attract native manu, with the kererū (New Zealand wood pigeon) being a common and much-loved visitor — beautifully represented in our logo.