Bream Bay Kindergarten

22/10/2026

Our first day back in the ngahere for Term 4 did not disappoint! The Whiringa-ā-nuku whānau had an amazing morning exploring, tree climbing, building huts, and hunting for bugs, birds, and fungi. The tamariki even practiced using binoculars to get a closer look at their surroundings.
Unfortunately, we noticed a lot of rubbish around our base camp, which was disappointing for our kindergarten kaitiaki. However, everyone worked collaboratively to clean it up. The tamariki then brainstormed some great ideas to try and remedy this issue. One child suggested putting a rubbish bin at base camp, while another proposed making a sign that reads: "Please take care of Papatūānuku, put your rubbish in the bin!" It was incredibly heartwarming to see such deep aroha and compassion for our natural environment.

07/10/2026

This week, we had the absolute pleasure of welcoming a beautiful baby lamb to our kindergarten. There has been so much excitement, joy, and genuine curiosity as our tamariki have had the opportunity to pat, walk, and even help bottle-feed our new kindy friend, Ralph. Experiences like this are so much more than just fun. They provide rich and meaningful learning opportunities that support children's social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Through their interactions with Ralph, the tamariki have been practising gentle hands and quiet voices while learning the importance of care, patience, kindness, and respect for living creatures.
Ralph’s presence at kindergarten has also inspired many thoughtful conversations and questions. The tamariki have been exploring where animals live, what they eat, and how they grow and develop. They have been particularly fascinated by how quickly a lamb grows compared to a human baby.
What a wonderful and memorable experience for our tamariki, especially for those who may not have had the opportunity to meet and interact with a farm animal before. Moments like these create lasting memories and nurture a deeper understanding of the world around them.

21/09/2026

24/08/2026

Spaces Available!

Bream Bay Kindergarten is....
-Fees free!
-Community based
-Not for profit
-Licensed for children between 2 and 6 years old.
-Open between 8:15am to 2:15pm
-Open 48 weeks of the year
-Fully trained and registered teachers
Taking enrolments now...
Interested? We'd love to hear from you.
Know others that might be interested? Let them know about us too.
Call us on 4328096 or email [email protected]
or check out our blog

What a stunning morning down at the beach today.  Being up and ready at the crack of dawn is no easy feat, however not a problem for our robust kindergarten whanau!  

29/07/2026

Yesterday began with a chilly start in the ngahere, but before long the sun broke through the clouds and the day became beautifully warm and inviting. Our Whiringa-ā-nuku whānau spent the morning exploring their surroundings, searching for bugs and fungi, swinging and climbing among the trees, and rolling down slide hill. The highlight of our adventure was discovering a cold, struggling monarch butterfly resting in the wet grass. The tamariki responded with such care and compassion, gently helping to move the butterfly into a sunny spot. We watched quietly as it warmed up, dried its wings, and eventually flew away. It was a special moment that encouraged empathy, kindness, and respect for even the smallest creatures in our natural world.

23/06/2026

As the Matariki cluster rises in the winter sky, it is the perfect time to look down at the soil beneath our feet. Tupuānuku is the star in the Matariki whānau connected to everything that grows within the earth. This beautiful star reminds us of our deep connection to the whenua.
In honor of Tupuānuku, we got our hands dirty working in the mara kai planting seeds. This experience provided an opportunity for rich kōrero around how the stars in the Matariki cluster act as a celestial guide for Māori agriculture.
Through this storytelling, our tamariki aren't just learning how to plant seeds; they are connecting with centuries of traditional weather forecasting, observation skills, and indigenous science.

04/06/2026

There is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothing. Today, our kindergarten tamariki didn't let the wet weather stop them. Outdoor play in the rain deepens our children's connection to Papatūānuku, and offers incredible learning benefits, such as developing a sense of kaitiakitanga through learning to love and care for nature in every season, and learning to navigate slippery surfaces, building their core strength and balance, as they run, jump, swing and climb in and around the playground.
It also builds children's resilience through embracing change and finding joy in the elements. When we let children play in the rain, we teach them that they are part of nature, not separate from it. 🌿 Nga mihi nui to our lovely whānau for packing plenty of spare layers that make these messy, magical days possible.

29/04/2026

Our Whiringa-a-nuku whānau had such a wonderful day in the ngahere this morning! The sun was out, and the tamariki were rearing to go....
From the moment we stepped into the ngahere, curiosity took over. We spent our morning drawing and painting, searching for insects and mushrooms, swinging and climbing in the trees, racing pinecones down slide hill, while also taking time to pick up the rubbish in the surrounding area. After such an action packed morning the tamariki were glad to sit down to share some hot chocolate and have a quick kōrero to reflect on our incredible morning, before returning back to kindergarten.
These unhurried, child-led moments aren't just about fun; they are where our adventurers build resilience, problem-solving skills, and develop a deep sense of kaitiakitanga for our natural world.

Seeing their excitement when they spot a bird or find a flower or an insect reminds us why nature is the best classroom we could ask for.

21/04/2026

Over the past couple of months the tamariki here at Bream Bay Kindergarten have been busy diving into loose parts and the results are incredible. From heavy-duty crates and long planks to tyres and pipes, these "open-ended" treasures are the ultimate tools for learning.
Watching them work together is the best part. When children use large loose parts, they aren't just playing; they are:
Problem-solving: "How do we make this bridge steady?"
Collaborating: Communicating and negotiating to build epic forts and obstacle courses.
Developing Physical Strength: Lifting, hauling, and balancing to build those gross motor skills.
Being Creative: One minute it’s a fishing boat, the next it's a monster truck or an army tank.
There are no "right" ways to use these items—only endless possibilities. It is wonderful to see our tamariki so engaged, confident, and full of mahi tahi (teamwork).
Check out some of our master builders in action....

Calling all creators, builders, and backyard hoarders!
Our tamariki are on a mission to build, climb, and create, but we need your help to grow our 'Large Loose Parts' collection.
Loose parts aren't "toys" in the traditional sense—they are open-ended treasures like crates, planks, and tyres that let children lead their own learning. To keep the inspiration flowing, we are looking for donations of sturdy, safe items that have reached the end of their original life but are ready for a new adventure!
We are currently looking for:
Wooden items: Wooden crates (in good condition), log rounds, or large cable drums.
Industrial bits: PVC pipes, gutters, or large plastic conduits.
Containers: Bread crates or milk crates
Outdoor gear: Thick ropes, go cart tyres or burlap sacks.
If you have any of these items taking up space in your garage or worksite, we would love to take them off your hands! Please ensure items are clean and free of sharp edges, nails, or splinters.
We are more than happy to come and collect any items if needed. Please feel free to send us through some photos if you aren't sure whether it's what we need.