About
Kiwi Iti Early Learning Centre is nestled in the small rural community of Putaruru and is supported by a team of qualified, caring, and dedicated kaiako. We are committed to providing high‑quality care and education in an environment where every child feels safe, nurtured, and genuinely loved.
We believe that children at Kiwi Iti grow as confident, well‑rounded individuals, proud of their culture, proud of who they are, and proud of the unique strengths they bring to our learning community. We support each child’s natural eagerness to discover, explore, learn, and grow in their own time and in their own way.
Our environment is intentionally equipped with a wide range of open‑ended resources that promote free play, creativity, and curiosity. We are passionate about ensuring our spaces reflect the interests of the children who attend, allowing them to lead their learning through meaningful, self‑directed experiences.
By providing a well‑resourced environment complemented by a warm, loving atmosphere, we nurture each child’s health, wellbeing, and sense of belonging, strengthening the foundations they need to thrive.
Early Learning at Our Centre
Our curriculum is shaped by the interests, strengths, and emerging identities of the children who attend Kiwi Iti. Guided by Te Whāriki, we design learning experiences that are responsive, meaningful, and grounded in the principles of empowerment, holistic development, family and community, and authentic relationships.
We take pride in building genuine, trusting relationships with every child and their whānau. These relationships help us understand what matters most to our families and ensure each child feels seen, valued, and supported.
We welcome and appreciate feedback from our whānau and wider community. Your insights help us refine our curriculum, strengthen our practice, and ensure we continue to meet the needs of the children in our care.
Rua (Burrow)
Our main learning environment for children approximately 2–5 years, licensed for a maximum of 29 children (including up to 5 under 2 years).
Children are encouraged to:
• Follow their interests
• Make choices
• Explore ideas
• Develop independence
• Collaborate with others
• Build confidence as capable learners
The environment includes:
• Creative experiences
• Open-ended play
• Construction and problem solving
• Literacy and communication
• Outdoor exploration
• Physical development
• Group experiences
Rua Pēpē (Baby Burrow)
Our dedicated space for our youngest tamariki, licensed for a maximum of 10 infants.
We recognise that babies learn through relationships and responsive care. Our Baby Burrow provides a calm and nurturing environment where children can develop secure attachments.
Teachers support infants through:
• Feeding
• Sleeping
• Nappy changing
• Comforting
• Communication and connection
Our approach supports:
• Secure relationships
• Individual routines
• Emotional wellbeing
• Exploration and discovery
• Strong partnerships with parents and whānau
Children learn through responsive and reciprocal relationships with people, places and things.
Mā roto i ngā piringa, i ngā whakahaere i waenganui o te mokopuna me te katoa, e whakatō te kaha ki roto i te mokopuna ki te ako.
Te Whariki,
Ministry of Education, 2017