Our Philosophy

Recognising the Learning That Matters

Part Two of our series on understanding children's interests. Anita explores working theories, dispositions, and the seven fundamental questions driving children's play, and what this means for how kaiako observe, document, and respond.

How We Really Get to Know Our Tamariki

Anita shares how Helen Hedges' work on funds of knowledge changed how Our Kids understands children's interests, and why the everyday things families do at home are exactly the information kaiako need.

Whakarongo Pīkari: The Art of Active Listening in Early Childhood

Anita reflects on how honest feedback from a mentor changed everything about how she responds to children's play, and why true listening means observing, pausing, and aligning your response to what tamariki are actually thinking.

How I Found My Connection to Nature and Why It Matters for Our Tamariki

Anita shares how lockdown walks transformed her relationship with the natural world, and how the Children's Environmental Kinship Guide gave her the framework to deepen nature-based learning across Our Kids.

Leadership in an Early Childhood Education Context during times of uncertainty

COVID-19 has triggered a humanitarian crisis of global proportions, with thousands of lives disrupted daily. Sadly, we are not nearing the end of the crisis. In my day to day, I enjoy being in a mentoring role in an early childhood education setting, supporting head teachers and their teams when embracing challenges within the changing education landscape. In recent days, COVID-19 has dominated our lives and it is no surprise that I have been musing over how the situation was handled and what makes a great leader. In my opinion, the leader’s primary responsibility is to keep the teams successfully united and inspired to achieve a set of common goals. But what should a leader be focused on, in midst of disruptions the COVID-19 pandemic is causing to early learning services?

Our Reviews

    
 
 
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   Mahmoud Halaika 
 26 September 2026
 
 
  We moved to New Zealand about 11 months ago with two young children who needed to start kindergarten. I visited three centres, but "Our Kids Early Learning Centre" made a really good impression from the start - and what a great choice it turned out to be.

When we arrived, my children knew "zero English". The staff were incredibly patient and supportive, and slowly the kids adapted, gained confidence, and started engaging with the language, culture, and other children.
They made our transition to a new country so much easier.

Over the months, we saw huge progress in their English and confidence. My daughter has now started school, and the centre prepared her really well for that transition.

I still have my other child there and would highly recommend "Our Kids".
We are very grateful to the amazing staff for all their support. ❤️
  
 
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   Roy Mahidlawon 
 16 August 2026
 
 
  We met an amazing teaching staff. They are all friendly, approachable, and supportive to both kids and parents.
  
 
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   Alexander chandrakumar 
 2 July 2026
 
 
  The Best
  
 
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   Melissa Brown 
 4 May 2026
 
 
  Our daughter recently graduated from Our Kids Glendene after attending from age 2 to 5, and we truly couldn’t have asked for a better start to her early years. We chose this kindy based on a strong family recommendation, and it absolutely lived up to the praise.
The mixed age environment creates such a warm, family like atmosphere, with everything the children need to grow, learn, and thrive at their own pace. The teachers are incredible, caring, dedicated, and genuinely invested. They’ve become like aunties to our children.
Even now we still pop in for visits and are always welcomed so warmly, it really feels like we never left. We feel so lucky to have had such a genuine, nurturing place so close to home. Highly recommend to any family looking for a warm, supportive, community focused kindy.
  
 
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   Unaiza Ali 
 16 April 2026
 
 
  We had a wonderful experience with this daycare. The staff are caring, patient, and truly dedicated to the children’s wellbeing and development. My son always felt safe, happy, and engaged in the activities provided.
  
 
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   Tori Clarkk 
 3 February 2026
 
 
  My kids love this kindy alway there for my kids giving the best interest for them
  
 
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   August Wu 
 14 October 2025
 
 
  My son started with our kids onehunga from 8 months old. I was so nervous as first time mom how would the experience would be. Little did I know I found a really amazing place for my son. J is almost 2 years and I trusted the team to look after my baby. They are very kind, supportive, positive and I feel grateful as a mom and my son could be part of this community.
Arti always amazing. Nandita, Yolanda, Mari, Liz, Anu, Tina and many more. They are amazing too. Sending many 🫶🏻 & respect ✨ to our Kaiako at Our Kids Onehunga.
  
 
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   Maddie Turner 
 16 September 2025
 
 
  As a first time mum sending my boys to daycare at 2.5years old till 5 years old, I look back and know I picked the best I could have hoped for! The facility itself is small, homey and inviting. The staff, even when management changed a couple of times, the level of care towards my boys never wavered. The aroha, the reasurrance, the transparency and kindness at this centre was incredible. Our Kids Glendene has a special place in mine and my boys hearts. Whanau to us by they time they left for school. ❤️ Thank you all staff at Our Kids, for your level of care and compassion for my beautiful boys!
  
 
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   Hayley Felise 
 5 July 2025
 
 
  Our boy loved going to Our Kids. The teachers are welcoming and supportive, and want the very best for your kids. Lots of special connections made at this community spot.
  
 
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   shayal kumar 
 18 May 2025
 
 
  Great staff, and awesome environment for my daughter. Staff are so friendly and understanding on how you would like your child's development to go from being just a small infant to a confident toddler. My daughter enjoyed her time being here and loved her teachers!!
Thank you for the experience!!