The Association

Our Vision

To provide a diverse range of options, to continuously improve access for children, their parents and whānau and to build communities of mutual respect.

Our Mission

We provide quality, inclusive and accessible early childhood education delivered in environments that are warm and welcoming and where learning is fun.

 

History

Officially known as Wellington Region Free Kindergarten Association, we changed our name in 2004 to be known as Wellington Kindergartens. 

The Wellington Region Free Kindergarten Association was formed in 1984 following the amalgamation of the Wellington, Mana, Kapiti and Horowhenua Kindergarten Associations.We are an incorporated society and are governed by an elected group of parents, including two staff representatives. 

Wellington Kindergartens is part of a nationwide kindergarten network, which caters for more than 4,600 children at 64 kindergartens and early childhood services.

Wellington Kindergartens is the employing and managing body of 64 kindergartens from Levin to Wellington, including Petone and Eastbourne. 

We have a Board of parent and staff representatives which sets policy and strategic direction. The Board employs a General Manager to run the Association within the policies and guidelines set by the Board, to manage the staff, and the volunteer local committees,providing training and support to parents/whanau.

Structure and staff of the Association

Organisational Diagram

• General Manager
• Chief Financial Officer 
• Administration  Manager
• Facilities Manager
• 7 Senior Teachers
• 64 Head Teachers
• 300 Teachers
• HR Officer (Part time)    
• Financial Officer 
• Accounts/Administration Officer (Part time)
• Payroll Officer (Part time)
• Administration Officer

Role

The Association is responsible for managing our 64 kindergartens, which includes:

• Human resource management and appointment of staff
• Payroll services
• Professional support to staff and committees
• Buildings and grounds advice and assistance
• Administration and financial support for kindergartens
• Establishing and maintaining contacts with other early childhood agencies.

Our Commitment

The Association is committed to:

• Providing education and support programmes which respect the dignity, rights, abilities, individuality, cultural values and learning styles of children, teachers, parents and management.
• Providing advice, support and professional development which will enhance the performance of teachers and management.
• Ensuring that the activities of the Association and kindergartens centre on the needs of the child as learner, and on the principles, requirements, goals and objectives stated in the Charter.
• Ensuring that the activities of the Association and kindergartens are high quality and cost effective.
• Honouring the principles and practices inherent in the Treaty of Waitangi.
• Ensuring equitable practices.

Information for Visitors to our Kindergartens

(Please note that this does not apply to parents wishing to visit or enrol their child)

We welcome visitors to our kindergartens and look forward to meeting you. If you would like to visit one of our kindergartens our policy is that you will need to get in touch with us first. This will give us the information that we require and enable us to check that the teachers at the kindergarten that you would like to visit, will have the time to answer all your questions. We are happy to answer any questions you might have and to organise visits if you don't have a particular kindergarten in mind. If you are planning to be in the kindergarten for several days we need to ensure that you have proof that you have had a police check in NZ or in your home country before you arrive.