We welcome your enquiries and look forward to connecting with your family. Our friendly team is here to answer your questions about enrollment, our educational approach, or to schedule a visit to our centre. We are here to provide all the information you need to make the best choice for your tamariki. Feel free to reach out anytime – we’re excited to meet you and your family! We believe in building strong, lasting relationships with whānau, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Your tamariki’s learning journey begins with us, and we can’t wait to be part of it.
Inspire Kids to Lead a Brighter Future!
Discover School Activities
At Pīwakawaka Early Learning Centre, we care deeply about nurturing confident, curious, and kind tamariki aged 3 months to 6 years. Located in Waltham, Christchurch, our centre is a welcoming, inclusive space where every child is celebrated for who they are. We offer a rich, play-based learning environment inspired by Te Whāriki, guided by experienced kaiako who support each child’s growth in a caring and respectful way. Strong relationships with whānau help us create a true sense of belonging, while our daily practice honours te ao Māori through the use of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori. Children are encouraged to explore, express themselves, and build lasting friendships in a safe, joyful space designed for learning and discovery. At Pīwakawaka, we believe every child deserves a great start, and we’re here to support them every step of the way.
- Supporting child's Personality
- Indoor/Outdoor Games for Little Kids
- Professional & Qualified Teachers
- Best Learning School for Kids
School Facilities We Offer!
Hours
The centre is open Monday to Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm. We will be closed on public holidays. Our caring team is always here to welcome your tamariki with a smile and open arms.
Vision
Our goal is to empower all tamariki to become confident and competent learners and ignite their love of learning. We support each child’s unique journey by nurturing their strengths, interests, and sense of identity.
Our Teachers
Our educators are well qualified, highly motivated, and skilled - we operate well above Ministry ratios and have 100% qualified teachers. This ensures each tamariki receives the individual attention and support they deserve to thrive.
Curriculum
Our centre will follow the Principles, Strands and Goals of Te Whaariki - He Whaariki Mataranga mo nga mokopuna o Aotearoa - The Early Childhood Curriculum
Parent involvement
We operate an “open door” policy, where parents and family are welcome into the Centre at any time. We value strong partnerships with whānau and believe collaboration enhances each child’s learning experience.
Organisational structure
Pīwakawaka Early Learning Centre is proudly New Zealand family owned and operated. Our centre new owner, Rahul brings in a wealth of experience in Public health and Non-Profit to our centre
Choose Us For Your Child Better Future
Our approach is grounded in Te Whāriki, Aotearoa’s Early Childhood Curriculum, which supports children to learn through rich, responsive relationships and engaging experiences. Our curriculum is play-based and child-led, encouraging exploration, collaboration, and creativity—while gently building early literacy, numeracy, and life skills through everyday moments. We believe in fostering an environment where tamariki feel safe, respected, and valued, helping them develop a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. Our educators carefully observe and respond to each child’s needs and interests, guiding them to become confident, capable learners.
Organisational structure
Our centre manager, Bobbie, has been in the education sector for over 10 years, and leading for most of that time. Some of our kaiako are primary trained teachers who provide us additional expertise and insight into transitions to school, while others have had many years in early childhood education. Together, our team brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to create a nurturing environment for tamariki. We are committed to continuous professional development to ensure our practices are always evolving and of the highest quality.
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Class Sessions
- Monday - Friday
- 8:00am - 4:30pm
Location Address
- 40 Shakespeare Road, Waltham, Christchurch 8023
Our Office Hour
- Monday - Friday
- 8:00am - 4:30pm