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Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens: New Name, new organisation
Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens: New Name, new organisation, same great service
The new kindergarten association covering much of the lower North Island has been officially launched under a new name, He Whānau Manaaki o Tararua Free Kindergarten Association Inc, or Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens for short.
Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens was formed when the Rimutaka Kindergarten Association merged with Wellington Kindergartens. The new organisation operates 85 kindergartens across the Wairarapa, Upper Hutt, Horowhenua, Kapiti, Porirua and Wellington region. It also offers a home-based early childhood service in Porirua.
More than 5,600 children aged six months to six years are involved in early education through Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens, and the organisation employs almost 1,000 staff including more than 600 teachers.
Former general manager of Wellington Kindergartens Amanda Coulston is the chief executive officer of the new organisation and Jane Braun, the former general manager of Rimutaka Association is the assistant CEO. All staff from Rimutaka and Wellington Kindergartens have been employed by Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens.
“The two organisations had the same philosophy – to do what’s best for children and families”, says Amanda Coulston. “The organisations merged to ensure a strong sustainable kindergarten service for future generations and an influential voice to advocate for children.”
Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens is a community based not-for-profit organisation offering 100 per cent qualified teachers, a quality learning programme, and several services that cater for children under two and offer long days to suit full-time working parents.
The new name translates to ‘the caring family of Tararua’ and recognises the values of the kindergarten movement and the Tararua range that defines the region. The name was developed in association with Sir Tamati and Lady Tilly Reedy, who both have a long association with early childhood education, including involvement in the development of the early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki.
For more information visit www.wmkindergartens.org.nz
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