For over 50 years Garaway Kindergarten has been providing quality early childhood education and care for tamariki and whānau in Whakatāne.

Our team are passionate registered kaiako who promote respectful and genuine partnerships with whānau and the wider hapori. Our key teacher practice ensures a safe and secure transition for each tamaiti through a strong, warm and supportive relationship. Kaiako are trained in the Incredible Years programme that promotes calm, consistent behaviour management strategies to support tamariki social and emotional development.

At Garaway Kindergarten every tamaiti experiences an environment that stimulates engagement and learning. Our expansive indoor and outdoor spaces allow tamariki to learn through play and explore at their own pace. We celebrate each tamaiti for who they are and what they bring to the learning environment. We are rich in oral language and literacy and believe that every tamaiti can grow into a confident and competent lifelong learner.

Strathmore Kindergarten has merged with Garaway Kindergarten, and we are now one all ages kindergarten with kaimahi and tamariki using both rooms and outdoor play spaces. With the two former kindergartens right next door to each other, this change allows us to make the most of our indoor and outdoor environments by using all the space they have to offer.

From January 2025 we opened a nurturing new space for under two year olds at our all ages kindergarten.

You and your whānau are welcome to visit any time to meet the team and check out our amazing play areas. We’d love to meet you and let you know about what we offer.