AKA Kindergartens have been providing affordable, high quality education and care for children for over 100 years.
Committed to 100% qualified teachers our kindergartens provide an excellent introduction to education, fostering a curiosity for knowledge that tamariki will build on as they grow and continue on their education journey to school. Known for our large, natural outdoor spaces with real grass, trees and gardens, our learning environments help tamariki connect with nature and develop their skills in the natural world.
Our kindergartens follow Te Whāriki the NZ Early Childhood Education curriculum with a focus on learning through play. As a charitable organisation we are committed to providing affordable early childhood education for tamariki and whānau.
Kindergarten terms for 2025 are:
Term 1: 22 January – 11 April
Term 2: 28 April – 27 June
Term 3: 14 July – 19 September
Term 4: 6 October – 19 December
All our kindergartens are closed on weekends and public holidays. Most AKA kindergartens close during school term breaks, the exception being Fonua ‘Alaha Manongi and Glenavon kindergartens. Please refer to the individual kindergarten webpages for specific hours available at the kindergarten of your choice.
Our KiNZ Early Childhood Education & Childcare Centres are open right through the term break and offer hours from 7.30am to 5.30pm for parents looking for full day childcare options. Visit each centre’s webpage for details.
All kindergartens offer either 6 or 7 hours, but some kindergartens also offer shorter 3 or 4 hour sessions. You can choose the days that your child will attend. Availability hours for kindergarten will vary between centres.
Get in touch by filling out our quick and easy contact form. Someone from your preferred kindergarten will call or email you to talk you through the enrolment process and make sure you are on their waiting list. Even if you just want more information, we can help!
Waiting lists vary from kindergarten to kindergarten. After you get in touch, your child may be able to start kindergarten right away or you may need to wait until there is space at your preferred kindergarten. There are always children leaving to go to school, vacant spots come up all the time. This is why there are no set cut off dates for kindergarten enrolment.
It’s a good idea to visit your local kindergartens, talk with the teaching team and get a feel for the centre before you decide. You are welcome to pop in to any of our kindergartens in Auckland anytime and say hi!
We recommend that you begin the kindergarten enrolment process early on, when your child is at about 2 years old.
Most kindergartens enrol children between the ages of two and five years old, but placement is subject to availability. Kindergartens are very popular, and most have waiting lists. Their popularity is related to both their relatively low cost and their high-quality education. That’s why we strongly recommend that your child is on the waiting list at your chosen centre well before you want them to start going to kindergarten.
Get in touch with your local kindergarten to find out at what age they are accepting children.
If you are looking for childcare for children under the age of two, please contact one of our KiNZ Early Childhood Education & Childcare Centres.
Compared to other childcare providers, kindergartens are popular because of their relatively low cost and their high quality education.
AKA is part of the government scheme which allows all children aged 3-5 years old to receive 20 hours free early childhood education a week. AKA extends this to offer 2 year-olds 20hrs free as well. (Please note this does not include KiNZ Centres).
If you would like your child to be at kindergarten for more than 20hrs, there is a small charge for every hour over and above the 20 hours ECE subsidy. This amount is very low cost in comparison to other ECE centres. Some kindergartens are able to provide additional hours for free.
The subsidy that the government provides is not sufficient to meet the high quality education that we provide, so a small contribution fee is requested based on the number of hours that your child attends kindergarten. As AKA is a charitable trust, all contributions are channeled back into children’s learning and are tax deductible.
There are also additional subsidies that you may be eligible for from the government such as WINZ childcare subsidy and Family Boost.
For a fee schedule based on your intended specific days and hours, please contact your local kindergarten.
AKA provides 20hrs free for 2 year olds. Once your child turns 3 they become eligible for the government 20hrs free Early Childhood Education (ECE) subsidy for 3, 4 and 5 year olds. You can use your 20 hours ECE at more than one centre, but not for the same times. You can choose how many 20 hours ECE you want to use, with a maximum of 6 hours a day and 20 hours a week. With your 20 hours ECE subsidy, the first 20 hours of your child’s early childhood education is free.
Find out more about the 20 hours ECE scheme on the Ministry of Education website.
Kindergartens are inclusive places and we welcome all children and their families. Our qualified teachers are able to work with families to meet every child’s needs. Please share with the teachers if you have any learning or health information about your child. This will help the teachers be prepared to best support you and your child.