Get to know us

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Get to know us

At BestStart we’re a registered charity with a heart for giving back. Owned by the Wright Family Foundation we reinvest our surplus into meaningful initiatives like Plunket, the New Zealand Spelling Bee, the Kids’ Lit Quiz and the Graeme Dingle Foundation.

With 260 centres across Aotearoa, each one is shaped by the people, history and culture of its community. We work closely with whānau to build strong connections and focus on what truly matters to them.

Our values guide everything we do, shaping how we support Tamariki, Whānau, and each other. Join us to be part of something bigger.

Social responsibility initiatives

Plunket

We’re proud to be Whānau Āwhina Plunket’s Star Partner, working together to support the growth and development of tamariki in Aotearoa. Our partnership has developed over a decade of supporting communities alongside each other.

All our centres and support offices play an important role in our BestStart Butterfly Appeal each year and centre teams often collaborate with Plunket nurses and other staff, assisting each other.

Plunket Logo Acknowledges Founding Maori Midwives Copy Removebg Preview

Kia Timata Pai

This world leading research project into developing self-regulation skills in preschoolers is being researched in 140 BestStart centres, involving scores of teachers and 1,600 children. The research, funded by the Wright Family Foundation, is headed by Director of the Dunedin Longitudinal study, Richie Poulton. Other key partners are the Methodist Mission Southern and ERANZ.

All BestStart teachers, including those not currently part of the research project, will have access to the programme resources to develop children’s language and social-emotive skills once the final research assessment phase is finished, scheduled to occur in 2025.

Our values

Te Kounga o te Ako / Quality Learning

We offer quality professional development and leadership opportunities with defined career pathways, with all employees leading their own learning.

Pono / Trust

We build honest and genuine relationships and expect integrity from all. BestStart provides clear, robust and fair policies and procedures to guide behaviours and actions.

Manaakitanga / Support

We ensure the very best advice and guidance with access to coaching and meeting through a professional network. Our work environment supports the growth of teaching and leadership and encourages innovation.

Aroha / Safety

Ensuring the physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of tamariki, kaiako and all at BestStart is at the forefront of all we do. We have robust policies and procedures in place to keep everyone safe and informed. Our commitment to child safety means every employee has a thorough vet checking process prior to employment as well as professional development in this space.

Mana Tangata / Communication

We expect all at BestStart to communication openly and transparently with a culture of trust and mutual respect. We speak up with good intent and professionalism while being supportive of one another in our work.

Mana Atua / Wellbeing

We take a holistic approach creating environments where health and wellbeing is nurtured and protected. We encourage our team to keep learning, to be active and to find balance in our lives.

Mana whenua / Belonging

Feeling a sense of belonging, being welcome and connected, is a key aspect to supporting wellbeing of all at BestStart. We embrace each person’s culture, language and identity.

Whānau / Family

We want our team, tamariki and their whānau to feel part of the BestStart family, appreciated and valued for the unique perspectives we all bring.

Meet the talent team

At BestStart, our Talent Team is here to connect passionate people with meaningful careers in Early Childhood Education. From your first enquiry to finding the perfect role, we’ll guide you every step of the way, making the process seamless and supportive. With expertise in ECE and a genuine passion for helping people grow, we’re excited to be part of your journey. Let’s find the right opportunity for you!