BestStart Elles Road

Welcome to our vibrant centre, nestled in the heart of South City, where community and connection are at the core of everything we do.

Our center is a hub of activity and celebration, with fortnightly excursions to our very own community garden and a weekly Wild@Heart Bush Kindy programme that immerses our tamariki in the beauty of nature.

We are proud of our annual events, including the Christmas party, Polyfest performance at Stadium Southland, Teddy Bears picnic at Queens Park, Matariki celebration, and our spook-tacular Halloween disco. We also embrace cultural diversity, celebrating Chinese New Year, Diwali, Samoan Language Week, and Māori Language Week, to name just a few.

Located on the route to the hospital and Tiwai aluminum smelter, our center serves a low socioeconomic area, but we are rich in community spirit. Our food pantry and LilliPut library in the carpark are just some of the ways we support our whanau. Across the road, the Whale’s Tale landmark in our local park symbolizes our deep connection to the land and sea, reflecting the strength, growth, and flourishing coexistence of cultures.

We are deeply committed to Kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and sustainability, and our focus on Whanaungatanga (relationships) ensures that every child and family feels connected and valued. Our center is more than just a place to learn—it's a place where community thrives and cultures are celebrated.