BestStart Rongotai

Our centre is a beautifully converted old villa, providing a unique environment for children to explore.

With dedicated spaces such as our Library, Art Area, and Carpentry zone, children have opportunities for creativity, discovery, and learning. Nestled in the heart of Kilbirnie in the eastern suburbs of Wellington, we enjoy a prime location close to both the airport and the harbour, with easy access to the main city.

Our values—Atawhai (Kindness), Aumangea (Resilience), and Whanaungatanga (Belonging)—are woven into our daily practices. We draw inspiration from the local pūrākau (story) of Ngake and Whātaitai, the taniwha of Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington Harbour). Whātaitai's body is said to rest on the land where our centre stands today. This story is a guiding force in our curriculum, teaching us the importance of pushing beyond our comfort zones, growing through new challenges like Ngake, and finding support and nurturing in our learning environment until we’re ready to take flight.

In consultation with local schools, iwi values, and our centre whānau, we’ve identified key priorities for our tamariki, focusing on building social and emotional skills, developing oral language abilities, and fostering self-care and healthy habits.