BestStart Waiata Shores

Hands
Friends
teacher and children
certificates
High five
Happy Family
Magic Show
On grass
Babies
High 5
Slide
Reading
Ball
Kitchen
Baby
Outside
BestStart Waiata Shores is an early learning centre located in Takanini, South Auckland. We provide high-quality early education and award-winning childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

At BestStart Waiata Shores, we pride ourselves on fostering a nurturing, inclusive environment that sets every child on a journey of learning and discovery. This links directly to our philosophy. Located in the vibrant community of South Auckland, our centre is purposefully designed to support each child’s unique development, where children grow from infants to being ready for school, celebrating each milestone along their journey.

We believe that play is the most powerful vehicle for learning. At BestStart Waiata Shores, play is woven into every part of our curriculum, allowing children to develop essential skills in a hands-on and engaging way. Through open-ended activities, sensory play, and group interactions, children build social, cognitive, and motor skills, all while fostering their natural curiosity and creativity.

We recognise that each stage of a child’s development brings new interests, skills, and learning needs. That’s why our programmes are tailored to suit different age groups, ensuring that each child’s developmental milestones are supported and celebrated.

Our Team

Our team is composed of qualified early childhood educators who are dedicated to fostering a safe, stimulating environment for children to explore and grow. Each teacher brings specialised knowledge, enthusiasm, and a commitment to high-quality care, aligning with our philosophy of nurturing children with the skills and confidence they need to thrive.

What We Offer

  • 20 hours free for 3-5 year olds and WINZ subsidies available* if required.
  • Great teacher to child ratios.
  • A tight-knit and qualified team of dedicated teachers.

Our Spaces

Taonga and Pipi Room

Under 2's

Paua Room

2-3 years old

Moana Room

3-4 years

Taongroa Room

4-5 years old

Video Gallery

A World of Wonder and Discovery at BestStart
Our very first day!
Matariki Celebrations 2021
Fathers Day 2021
Quality Service Award 2023

kind words from our parents

Parent

Kayde has been enrolled at this daycare for about 2 months now and I can gladly say that we have made the best decision in choosing to move him to this daycare. My partner and I are extremely happy with how he is treated by all the staff. Everyone here is so lovely from the moment you walk in to drop your child off to when you come and pick your child up. Emma is an amazing manager who is also very happy to be hands on with the children when needed. I think that this center has a very high standard in who they employ and that is definitely visible in the way they treat the children which is amazing for parents! As the center is growing and they are starting to employ new workers, all the new staff that I have met so far have all been great! I feel very comfortable dropping my son off knowing that he will be in great hands. He absolutely loves it here and we are so glad we found this center.

Parent

I feel very blessed to have found a centre like BestStart Waiata Shores for my 1 year old daughter. I feel so fortunate that she is so well cared for by the most amazing, kind and caring people in what has become her home away from home and i know she is getting everything and more while i am at work as she is stimulated , engaged and nurtured. It is a wonderful place for her to learn play and grow.

Parent

My daughter has enjoyed coming to this centre. Staff are very informative, approachable, supportive and always showing love for my daughter and the other children. I feel safe that my daughter is with some amazing teachers and she is always talking about her friends and how much she likes them. She shares her learning experiences with us during dinner time. She has excelled so much and is always super excited to come to the centre. Great centre I would happily recommend to anyone.

Parent

The BestStart centre my son currently attends is amazing! So much better than his last one and I have already booked my baby in for after he is born. The staff are great and have such a kind manner and family feel about the centre.

What we're proud of

Most Trusted Childcare Most Trusted Childcare Quality Service Award Quality Service Award Set for School Set for School BestStart Educare Governing Organisation Report BestStart Educare Governing Organisation Report

LATEST STORIES FROM OUR BLOG

Easter Hat Parade at BestStart Waiata Shores

We held an Easter Hat Parade where children made their own hat creations and wore them while we paraded around to Easter music!

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Paper Mache Art

We explored with our hands and we made paper mache art, check out the recipe and have a go at home!

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Creativity with paint

We all decided to take out our paint brushes, paints and creativity skills. We made use of our boxes at the centre to paint and create masterpieces, it was so much fun!

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