Our History
Generations of New Zealand children have loved being kindy kids - getting a great start in life through the joy of play and unique learning opportunities. In fact, kindergarten is a slice of Kiwi culture, where children make friends that can stay with them for life.
Our oldest kindergarten opened in 1899 and is now known as Kidsfirst Kindergartens Sunbeam. Today, more than 60 Kidsfirst Kindergartens provide high quality, teacher-led services to about 4,500 children across Canterbury and Westland.
We’re so very proud of that heritage and, of course, of being right at the heart of your community. This is our neighbourhood. Our kindergartens are surrounded by houses and homes and families. We’ve been here for over a hundred years helping local kids to grow and develop.
Key milestones in our history
- 1878
- Kindergarten method was introduced into Canterbury Schools.
- 1889
- The first New Zealand kindergarten is opened in Dunedin.
- 1899
- Kindergarten was established in Canterbury. That first site is still operating today as Kidsfirst Kindergartens Sunbeam.
- 1905
- 235 children were attending three kindergartens under the umbrella of “The Children Aid Society.”
- 1911
- "The Children Aid Society” became the Christchurch Crèche and Kindergarten Association, and became an incorporated society.
- 1913 – 1914
- Government instituted a Kindergarten Teaching Certificate as a result of pressure from Kindergarten Associations throughout New Zealand.
- By 1923
- There were five kindergartens operating in Christchurch; Sunbeam, Sydenham, Phillipstown (1912), Selwyn (1920) and Richmond (1922) and the Association enjoyed an annual income of £1,687.
- 1927
- The Christchurch Crèche and Kindergarten Association altered its name to Christchurch Free Kindergarten Association Incorporated.
- 1948
- The Department of Education paid teachers’ salaries.
- 1959
- The Hokitika and Rangiora Associations affiliated with the Christchurch Association bringing the total number of kindergartens to 32.
- 1960
- Greymouth Association affiliated with the Christchurch Association.
- 1971
- 60th anniversary of the Association was celebrated with the official opening of the Redwood Kindergarten.
- 1983
- The Christchurch Free Kindergarten Association Incorporated altered its name to Canterbury Westland Free Kindergarten Association (Incorporated).
- 1994
- The Burnham Association affiliated with the Association.
- 1998
- The Canterbury Westland Free Kindergarten Association adopted the trade name ‘Kidsfirst Kindergartens’.
- 2007
- The government introduces its 20 Hours Free ECE programme. Kidsfirst shifts from donations to fees.
- 2007
- Some Kidsfirst kindergartens begin to offer longer sessions to better meet community demand.
- 2009
- Approximately 4,500 children attend 63 kindergartens, with 3,000 children on waiting lists to enter kindergartens. A total of 320 staff are employed and the Association’s annual income approaches the $20 million mark.
- 2011
- Our Association will celebrate 100 years of kindergarten in our regions.