Free Kindergarten 20 Hours ECE

Te Puna Kindergarten

Tauranga

Ages

2–5 years

Roll Size

48 children

Subsidies

20 Hours

Rating

5/5

About Te Puna Kindergarten

Te Puna Kindergarten is a free kindergarten in Tauranga, with children currently enrolled aged 2–5 years. It’s well suited for parents seeking community-based, not-for-profit early education led by qualified teachers, usually with sessional hours. This centre offers 20 Hours ECE funding.

About Free Kindergarten

Free Kindergartens typically offer sessional or part-day early learning programmes led by fully qualified teachers, following Te Whāriki and emphasising learning through play, social interaction, and community involvement. These centres cater to families seeking high-quality education in a not-for-profit, community-based setting with strong ties to local whānau.

What Is 20 Hours ECE funding?

20 Hours ECE is a government-funded initiative that helps reduce the cost of early childhood education for families with tamariki aged 3–5. Eligible children can receive up to 20 hours of funded care and education each week at participating services. Centres can set their own enrolment patterns and may ask for optional charges, but the funded hours themselves should be free of compulsory fees. If you are unsure how this works at Te Puna Kindergarten, it is best to ask the centre directly how they apply 20 Hours ECE.

Community Profile

Roll & age distribution

Te Puna Kindergarten currently has a roll of 48 children tamariki , with most children enrolled in the 2–5 years age band.

Ethnicity profile

European tamariki are the largest group (73% of the roll), alongside māori, pacific, asian children.

Roll and demographic figures are based on data supplied by the Ministry of Education and were last updated on 01/07/2024.

Parent Reviews

Google Verified

Annaliese Dirkse

November 2025

“The most amazing Kindy with the absolute best Kaiako. Te Puna Kindergarten also has a beautiful community and lots of events to get involved with. There is something for every child here, and everyone is celebrated for who they are as individuals. Highly highly reccomend!”