Kindergarten Taranaki/Whānau Manaaki Merger Information

Will anything change for my child?

No, nothing will change in your child’s day-to-day experience at kindergarten. The same teachers, routines, and relationships will continue. You might notice some updates to signage or branding over time, but the special things that make your kindergarten unique will remain – especially taonga like murals, other artwork or your kindergarten’s name.

Will kindergartens be open more often or for longer hours?

No, the operating hours and weeks per year for Taranaki kindergartens will stay exactly the same as they are now. While some changes are happening for Whānau Manaaki kindergartens next year, Taranaki kindergartens will be sticking with their existing calendar for 2026.  

Will fees change or increase?

The Kindergarten Taranaki Board have already identified that a fee will need to be introduced in 2026. More information about this will be available shortly. 

Whānau Manaaki have strong systems to support families experiencing financial pressure. This includes fee waivers, help accessing MSD allowances and Family Boost. They don’t sell debt to collection agencies and will always prioritise children attending over recouping fees in arrears. 

Will there be more support for my child and family?

Yes, joining Whānau Manaaki means in time, your child and whānau will have access to more learning support, health and social services. It will also mean a strengthening cultural capability, kaupapa Māori leadership, and improved technology and resources. 

Will decisions be made locally?

Yes, local knowledge and identity is important. There will be Taranaki representation on the Whānau Manaaki board, and a regional Kaitiaki Rōpū will be established to make sure local voices are heard.  

Whānau Manaaki have a strong reputation for ensuring that localised curriculum and community relationships are prioritised, we heard this from kaiako and kaimahi from regions that have already joined Whānau Manaaki (Whanganui and South Otago most recently). 

Will my child’s teachers stay the same?

Yes, all teachers will keep their current roles and conditions. No one needs to reapply for their job. Taranaki’s senior teachers will also join Whānau Manaaki’s team and continue supporting your kindergarten. Support office kaimahi will also have roles within Whānau Manaaki based on their skills, experience and the type of job they currently do.  

Local knowledge is vital to keep the unique and special character of Taranaki communities connected to the kindergartens! 

What are the benefits of merging?

This merger is about thriving, not just surviving. It brings stronger financial stability, better systems and support, and access to leadership, digital infrastructure, and workforce development that would be costly and slow to build alone. It also means more professional development for teachers and a more united Kindergarten movement in the future.