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Part of the Kohimarama community since 2005. A carefully designed centre that is light and airy by intent, with large open spaces, intimate nooks and a sustainable garden where children connect with the natural world.
Bear Park Kohimarama is a Reggio-inspired early learning centre at 318 St Heliers Bay Road, caring for tamariki aged 3 months to 5 years from Kohimarama, Mission Bay, Meadowbank and St Heliers.
Since 2005, Kohimarama has been a close-knit part of its neighbourhood. Families feel genuinely welcome and heard, teachers know children as individuals, and the centre connects with its community through regular events and open communication.
Natural light floods the learning spaces through carefully placed windows, revealing new ways to see and explore the world. Large outdoor areas and a sustainable garden extend the classroom into the natural environment every day.
The Fantail room offers a peaceful and serene environment for infants from 3 months. With more teachers than the ratio asks, kaiako can follow each baby's individual rhythms from home, building a strong sense of belonging from the very beginning.
A short welcome from the person who leads the Kohimarama team, who would love to meet you and your child in person.
Our teachers are inspired by Reggio Emilia, the RIE approach and Te Whāriki, with genuine relationships between children, parents and teachers at the centre of everything we do.
Director nameCentre Director · Kohimarama
★ 4.3 average · 27 Google reviews
"Our son is genuinely excited to go every single day, which says everything. The staff are brilliant, so caring, and truly go above and beyond and look after him as if he were their own."
Caity BartonParent · Kohimarama
"Do you trust this place with your child? For me, an easy yes. In fact, so much so, I would leave my whole family with them every day."
Alex YehParent · Kohimarama
"The Centre Director is personable and very involved with the team, which I value. The teachers go above and beyond, and you know it is a warm and safe environment where your child can thrive."
Natasha FlavellParent · Kohimarama
Bear Park Kohimarama is a calm, carefully managed centre with more kaiako in every room, on purpose. Our kaiako build deep, responsive relationships with tamariki because they're never stretched thin. We maintain ratios that exceed licensing requirements, and our youngest children benefit from particularly intimate, nurturing care.
Professional development is ongoing for every kaiako at Bear Park Kohimarama, regardless of qualification level. At least 80% of our teaching team hold an ECE or Primary teaching qualification at NZQA Level 7 or above, registered with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. Our Curriculum and Operations team, experienced qualified teachers now in leadership roles, mentor all kaiako and ensure the delivery of well-rounded, tailored curriculum at the centre.
Tamariki from 3 months to 5 years are welcome at Bear Park Kohimarama. Our approach centres on continuity of care, giving children the stability of familiar faces and relationships as they grow.
Please get in touch with Bear Park Kohimarama for current fee details. We're part of the 20 Hours ECE programme, which provides eligible three- and four-year-olds with 20 subsidised hours of early learning each week.
Bear Park Kohimarama is at 318 St Heliers Bay Road, Kohimarama, Auckland 1071. Kohimarama School and St Heliers School are both a short drive away. Situated in the eastern bays between Mission Bay and St Heliers. Open Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6.00pm. Nearby suburbs: Mission Bay, St Heliers, Meadowbank, Glen Innes, Orakei.
Reach out to the Bear Park Kohimarama team to check on current availability. We advise enquiring early as spaces are limited.
Use the Book a Tour button on our website to arrange a visit to Bear Park Kohimarama. Just select the centre and choose a time that works for you. Our Parents Guide is available to download if you'd like to explore further.
Book a tour
Free, about 45 minutes, and it asks nothing of you. This is your time to see Bear Park's philosophy in practice.
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