Te Whare Manaaki Kindergarten is located within the Children’s Ward at Nelson Hospital and is a collaborative effort between Nelson Marlborough Health and Nelson Tasman Kindergartens.

Te Whare Manaaki offers a whānau-centred, safe, fun, and supportive learning environment that is culturally responsive to tamariki mā and their visitors. For children who are unable to visit the playroom, kaiako visit the ward to provide play opportunities directly in their rooms.

Play helps children stay connected to familiar experiences while in hospital, supports ongoing learning and development, and prepares and comforts tamariki before and during medical procedures.

We honour the uniqueness of every child and deeply value the partnership with whānau, respecting their important role in each tamaiti’s wellbeing.