Ōtātara Children’s Centre

EIT Hawke's Bay's on-campus childcare centre

About Ōtātara Children’s Centre

A nurturing place for little learners to grow

At Ōtātara Children’s Centre, every day is an opportunity to explore, create, discover and grow. We provide a calm, natural and nurturing environment where tamariki feel safe, happy and excited to learn through play.

Ōtātara Children’s Centre aims to work in partnership with whānau and community to provide outstanding education and care to the tamariki of students and staff of EIT and the wider community.

Caring hands and happy hearts

Our experienced teaching team works closely with whānau to ensure every child and family feels welcome, valued and respected.

  • 100% qualified teachers caring for tamariki aged 6 months to 6 years.
  • 1:3 teacher-to-child ratio for children in our under two space.
  • 1:7 teacher-to-child ratio for children in our over two space.

Each child has a key teacher who takes special responsibility for their wellbeing, learning and development. They are also the main point of contact for whānau, helping to build a strong and trusting relationship between home and the centre.

 

Explore Our Facilities

Our thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor spaces give tamariki plenty of room to play, learn, explore and grow. Each area provides a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment where children can follow their interests, build new skills and make exciting discoveries.

Te Pihinga (0-2 Area)

Te Pihinga is a calm, cosy and nurturing space designed especially for our youngest tamariki. Children can explore safely, form strong connections with their teachers and learn at their own pace, with activities and care routines shaped around their individual needs and interests.

Click here to take a look

Te Puāwai (Over 2’s Area)

Te Puāwai is a fun and engaging space where older tamariki can get creative, build confidence and follow their curiosity through play. With plenty of opportunities to investigate, problem-solve and work alongside others, children are supported as they grow in independence and prepare for their next steps.

Click here to take a look

Bookings

Come and grow with us

Looking for a nurturing place where your little one can learn, play and thrive? We would love to welcome your whānau to Ōtātara Children’s Centre.
Places are limited, so we recommend getting in touch early to ask about availability.

 

Opening Hours

Ready for another day of learning and play?

Ōtātara Children’s Centre is open:

  • Monday to Friday
  • 7.45am–5pm

The centre closes for four weeks over the Christmas and New Year period, on all statutory holidays and for two teacher-only days each year.
Whānau are not charged fees when the centre is closed.

Contact Us

Come and say hello

Have a question, want to enquire about a place or simply learn more about our centre? Our friendly team would love to hear from you.

Ōtātara Children’s Centre
EIT Hawke’s Bay
501 Gloucester Street
Taradale
Napier

Phone: 06 974 8908
Email: otatara@eit.ac.nz

20 Free hours

Helping make early learning more accessible

We offer 20 Hours ECE for all eligible three and four-year-olds, in line with Ministry of Education guidelines. There are no additional charges during your child’s 20 Hours ECE at Ōtātara Children’s Centre.

WINZ Subsidies

Your whānau may also be eligible for a WINZ Childcare Subsidy to help with the cost of fees. Our team can provide information and help you understand the support that may be available.

View our policies, procedures and guidelines

Meet Our Team Leaders

Meet Saemone, Abbie and Kristin, the caring and experienced leaders who help make Ōtātara Children’s Centre such a special place to learn, play and grow. Click on their profiles to learn more about each of them.

Saemone Fraser- Centre Manager

Get to know Saemone

Kristin Leak- Head Teacher (0-2)

Get to know Kristin

Abbie Tope- Head Teacher (2+)

Get to know Abbie

“We have been part of the Otatara whanau for the last four years. Otatara provides our children with a safe and nurturing environment where our children are given endless learning opportunities in a beautiful and creative space. The dedicated teachers know each child’s individual interests and needs and have genuine care for each child’s growth. We highly recommend Otatara to future families”

– Christison Whānau

Frequently Asked Questions

We know choosing an early childhood centre is a big decision, and you may have a few questions along the way. Take a look through our frequently asked questions to find helpful information about life at Ōtātara Children’s Centre.

Where is Ōtātara Children’s Centre?

Who can use the Children’s Centre?

How many hours a week can children attend?

How much are the fees at Ōtātara?

Are the teachers at Ōtātara actual teachers?

What is your teacher to child ratio?

Does Ōtātara offer 20 Free Hours for children aged 3 and over?

Will our family’s culture be valued and celebrated at Ōtātara Children’s Centre?

Do I need to bring food for my child?

Is Ōtātara Children’s Centre open all year?