The Last 120 Years

By the start of the 20th century there were a few private kindergartens in Wellington, some kindergarten classes in schools and selected kindergarten activities in infant classes.

The Association had its roots in the Froebel Society established by Mary Richmond in 1897. In 1905 she formed the Richmond Kindergarten Union that established the first free kindergarten in the city in 1906. 

The name was changed to the Wellington Free Kindergarten Association in 1917, following the Dunedin, Auckland and Christchurch Associations.

It grew to become the Wellington Region Free Kindergarten Association in 1984 and with amalgamation with the Remutaka Association became He Whānau Manaaki o Tararua: Free Kindergarten Association in 2014.

Pictured: Mary Richmond with her kindergarten class at Richmond School, c.1893, ATL

Showcasing Kindergarten Stories

As part of our 120-year jubilee, we will be exploring the story of kindergartens from the 19th century, through to today. 

• The origins of a radical idea that children should learn through play
• Kindergarten activities developed by Friedrich Froebel in the 19th century: songs and movement, blocks, crafts, and engaging with nature
• How the Kindergarten movement travelled from Germany via England and the United States to Aotearoa.
• Kindergarten beginnings in Wellington
• The pioneers, dedicated teachers, and communities that fundraised and established kindergartens across the Wellington region
• The generations of children and whānau who enjoyed the kindergarten experience and took their confidence, curiosity and creativity to school and beyond
• An Association that adapted and redefined kindergarten in Aotearoa, honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, celebrating diversity, and promoting sustainability

The Four Eras of Kindergarten

BEGINNINGS of a radical idea: 1840s

PERSUASION and perseverance: 1900s

EXPANSION and community support and connection: 1950s

TRANSFORMATION and inclusion: 2000s

Collectively, the stories will provide a microcosm of the diverse social histories of Aotearoa, revealing some aspects of class, gender and culture.

Pictured: Action songs at Toru Fetū Kindergarten 2012