Whakamana
Empowerment
Children are supported to make choices, take responsibility and see themselves as capable learners.
Our centre
A place to belong, contribute and grow.
Riverhills is a vibrant, multicultural centre where children, whānau and teachers learn with and from one another.
Small and connected
Known by name. Supported with care.
Riverhills has served the Pakuranga community for more than 10 years. Our licence is for 35 children, supported by five teachers, and we exceed Ministry of Education teacher ratios.
Our philosophy is a living document, reviewed as our children, families and community evolve.
What guides us
Four principles, lived every day.
Kotahitanga
Holistic development
Learning honours the whole child—their mind, body, emotions, spirit and connections.
Whānau tangata
Family and community
Whānau knowledge, culture and aspirations enrich each child’s learning journey.
Ngā hononga
Relationships
Responsive, reciprocal relationships create the trust children need to explore.
Te Tiriti & tuakana–teinaRead our full philosophy
Culture, family and learning across ages
We honour Aotearoa New Zealand’s dual heritage through te reo Māori and tikanga Māori. Every family and culture is welcomed and celebrated as part of our learning community.
Our mixed-age setting gives younger tamariki trusted role models and older children meaningful opportunities to care, guide and lead.
A genuine family feeling
Reciprocal, respectful relationships
Play that follows each child’s interests
Haere mai · Come and see