Kiwi RoomAge group 0 to around 2 years with up to 12 children. A nurturing and calm space where our youngest children are lovingly cared for and supported as they begin their early journey of discovery.
Nau Mai, Haere Mai
Welcome to Mercury Bay Preschool Whitianga
WINTER SPECIAL - LIMITED TIME OFFER - 6 WEEKS FREE*
WINTER SPECIAL - LIMITED TIME OFFER - 6 WEEKS FREE*
Welcome to Mercury Bay Preschool, a locally owned and operated
Early Learning Centre located in Whitianga
We offer high-quality care and education for children aged 0–6 years in a warm, nurturing environment.
Our centre is licensed for 39 children and includes dedicated spaces for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, supporting each child’s growth through personalised care and learning.
Our purpose is to provide a nurturing and enriching early learning experience that celebrates the uniqueness of every child
We prioritise holistic development, fostering curiosity, creativity, and well-being. We do this through strong relationships with families and our community. We create an inclusive environment that values cultural diversity and prepares children for lifelong success.
Our Philosophy
We, at Mercury Bay Preschool, operate under the NZ Early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki, where tamariki are “competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society”.
Our tamariki are our most precious taonga, and we believe that each tamaiti is a gift, who comes to us with their own unique culture, strengths, talents, and interests. Kaiako value the tamaiti’s individuality and diversity and this guides the kaiako’s relationships with whānau, hapu, and iwi.
The contribution and involvement of our whānau is embraced, valued, and encouraged to ensure that each individual tamaiti shines and their interests, desires and aspirations are enriched.
Creating effective relationships (whakawhanaungatanga) between kaiako, tamariki and whānau, based on openness, honesty and respect is one of our values and this sets the foundation for learning and teaching.
As tamariki discover in an environment full of stimulation and wonderment, their natural curiosity will inspire and shape our evolving curriculum.
Kaiako acknowledge and recognise Māori as tangata whenua and assumes a shared obligation for protecting Māori reo and tikanga within our early childhood setting.
Aroha, kindness and respect is at the heart of our practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enrol my child at Mercury Bay Preschool?
The best way to get started is to submit an online enquiry. We will organise opportunities for you to visit the centre and meet the team. While visits aren’t mandatory, we highly recommend attending so you can feel confident the environment is the right fit for you and your child.
What is the minimum enrolment requirement?
We have a minimum enrolment of two days per week. This allows tamariki time to settle into our routines, build secure relationships with kaiako and friends, and get the most from our learning programme. Consistency helps children feel a strong sense of belonging and confidence.
Are public holidays included in fees?
Our fees are structured to include public holidays. Therefore, no discount is applied when a public holiday falls on your childs usual booking day. This ensures consistent staffing and operational costs are met so we can maintain high-quality care all year round.
Is there a sibling discount?
Yes, we offer a 10% sibling discount for the second and subsequent tamariki enrolled from the same whānau. Please speak with us on how this is applied.
How do I pay the childcare fees?
We suggest setting up a weekly automatic payment through your bank. We also offer a direct debit option, which incurs a small additional transaction fee. Fees are due one week in advance — invoices are emailed each Monday and due by Thursday for the week ahead. We appreciate prompt payment to ensure your account remains up to date.
What Government support is available?
We offer the 20 Hours ECE subsidy for children aged 3–5 and accept WINZ Childcare Subsidies for eligible whānau. The Early Learning Payment (ELP) is also available to those who meet its eligibility criteria.
Whānau may also be eligible for FamilyBoost, a government payment introduced to help with the cost of early childhood education. FamilyBoost provides a partial refund on childcare fees, depending on household income.
Our team is happy to help you understand these options and complete any paperwork needed to access the support you’re entitled to.
Can I change my child's enrolled days?
Yes, we understand that family circumstances can change. Requests to increase or change booked days can be made directly with our centre administrator and will depend on space availability. We appreciate at least two weeks’ notice for any permanent changes to ensure consistency for staffing and planning. Please see the Resource Hub tab for the form.
Where can I access your centre policies?
Our full set of centre policies and procedures are available for whānau to view in reception at the front desk. These include enrolment, fees, health and safety, curriculum, and wellbeing policies.
How do you communicate with parents/caregivers?
We communicate with parents & caregivers through email, phone calls and in-person discussions. We use the Storypark our online learning platform, to share updates on your child’s learning and experiences and what is happening in centre.
How early do I need to enrol my child in Mercury Bay Preschool?
Please click on the enquire today tab. We recommend enquiring about enrolment early to ensure you secure a space in our centre. We may be able to have children start very soon after enrolment but at times we may have a wait list. We have fewer infant spaces than for over 2 year olds, so we advise contacting centres while you are pregnant to ensure your baby can start when you believe you will need this. If you enrol but your circumstances change, you are not obliged to start with us.
What do I need to bring?
Children should be dressed in old or play clothes and a spare change should be packed every day. In winter, rain attire and gumboots are essential, and in summer, sunhats are to be provided for outdoor play and we recommend you apply sun block to your child before the start of every day. Nappies are provided.
Under Twos
Breast Milk or Formula – enough for the day
Complete spare set of clothes and extra singlets
Items the baby is attached to i.e. dummy, teddy bear, etc.
Sunhat / warm waterproof outside clothes in winter
Over Twos
Complete change of clothes (more when toilet learning)
Special items for sleep i.e. cuddly, doll etc.
Sunhat / warm waterproof outside clothes in winter