Kidsfirst McKenzie

McKenzie

McKenzie Kindergarten opened as Riccarton Kindergarten on the 9th of April 1942. But it wasn’t until 1954 that it became known as McKenzie Kindergarten.

Kidsfirst McKenzie has long been a hub for the local Riccarton community. Even though styles may have changed, the fun and learning has not.

Read the extract below from the McKenzie Kindergarten Report in 1958…

“My main impression of the McKenzie Kindergarten was the light airy building and the immense play area literally dancing with happy children – some in the paddling pool, some on the ‘fun furniture’ making a realistic train, some turning head over heels on the ‘monkey bars.’ The selection of equipment here should satisfy any child.

I was particularly charmed with the facilities for bathing the rubber dolls and washing and ironing their clothes. Some very careful ‘mothers’ and ‘fathers’ seemed to permanently inhabit the doll’s corner, dealing expertly with their babies and having cups of tea! The morning at McKenzie allows for creative activity of all kinds of rhythm, rest and song and story – all the children seem to find plenty to do – no one is bored and only a few shy children seem to ponder, wondering where to start.”

1030x579 Gallery MCKENZIE_0006_cake cutting

In 2004, when the kindergarten celebrated it’s 50th anniversary, Mabel Sellers (née Pate) who was the original Director (as Head Teachers used to be called) returned to cut the commemorative cake.

1030x579 Gallery MCKENZIE_0001_playing with water

Tamariki at Kidsfirst McKenzie engage in some water play on a hot summer’s day, date unknown.

Memories from our kindergarten album:

The tamariki of Kidsfirst McKenzie pose for a class photo, date unknown.
McKenzie kindergarten’s afternoon session, 1992.
Although hairstyles have changed, kindy is still a great place to catch up with friends, 1980s.
Tamariki take a break from their day to enjoy a refreshing drink, date unknown.
Exploring different sticks in McKenzie’s big backyard, date unknown.
Children queue for an obstacle course in McKenzie’s big backyard, date unknown.
Kaiako, Miyuki Sakai, interacting with tamariki, date unknown.
Storytime at Kidsfirst McKenzie, date unknown.
The kindergarten’s namesake’s, Lady May McKenzie, and Sir John McKenzie.
Celebrating the kindergarten’s 50th birthday in 1992.
Tamariki play in Kidsfirst McKenzie’s big backyard, date unknown.
Tamariki play in Kidsfirst McKenzie’s big backyard, date unknown.
Tamariki play in Kidsfirst McKenzie’s big backyard, date unknown.
Tamariki play in Kidsfirst McKenzie’s big backyard, date unknown.
Tamariki play in Kidsfirst McKenzie’s big backyard, date unknown.