Two Centres. One Whānau.
Quality early childhood education and care for pēpi and tamariki across two Porirua locations.
Porirua Whānau Centre Childcare
16 Bedford Court, Cannons Creek, Porirua
Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:00pm
$5.50 per hour
Tiaki Mokopuna Childcare
2 Tutuira Place, Porirua City Centre, Porirua
Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm
$7.50 per hour
Why Whānau Choose us
Learning Through Play
Tamariki learn through play, exploration and meaningful everyday experiences.
Experienced Kaiako
Our caring kaiako build secure relationships and support each child’s learning and development.
Culture & Belonging
We celebrate each tamaiti, their identity, culture and connection to whānau.
Strong Whānau Relationships
We work alongside whānau and value the knowledge you bring about your tamaiti.
Supportive Transitions
Our flexible induction process gives tamariki time to settle, build relationships with kaiako and become comfortable in their new environment at their own pace.
Making childcare more affordable for whānau
If your tamaiti is aged 3, 4 or 5 years old, they may be eligible for the Government’s 20 Hours ECE scheme.
At both Porirua Whānau Centre Childcare and Tiaki Mokopuna Childcare, eligible tamariki can receive:
Up to 20 hours of ECE each week
Up to 6 free hours per day
20 Hours ECE can help reduce your weekly childcare fees and is available from your child’s third birthday until they start school, subject to the Ministry of Education eligibility requirements.
How does it work?
When enrolling, we’ll help you complete the 20 Hours ECE Attestation and confirm which days and hours you would like us to claim.
For example, if your tamaiti attends 9:00am–3:00pm Monday to Friday, you can choose up to 20 of those hours each week as 20 Hours ECE, with a maximum of 6 hours claimed on any one day.
Any hours outside your allocated 20 Hours ECE are charged at the normal hourly rate for your centre.
Can I also apply for a WINZ Childcare Subsidy?
Yes. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be eligible for support through the WINZ Childcare Subsidy for childcare costs not covered by 20 Hours ECE.
We can provide you with the WINZ childcare forms and help with the childcare-provider section of your application.
Not sure what you're eligible for?
Talk to our team. We’re happy to explain how 20 Hours ECE works, look at your child's enrolled hours and help you understand what your weekly childcare costs could look like.
04 237 7749
20 Free ECE Hours
Starting Childcare / Our Induction Process
Our Induction Process
A gentle start for tamariki and whānau
Starting childcare is a big transition for both tamariki and whānau. Our induction process gives your child time to become familiar with their new environment, meet their kaiako and begin building trusting relationships before starting their regular enrolled days.
Every tamaiti is different, so our induction process is flexible. The days and times below are a guide only. Some tamariki may settle quickly and need a shorter induction, while others may benefit from additional visits or a slower transition. We will work alongside you to decide what feels right for your child.
Day 2 – Short Independent Visit | Approximately 1–2 hours
Your tamaiti spends a short period at the centre without their parent or caregiver. Kaiako will support them to begin building confidence and trusting relationships while becoming more comfortable with the daily environment.
Day 1 – Whānau Stay & Play | Approximately 1–2 hours
You stay with your tamaiti while they explore the centre, meet their kaiako and become familiar with their new environment. This is also an opportunity for our kaiako to learn more about your child—their interests, routines, comfort needs and what helps them feel safe and secure.
Day 3 – Extended Visit | Approximately 3–4 hours
Your tamaiti stays for a longer period and begins experiencing more of their normal childcare routine. Depending on the time of their visit, this may include play, kai, outdoor exploration, group experiences and rest or sleep.
Then – Ready to Begin
Once your tamaiti is settled and ready, they can begin their regular enrolled days. If they need more time, that’s absolutely fine. Inductions can be shorter or longer depending on how your tamaiti settles, and we will continue working alongside your whānau throughout the transition.
We understand that starting childcare with a pēpi can feel like a big step. During induction, our kaiako work closely with whānau to understand your baby’s individual routines, including breastfeeding or bottles, kai, sleep and settling, comfort, nappy changing and their individual cues.
Where possible, we aim to provide consistency between home and childcare while allowing your pēpi time to form secure, trusting relationships with their kaiako. If your pēpi needs a more gradual transition, we can adjust their induction to suit them.
Learning Through Play & Relationships
At our centres, tamariki learn through play, exploration and meaningful relationships. Guided by Te Whāriki, our kaiako create opportunities for tamariki to build confidence, curiosity, communication, creativity, problem-solving skills and a strong sense of belonging.
Connect & Belong
Building friendships, celebrating culture and strengthening each tamaiti's sense of identity and belonging.
Create & Express
Supporting imagination, creativity and communication through art, music and play.
Explore & Discover
Encouraging curiosity, confidence and problem-solving through hands-on experiences.
READY TO JOIN OUR WHĀNAU?
Come and visit one of our centres, meet our kaiako and see whether we're the right fit for your tamaiti and whānau.
ENQUIRE ABOUT A SPACE | BOOK A CENTRE VISIT
Meet the Kaiako - PWC
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Pae Aupaau
Head Teacher - Registered Kaiako
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Anu Isaako
Over 2’s Team Leader - Registered Kaiako
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Asia Talivai
Under 2s Team Leader - Registered Kaiako
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Bobby Xue
Provisional Registered Kaiako
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Repeka Kome
Kaiako
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(Ena) Ena-Gene Newby
Kaiako
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![Kennedy Filo]()
Kennedy Filo
Kaiako - Student
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Penny Elder
Kaiako
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June Uepa
Kaiako
Meet the Kaiako - Tiaki Mokopuna
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June Montgomery
Registered Kaiako
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Jason Sharrock (JJ)
Registered Kaiako
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Mile Eni
Kaiako
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Michelle Manahan
Provisional Registered Kaiako
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Tere Rogers
Registered Kaiako
