New Shoots Children's Centre - Westgate 1 Kawakawa Place, Westgate, Auckland 8014

"By far one of the best childcare centres in New Zealand! Their environment is so warm and welcoming with top quality resources and activities for children to grow and thrive in a beautiful open ended playful space. You can truly tell the teachers are hand picked (every teacher I came across at New Shoots have been so amazing with a true passion for children). Our girl has been treated with such love and kindness on her learning journey and formed a close bond with the teachers and children. I cannot recommend them enough! 10 stars from me! ❤️"

"Dear Valerie and the team at New Shoots, Firstly, I would like to give you a big thank you for the amazing care, love and support you are continuously showing my son, I believe I have made one of the best decisions as a mother by enrolling my son into your centre. Since my son has started, I have noticed how much his development has progressed in terms of his behaviour, speech, comprehension and will to try new things. At home, my son is using his please and thank you's regularly, he wipes his hands, puts his plates and cups in the kitchen and is learning how to share his toys with his friends outside of daycare, this is because of the strong, effective routine you and the team have put in place, as a young mum who is studying full-time and working, you have not only taught my son some very important manners but you have helped me in the process of that and made parenting easier, I am so grateful for the support New Shoots show towards us both. His language development and comprehension is progressing rapidly, we are now able to have small conversations back and forth, he understands and follows everything I say, before my son started at New Shoots his vocabulary was very short and I am in awe of the drastic improvement. Before my son started daycare, he was very cautious when approaching something new and felt overwhelmed in a room with a lot of new people. Today, he is so keen on saying hello to new people, giving them a hug and having a conversation. He says "hello, what are you doing?" and "goodbye" to any kid that is near him, and to see my son thrive in social activities like birthdays, family events etc. His teachers have shown the best attributes a teacher can have, they are nurturing my son to become his best self. All of the teachers are already extremely special to me. Jenna is so vibrant! Her happiness radiates through the room, and is so lovely to be greeted by coming into the classroom. Everytime I see Jenna, she is so attentive to all the children. I appreciate Laurens calm and gentleness with Nikolai, I can see why children and my son Nikolai would feel so comfortable around her, she is compassionate and is great at listening and offering gentle advice. Lisa from wana is so real and down to earth. She has shown Nikolai so much support, and my son grew really attached to Lisa. You can see her efforts for the kids, and it is beautiful! All of the teachers are loving, nurturing and supportive but they have set boundaries for the kids and that is key. They are soft, but firm when needed and the methods of their teaching, in my eyes, are perfect. Since my son has moved to the bigger kids room Ngahuru, wow... I didn’t think I could it could get any better! But it has... Tiana is an amazing person with the kids, her sense of humour especially is a treat, the love she shows my son makes me feel like she’s a part of our family, I couldn’t be happier. Every time I walk in for drop off and pick up, Lisa from Ngahuru is hands on with the kids, always looking around to make sure every child is accounted for, you have no idea how much eases my mind each day I drop him off. Danni is always coming up to the door to greet me, takes my son to ensure drop offs are smooth and his feelings are nurtured. She is vibrant and her personality is so beautiful! Lastly, Valerie, you sold me the minute I met you, you are so genuine and the care you have for your daycare shined through when we initially met for a tour of the centre. You informed me on everything I needed to know, you shared your values and your passion for being the director of New Shoots! You are the backbone to this daycare and your efforts do not go unnoticed. Thank you Valerie! You are the reason why I chose New Shoots and I am so impressed and proud to have my child attend this daycare. You have the best team in the world, including Maree who is thorough, informative, and understanding and I am so excited to get to know the other teachers at New Shoots as he grows. Kindest regards, A very appreciative mum, Christina"

"The management and the people in New shoots are wonderful. So Kind to the kids just like a mother and very understanding and caring. Thanks to Valery and Rosary for your kind understanding and support. Rosary, Tayla, Sana, Karissa, lucy all of you are wonderful lovely teachers. I know Sara loves you all. I see in her eyes when she talks about you at home."

"My son has been attending this day care for over a year now and in that time has made so many beautiful friendships and he adores all his teachers. My son has grown in so many areas and I’m so grateful to know I’m leaving him with such amazing teachers who always put the children first. The centre is beautiful and everyone is so welcoming."