If you are looking for home-based childcare on Auckland’s North Shore or Hibiscus Coast, Kia Ora Kids has qualified educators across the northern suburbs ready to care for your child. Our educators look after small groups in their own homes, close to where local families live, so your child gets warm and personal care without a long drive across the city. This guide covers the North Shore and Hibiscus Coast areas we serve, how the home-based model works, and how to find an educator near you.
What home-based childcare means
Home-based childcare is early childhood education that takes place in an educator’s own home rather than a large centre. A qualified educator cares for up to four children at a time, which keeps the group small and the attention personal. Kia Ora Kids is licensed by the Ministry of Education, and our educators follow Te Whariki, the national early childhood curriculum, with the support of a qualified visiting teacher. You can read more about our home-based childcare and how a typical day works.
North Shore suburbs we cover
Across the North Shore, Kia Ora Kids educators care for children in a range of suburbs, including the following.
- Greenhithe, with educator Wendy
- Unsworth Heights, with educator Tracy
- Forrest Hill, with educator Monowara
- Browns Bay, with educator Kerry
If you live nearby in areas such as Albany, Rosedale, Glenfield or Takapuna, we can usually match your family with an educator close to home. Because care is based in the educator’s own home, many North Shore families pick a suburb that suits their daily route to work or school.
Hibiscus Coast suburbs we cover
Further north, our Hibiscus Coast educators care for children around the Whangaparāoa Peninsula and Orewa, including the following.
- Stanmore Bay, with educator Helen
- Gulf Harbour, with educator Jana
- Army Bay, with educator Leanne
- Orewa, with educator Jo
We also have educators further north toward Wellsford, so families outside the main coastal suburbs are welcome to ask about availability.
Why North Shore and Hibiscus Coast families choose home-based care
Parents in the northern suburbs tell us the same things draw them to home-based care.
- A small, settled group. With only four children, your child is seen and heard, and settles quickly into a calm routine.
- Hours that fit real life. If you commute over the bridge, work shifts, or need only a few days a week, we match you with an educator whose availability suits your week.
- A familiar home setting. Children learn through play in a real home, with local outings to the beaches, parks and reserves the Shore and Coast are known for.
- One consistent educator. Your child builds a steady relationship with one carer rather than a rotating centre roster.
Fees, subsidies and funding
Many North Shore and Hibiscus Coast families bring the cost down by combining the universal 20 Hours ECE with the income-tested Childcare Subsidy from Work and Income. We help you understand what you qualify for and complete the paperwork. For the detail, see our guides to the Childcare Subsidy and how to apply and 20 Hours ECE.
How to find an educator near you
The easiest way to start is to browse our educators and see who is based near you, then arrange a visit so your child can meet them first. If you are not sure which suburb works best, get in touch and we will match your family with a North Shore or Hibiscus Coast educator who suits your child and your hours.
Ready to find care close to home? Contact Kia Ora Kids to arrange a no-pressure visit with an educator near you.
Frequently asked questions
Do you cover my suburb on the North Shore?
We have educators in suburbs including Greenhithe, Unsworth Heights, Forrest Hill and Browns Bay, and we serve nearby areas such as Albany, Rosedale, Glenfield and Takapuna by matching families with a close-by educator. Get in touch and we will check availability for your area.
How many children does each educator look after?
Each educator cares for up to four children at a time, which keeps the group small and the attention personal.
Can I use childcare subsidies on the North Shore?
Yes. As a licensed home-based service, Kia Ora Kids is an approved provider, so eligible families can use the 20 Hours ECE and the Childcare Subsidy toward their care.
Where does the care actually take place?
Care takes place in the educator’s own home in your chosen suburb, which gives children a warm and familiar setting close to where you live.