Sugartree Stories
Latest News & Updates
Preschool Auckland: Costs, Funding & the Best Time to Start: A No-Stress Guide for City Parents
Wondering when your child should start preschool in Auckland — and how much it will actually cost? This no-stress guide breaks down start ages, 20 Hours ECE funding, subsidies, and real-life considerations for city families. Whether you’re planning ahead or feeling unsure about the next step, you’ll find clear answers to help you choose a preschool path that fits your child, your budget, and your everyday Auckland life.
Preschool Auckland: How to Choose the Right Centre for Your Child
Choosing a preschool in Auckland can feel overwhelming, especially when every centre claims to be “warm and nurturing.” This guide cuts through the noise and shows you what really matters: how a preschool feels the moment you walk in, how smoothly your mornings will run, and how confidently your child will settle into their day. From what to look for on a visit to the questions that reveal a centre’s true heart, you’ll learn how to choose a preschool where your child is genuinely seen, supported, and excited to grow.
Learning to Be Kind: How We Help Tamariki Express Big Feelings Safely
At Sugartree Lane Preschool in central Auckland, we understand that hitting and other physical behaviours in early childhood can be worrying for parents. The truth is, for the most part, these moments are a normal part of child development as tamariki learn to manage big feelings, communicate, and build friendships. Our qualified early childhood teachers respond with calm, evidence-based strategies that promote safety, empathy, and emotional growth. Whether your child is learning gentle hands or finding their words, you can trust that we use positive behaviour guidance grounded in New Zealand early childhood research. Together with parents, we create a consistent, caring environment where every child feels safe, supported, and ready to thrive.
🌱 Growing Little Kaitiaki: The Joy and Learning of Planting Seedlings in Our Inner-City Preschool
At Sugartree Lane Preschool, your child gets the chance to explore nature right where they are. We don’t wait for field trips or perfect weather. We roll up sleeves and create green magic in the middle of the city.
Native seedlings tucked between play areas. Each corner tells a story of care and curiosity.
While the city rushes by, your child learns to slow down. To listen. To notice.
The Magic of Rainy Day Play: Finding Joy and Learning in Every Drop
There’s something truly special about the smell of rain on warm spring days. I still remember, vividly, running barefoot through puddles, laughing as the water splashed up around me, that simple, pure joy of childhood. It wasn’t just play; it was discovery. The rhythm of the rain, the cool touch of water, and the excitement of exploring a transformed world, all of it was a lesson in wonder.
Belonging, Wonder, and the World Beyond: The Power of Cultural Celebrations in ECE
At Sugartree Lane, every celebration is a chance for our children to see the world through new eyes. From Diwali lights to Matariki stars, cultural events help little learners feel a deep sense of belonging, curiosity, and connection. Discover why celebrating diversity in early childhood isn’t just meaningful—it’s transformative for every child and family in our community.
“The Whispering Forest: Ruru’s Halloween Secret”
✨ Ruru’s Lantern: A Kiwi Halloween Story of Light and Courage
This Halloween, our tamariki at Sugartree Lane Preschool are celebrating in true Aotearoa style, with imagination, laughter, and a touch of forest magic. Inspired by the ruru (morepork) and the glow of the moon, this gentle story reminds us that even the darkest nights can shine bright when filled with friendship, courage, and fun.
Join us as the tamariki explore the wonder of light and shadow, dress up in playful costumes, and bring our playground to life under the stars.
Growing Brains Don’t Need Pressure… They Need Presence
Understanding developmental milestones isn’t about comparison, it’s about connection. Learn from Nathan Wallis and NZ early childhood research why presence, not pressure, builds strong, confident brains.
A Fresh Start for Our Huhu Room
✨ At Sugartree Lane Preschool, we’ve given our Huhu Room a fresh new look with natural, eco-friendly paint and calming colours. This is just the first step, soon we’ll be adding soft furnishings, plants, lighting, and new resources to create an even warmer, more inspiring space for our tamariki. Every change reflects our commitment to high-quality childcare in Auckland City, where the environment itself supports children’s wellbeing, learning, and sense of belonging. 🌱
Growing Confident Learners: Our Transition to School Programme
At Sugartree Lane Preschool, we know starting school is a big milestone. That’s why our Centre Manager, Seon, has created a special Transition to School Programme – filled with group games, tasks, and activities – to help tamariki build confidence, friendships, and key skills. Rooted in Te Whāriki and supported by whānau, our programme ensures children step into school eager, capable, and ready to thrive.
“Wings of Wonder: The Puriri Moth’s Story on Our Walls”
At Sugartree Lane Preschool in Auckland City, our tamariki helped create a magical mural with artist FLOX and the Natural Paint Co., celebrating the life cycle of the Puriri moth. With stencils, eco-friendly paints, and curious eyes watching, the mural blossomed into a storybook on our walls, complete with a wētā, a monarch butterfly, and a mokarekare moth, chosen by the children themselves. A joyful reminder that learning at our daycare in Auckland is full of creativity, wonder, and connection to nature.