Play'n'Learn

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New Centre Fit Outs

Te Kōhanga Reo o Huria


Te Kōhanga Reo o Hūria partnered with Play’n’Learn to refurbish and redesign its indoor learning environment, creating a space that celebrates kaupapa Māori and supports tamariki through culturally grounded, flexible, and nurturing design. The project brief was to embed te reo Māori, local pūrākau, and whānau connection into the physical environment — ensuring every space supported belonging, tuakiritanga, and intergenerational learning.

The design incorporated local stories and values central to Hūria’s identity:

  • Pūrākau o Mauao and Taurikura – represented through custom art features and tree motifs.

  • Matariki – acknowledged through storytelling zones and visual cues that align with seasonal learning.

  • Whakapapa – expressed through shared dining and communal learning spaces, reinforcing the kōhanga’s whānau-based philosophy.

Spatial Design

1. Main Ruma (Primary Play & Ako Area)

  • Open, flexible layout using modular furniture to define play zones.

  • Custom shelving and a magnetic wall channel for hands-on exploration.

  • Natural tones and textures to create a calm learning atmosphere.

2. Wharekai

  • Full communal dining layout with 3-in-1 wooden chairs for pēpi.

  • Shared meal design supports connection and collective care.

3. Pākeke

  • Designed as a dual-purpose transition and sensory space.

  • Includes a custom Wharenui with Rongomatāne, soft furnishings, and fine motor activity panels to aid focus and calm.

4. Shared & Sleep Spaces

  • Sleep room designed for comfort and easy supervision with locally made cots and breathable bedding.

  • Shared spaces carpeted for warmth, with visual separation via custom dividers featuring kōhanga motifs.

5. Outdoor Area

  • Deck furnished with all-weather Macrocarpa tables and benches.

  • Large magnetic wall panel encourages creativity and movement play between indoor and outdoor zones.

Custom Elements

Several bespoke pieces were designed exclusively for Hūria:

  • Taurikura Gecko Wall Feature – symbolic of local identity and connection to the environment.

  • Tree Canopy Installations – acoustic panels shaped as native trees to soften sound and enhance atmosphere.

  • Koru Mirror & Doorway Divider – reflecting growth, renewal, and transition within daily learning flow.

Outcome

The completed fitout transformed Te Kōhanga Reo o Hūria into a cohesive, culturally resonant environment where tamariki, kaiako, and whānau learn together.
Key outcomes include:

  • A reconfigurable space that adapts to changing learning modes.

  • Visual storytelling that connects local whakapapa and pūrākau.

  • Purpose-built furniture supporting both independence and collaboration.

  • A warm, inclusive environment that embodies the kōhanga’s guiding whakataukī:
    “Morimoria a tātou tamariki, ko rātou hoki te iwi mō āpopo.”
    (Nurture our tamariki for they are our future generation.)

Te Kōhanga Reo o Ngāti Kahu

Te Kōhanga Reo o Ngāti Kahu partnered with Play’n’Learn to deliver a culturally grounded fitout that supports tamariki wellbeing, sensory regulation, and kaupapa Māori learning through thoughtful layout, natural materials, and clearly defined spaces. The environment balances open learning areas with retreat and regulation zones, ensuring both collective engagement and individual calm are supported throughout the day.

Mangawhero Te Kōhanga Reo

Mangawhero Te Kōhanga Reo partnered with Play’n’Learn to deliver a warm, visually rich fitout that strengthens kaupapa Māori learning through thoughtful spatial planning, custom furniture, and purposeful sensory design. The centre layout supports both collective and small‑group learning, offering clear sightlines for kaiako while providing tamariki with defined, engaging spaces to explore, rest, and connect.

Shine Montessori

Shine Montessori partnered with Play’n’Learn to deliver a calm, intentionally structured fitout that supports Montessori principles through order, accessibility, and child‑led engagement. The centre layout prioritises clear spatial definition, natural materials, and uninterrupted movement, creating an environment where tamariki can work independently while remaining fully visible and supported by kaiako.

Te Kōhanga Reo o Nga Pihi O Te Purapura Pai

Play’n’Learn refreshed Te Kōhanga Reo o Nga Pihi O Te Purapura Pai with custom furniture, defined learning zones, and culturally aligned design elements to improve flow, supervision, and tamariki-led exploration.

Te Kōhanga Reo o Iti Noa Pepe

Play’n’Learn delivered a purpose-built pēpi fitout for Te Kōhanga Reo o Iti Noa Pepe, combining custom furniture, defined learning zones, sensory elements, and safe sleep spaces to support calm regulation, kaiako visibility, and early development.

Te Kōhanga Reo o Miropiko, Te Kōhanga Reo o Miropiko

Play’n’Learn delivered a refreshed, kaupapa-aligned fitout for Te Kōhanga Reo o Miropiko, integrating custom furniture and cultural elements into a functional learning environment that the kōhanga described as “beautiful mahi” and a pleasure to work on together.

Te Moananui a Kiwa Te Kōhanga Reo

Play’n’Learn delivered a refreshed fitout for Te Moananui a Kiwa Te Kōhanga Reo, integrating custom joinery, cultural design elements, and flexible learning zones to support daily kaupapa-led practice and child independence.

Te Kōhanga Reo o Toku Mapihi Maurea

Play’n’Learn partnered with Te Kōhanga Reo o Tōku Mapihi Maurea to design and deliver a culturally grounded learning environment, integrating custom birch plywood furniture, educational resources, and spatial planning that embeds whakapapa and kaupapa throughout the kōhanga reo.

Pegasus Nest

Pegasus Nest partnered with Play’n’Learn to deliver a complete new-centre fitout, combining fully customised furniture built to our designs and specifications with all resources, storage solutions, and EverPlay outdoor moveable play to create a cohesive, purpose-built learning environment.

Kids House – Papakura, Kids House - Papakura

Play’n’Learn delivered a complete new-centre fitout for Kids House Papakura, supplying all furniture, educational resources, storage solutions, and EverPlay outdoor moveable equipment to create a cohesive, flexible, and durable learning environment.

Te Kōhanga Reo o Whakaari

Te Kōhanga Reo o Whakaari refreshed their outdoor environment with a custom EverPlay moveable play configuration, enabling flexible, mixed-age physical play without relying on fixed playground structures.

Te Kōhanga Reo o Waiohiki

The completed fitout gives Te Kōhanga Reo o Waiohiki a cohesive, welcoming environment that supports care routines, free movement, cultural identity, and rich learning experiences.

Te Kōhanga Reo o Huria

Play’n’Learn delivered a full indoor design and fitout for Te Kōhanga Reo o Hūria in Tauranga, creating a culturally grounded, flexible learning space that embeds local pūrākau, whakapapa, and te reo Māori into daily learning. The environment now supports intergenerational connection, storytelling, and calm, adaptive learning for tamariki and whānau.

Young Farmers Childcare Centre

Play’n’Learn designed and manufactured a full farmhouse-inspired fit-out for Young Farmers Childcare Centre, blending Kwila, steel, and plywood to create safe, durable, and authentic indoor and outdoor learning spaces.

BestStart Park Green

BestStart Park Green’s outdoor space was brought to life with Play’n’Learn’s complete solution, featuring EverPlay moveable play, PlayTrays, and a full suite of learning resources to create a safe, durable, and child-led environment.

Brightlands Childcare Peachgrove

Play’n’Learn delivered a complete Scandinavian-inspired fit-out for Brightlands Peachgrove, creating adaptable indoor and outdoor spaces with durable, versatile equipment that foster welcoming, engaging, and development-focused environments for children and teachers.

Te Kōhanga Reo o Ngā Whānau Whānui

A warm, culturally grounded space where tamariki can grow, explore, and connect to their whakapapa. Te Kōhanga Reo o Ngā Whānau Whānui approached us to refresh their spaces with a mix of purpose-built learning environments, visual storytelling, and comfortable play areas that reflect the unique values of their whānau.

Happy Learning Childcare Millwater

Happy Learning Childcare Millwater offers a seamless indoor and outdoor learning experience, where children feel connected, confident, and inspired every day.

Barnardos Palmerston North

The new layout and thoughtfully selected furniture have significantly enhanced children’s engagement, providing a comfortable environment for exploration and discovery. Teachers have praised the practicality and flexibility of the refreshed spaces, noting how easily the areas adapt to daily learning experiences and routines.

Kahu Taurima Pēpi Hub

Designed and fitted out by Play’n’Learn, the Pēpi Hub provides a holistic, culturally inclusive environment specifically tailored to meet the developmental and care needs of infants and young children, as well as their whānau.

AO Kids Porirua

Ao Kids Porirua wanted a fit-out that embodied their four pillars—Lead, Innovate, Collect, and Transform—while providing a welcoming, safe, and engaging environment for tamariki.

Millies House Christchurch

Millies House Christchurch sought a tailored solution to create a functional, safe, and inspiring environment for children aged 0–5 years.

Te Kōhanga Reo ō Whānau Paki

Play’n’Learn collaborated with Te Kōhanga Reo ō Whānau Paki to create a unique and culturally meaningful infant safe space.

Te Kōhanga Reo o Ngā Kāwai

This custom divider and gate for Te Kōhanga Reo o Ngā Kāwai, incorporates Māori-inspired patterns with a vibrant green acrylic backing to reflect cultural values.

Stables Montessori

Play’n’Learn partnered with Stables Montessori to design and furnish a new preschool, creating a flexible, Montessori-aligned environment that fosters independent learning, with custom-built furniture and strong support throughout the project.

Tau Mauri Sensory Room

The Tau Mauri Sensory Room at Kidz First Community Health provides a calming, therapeutic, and culturally enriched space designed to reduce stress, engage the senses, and support the developmental and emotional needs of tamariki and their families.

 

OneSchool Global – Wellington Campus

OneSchool is a dynamic, global, high-achieving school that challenges learning norms and fosters a positive learning culture.

Busy Bees Te Mata Road

Play’n’Learn has designed and manufactured the furniture for Busy Bees Te Mata Road’s learning environment refresh, creating an environment that prioritises flexibility, safety, and child-centric learning.

Te Kōhanga Reo O Te Kaokaoroa o Patetere

Te Kōhanga Reo O Te Kaokaoroa o Patetere collaborated with Play’n’Learn to create a culturally rich and engaging learning environment. The goal was to reflect the unique Māori heritage and provide a safe, functional, and inspiring space for tamariki

Hurupaki School

Hurupaki School partnered with Play’n’Learn to design and install new furniture that reflects the local area and pedagogy. The aim was to create an engaging and culturally significant learning environment that promotes calm and quality.

Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Wānanga Whare Tapere o Takitimu

Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Wānanga Whare Tapere o Takitimu, is dedicated to nurturing the Māori language through quality early childhood experiences and care. Play’n’Learn created an environment that reflects the Kōhanga Reo philosophy, ensuring cultural integration, safety, and functionality.

Go Bananas Te Rapa

The objective for Go Bananas Te Rapa, was to design, manufacture, and install furniture and learning resources that embody their philosophy of fun-filled, quality education while ensuring compliance with Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health standards.

Barnardos Turua ELC

The goal was to create a stimulating and empowering space that supports children’s unique learning journeys, while also expanding the centre’s capacity to better serve the local community.

Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Puna O Te Aroha

The project successfully merged traditional Māori elements with functional design, creating an engaging and culturally rich learning environment. The space not only fosters the revitalisation of the Māori language but also meets educational standards, ensuring a safe and dynamic setting for tamariki.

Te Kōhanga Reo o Ōterepo, Christchurch

Te Kōhanga Reo o Ōterepo partnered with Play’n’Learn to design, manufacture and deliver a new learning environment that integrates practical design elements to nurture Te Reo Māori within a safe and engaging learning environment.

Pūmanawa Papa Hou Hereford, Christchurch

Play’n’Learn and Pūmanawa Papa Hou Hereford have partnered to create an educational space that balances child-friendly design with cultural elements and functional elegance.

Inspired Aotearoa Learning Village

A beautifully fitout Early Learning Village that truly reflects Inspired Aotearoa’s values and commitment to quality education and care.

Manawa Children’s Village

Captivating, home-inspired learning environments, that incorporate biophilic design principles.

Educare Porirua

Child-centred environments that respect the individual needs of each child, and our design respects the principles of the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum.

Te Whare Aroha O Te Humarie

Designing a Multi-Sensory Seclusion Space in Accordance with Te Ao Māori Principles

Future Kids Hāwera

Future Kids Hāwera has achieved bespoke, beautiful, sustainably–produced learning environments.

Gaia (Earth) Preschool Manurewa

Gaia (Earth) Preschool aims to foster the connection between children and the earth using a unique approach to education

Palmerston North Hospital Whanau Room

Suitable for a range of ages, able to be cleaned to infection control standards, durable, calming for families to be in, and containing items to distract and engage children.

Learning Curves Montessori Lincoln

Learning Curves is a community of passionate lifelong learners where all children have the freedom to achieve in a Montessori-inspired environment.

Te Kōhanga Reo o Iti Noa

Te Kōhanga Reo o Iti Noa’s learning environments draw out the innate curiosity of tamariki and help kaiako install a love for playful learning.

Te Manawa O Papamoa School

Te Manawa ō Pāpāmoa School is a brand new Years 1-6 school that opened to serve the Pāpāmoa community at the beginning 2022.

Avalon Kindergarten

Of great importance to Avalon Kindergarten, was creating a welcoming space for tamariki and whanau of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

Puddleducks Montessori Featherston St

Puddleducks Montessori Featherston St focuses on building strong relationships with whānau to provide the best learning experience for the child.

Launch Active Queen

Launch Active provides nurturing and engaging spaces for children.

Te Kōhanga Reo o Hinetearorangi

Whakapakari anō hoki i te reo me ngā tikanga

Rewanui Early Learning Centre

Te Whare Aonui – “The House that connects to the wider world”

Miniland Greenhithe

Our Land. Our Children. Our Future.

Wild and Love Early Learning Village, Auckland

Akiaki te Tī o Te Tangata – Nurture the indescribable light within a person

Little Owls Preschool, Christchurch

Each whānau brings their own unique culture which adds to the richness of our learning community.

KidsZone Stratford, Taranaki

An obvious destination for the highest-quality, child-centric education and care.

Ravenswood Star Nursery & Preschool

Cuddles Early Learning Centre

Barnardos Waterloo

Parkway Kindergarten

Nettie Riley Kindergarten

Park Estate Kindergarten

Grow Active Early Learning

Little Hands Childcare And Early Learning Centre

Halswell Quarry Preschool

Te Hohepa Te Kōhanga Reo

Launch Active Early Learning Waipukurau

Kid Country Kumeu

Puddleducks Nursery & Preschool – Gladstone St

Counties Manukau Kindergarten Association: Pacific Early Learning Community Centre

Te Pūtahitanga o te Rukenga o Ngā Wai

A colourful and bright learning environment, designed to reflect and promote whakapapa and kaupapa.

The Fire Station Early Learning Centre

Dandy & Lion

Puddleducks Nursery & Preschool – New Plymouth

Puddleducks Nursery & Preschool – Palmerston North

YMCA – Y-Tamariki

Grow Active Early Learning

Aspirations Early Learning Centre

Go Bananas Childcare

Remarkable Start Early Learning

Barnardos Porirua

Early Learning Counties Manukau

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