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About Us

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Igniting the spark of genius in every child

We Work to Understand Your Kids Needs

At Busy Hands Montessori, we provide a warm and respectful environment that supports each child’s emotional, intellectual, and social growth. We encourage independence, creativity, curiosity, and compassion - helping tamariki become confident learners.

We believe in slowing down and letting children explore at their own pace, guided by their interests. Our multicultural community values strong partnerships with families to build meaningful relationships and shared learning.

Our Journey

History of Busy Hands Montessori

  • Our Roots
    1980s: The Foundational Start

    The Montessori Foundation opened in the 1980s as Hamilton’s first Montessori preschool. It became the cornerstone of Montessori education in the region and paved the way for what would become Busy Hands Montessori.

  • Growth & Location
    2015: Rebranding as Busy Hands

    In 2015, we rebranded as Busy Hands Montessori. Our centre is now licensed for 30 children and located on Cameron Road—conveniently close to the University of Waikato, Knighton Normal School, and Ruakura Innovation Park.

  • Our Community
    A Nurturing Learning Whānau

    We are proud of our close-knit, multicultural community. With a high teacher–child ratio, we tailor learning to each child's passions—allowing them time to explore, build relationships, and grow into confident, caring learners.

10+

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Years of experience

45

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Students Enrolled

6

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Qualified Teachers

2-5

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Age Group

Prepare your child for school readiness

Feel The Difference

At Busy Hands Montessori, everything we do is rooted in the Montessori philosophy.

Montessori

Developed by Italian physician Dr Maria Montessori, this method focuses on a holistic approach to early education. She believed education is not just the acquisition of knowledge, but a preparation for life - helping children grow into confident, capable individuals ready to engage with the world around them.

What sets Busy Hands apart is felt the moment you walk in. Here are eight core beliefs that shape our learning environment:

  1. Holistic Education

    We follow Dr. Maria Montessori’s belief that education is a preparation for life - nurturing the child through confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing.

  2. Prepared Environment

    Our classrooms are calm, beautiful, and purposefully arranged to spark curiosity. Activities move from concrete to abstract, encouraging exploration and deep focus.

  3. Freedom with Purpose

    Children enjoy the freedom to move, choose, and discover within a thoughtfully prepared environment. This leads to self-discipline, confidence, and joyful learning.

  4. Empowered Learners

    Montessori learners grow into empathetic, self-motivated individuals who respect others, care for their environment, and take pride in their responsibilities.

  5. Individualised Learning

    Each child’s learning journey is unique. Our kaiako support tamariki at their own pace, offering challenges that build confidence and spark passion.

  6. Montessori with Heart

    Rooted in a time-tested global philosophy, our Montessori approach is enriched by the values of Aotearoa - embracing culture, whānau, and belonging.

  7. Sense of Belonging

    We foster a deep sense of turangawaewae - a place where each child feels safe, valued, and connected. Every child has the right to feel they belong.

  8. Integrated Development

    We nurture the whole child - emotionally, socially, physically, and intellectually - through a calm, respectful, and carefully prepared Montessori environment.

What is special about centre

Vision & Mission Statements

  • Our Mission

    Our mission is to empower tamariki with the confidence, compassion, and independence to thrive in a changing world — through a Montessori experience rooted in respect, culture, care, connection, and community values.

  • Our Vision

    We envision a future where every child stands tall in their identity, confident, curious, and deeply connected to their community. By fostering self-belief, empathy, and a love of learning, we prepare children not just for school - but for life.

  • Philosophy

    Our philosophy is grounded in Montessori principles and by four commitments: Te Tiriti o Waitangi, whanaungatanga, tūrangawaewae, and ako — guiding us to nurture confident, independent, and compassionate learners.

Professional and graduated

Our Staff are Guided by the Principles of

Our professional team is guided by the core principles of the Montessori philosophy, as well as the ethical and educational standards set by recognised early childhood organisations:

  • Te Whāriki – New Zealand’s Early Childhood Curriculum

  • Montessori Journey to excellence(MJ2Ex)

  • Montessori Philosophy – Respect, Independence, and Child-Led Learning

  • Education Review Office (ERO) Guidelines

  • New Zealand Ministry of Education Licensing Criteria