Everything you need before you decide.
Hours, sessions, fees, ratios and how enrolment works, on one page. Then come and see the village for yourself.
What are your hours?
7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. We are closed on public holidays.
You can enrol for a short day, 8.30am to 3.30pm, or a long day, 7.30am to 5.30pm.
We chose these hours to balance the needs of whānau with the wellbeing of kaiako. Teaching young children takes a great deal of energy. Most of our kaiako work eight-hour days across the ten hours we are open, and this rhythm keeps the village sustainable for tamariki, kaiako and whānau alike.
What if I need care outside these hours?
We are a village, and we help whānau connect with one another. Families often arrange between themselves for drop-offs and pick-ups when work runs long. We will help you find those connections.
Is there a minimum number of days?
Three days a week. In our experience it takes three consistent days for a child to settle into the rhythm and feel safe enough to explore, play and wonder. That sense of safety is the foundation everything else is built on.
We know three days can feel like a big step, especially for a child under two. During settling we work with each family individually, and there is limited room to start on two days with a view to moving to three.
How much does it cost each week?
Weekly and GST inclusive, with all kai included. Children aged three to five receive the full 20 Hours ECE subsidy from the Ministry of Education, already applied in the over-3s rates. Fees are reviewed on 1 April each year.
| Days per week | Short day · 8:30–3:30 | Long day · 7:30–5:30 |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $110per week | $165per week |
| 4 days | $155per week | $225per week |
| 5 days | $205per week | $270per week |
20 Hours ECE applied. These are the all-in weekly rates.
| Days per week | Short day · 8:30–3:30 | Long day · 7:30–5:30 |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $210per week | $260per week |
| 4 days | $260per week | $320per week |
| 5 days | $310per week | $380per week |
Can I get help with the fees?
Yes. There are three kinds of government support, and many whānau use more than one.
20 Hours ECE
Every child aged three to five gets 20 hours a week funded by the Ministry of Education. You don't apply for it separately. It is already taken off the over-3s fees shown above.
FamilyBoost, from Inland Revenue
FamilyBoost pays back up to 40% of the childcare fees you pay, to a maximum of $1,560 a quarter, which is about $120 a week. Households earning up to $140,000 a year can get the full amount. Above that it reduces gradually and stops at about $229,000.
As an example, on a weekly fee of $260 the full rebate is $104 a week. You claim every three months through myIR using the invoices we send you. FamilyBoost at Inland Revenue
Childcare Subsidy, from Work and Income
The Childcare Subsidy helps low and middle income families with children under five. It covers up to 50 hours a week if you are working, studying or training, and up to 9 hours a week if you are not. The amount depends on your income and the size of your family, and Work and Income pays it straight to us so it comes off your invoice. Childcare Subsidy at Work and Income
FamilyBoost applies to the fees you actually pay, after any Childcare Subsidy. Inland Revenue and Work and Income decide who qualifies. These settings were checked in September 2026. If you'd like a hand working out what applies to your family, ask us.
What are the ratios?
Each HomePod of 24 tamariki is staffed by five kaiako, with no more than eight pēpi under two. That is better than the ratios the Ministry of Education requires, and specialist teachers support the HomePod kaiako as needs arise. More about the HomePod.
How do I enrol?
Register your interest with the form. We will be in touch within a day to arrange a visit: half an hour, a cup of tea and a wander through the HomePods. Bring the pēpi.
If a place is available we will talk through start dates and settling. If not, you join the waitlist and we let you know as soon as something opens up.
Questions first? Call 04 242 0313 or email hello@manawavillage.nz.