Our Spaces
Our Spaces
Our setting
Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Taradale community, Happy Days is a vibrant, locally owned early childhood centre dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and education.
From the moment you walk through our doors, you'll be warmly welcomed by our teaching team. You’ll feel the difference — a “home away from home” filled with laughter, learning, and the joyful energy of children at play.
We believe children are active contributors to their own learning, shaped by the relationships they build and the experiences they have. Our teachers thoughtfully extend children’s interests, offering rich, developmentally appropriate experiences that are both engaging and challenging.
Here, tamariki are seen as co-researchers and co-constructors of knowledge. We encourage them to explore, question, reflect and problem-solve, building the confidence and skills to become curious, capable communicators and lifelong learners.
Our Teaching Team
At Happy Days, we’re proud to offer excellent teacher-to-child ratios and a team of qualified, passionate early childhood educators.
We love what we do, and it shows. Our kaiako teach with intention and care, always from the heart. Each day, we show up to nurture, guide and celebrate every child’s unique identity, strengths and potential.
Parents and Whānau
Whānau are at the heart of everything we do at Happy Days. From your very first day with us, our teachers begin building positive, respectful relationships with you and your child.
We work in partnership with whānau to support each child’s learning and development, weaving your hopes and aspirations into our everyday practice.
We deeply value the role of whānau as a child’s first teacher. Through open, responsive, and collaborative communication, we create strong connections that support each child's growth. Your involvement shows your child that what they do each day matters, and that their learning is important to you.
Our Community
Happy Days is proud to have a strong, active connection with our local Taradale community.
We regularly head out on excursions to the library, local parks, and the town centre, helping children build a sense of belonging and connection to the place they call home.
We also honour and celebrate the many cultures, stories, and seasons that shape our shared world. From ANZAC Day to Matariki, Language Weeks, Diwali and more, our centre embraces meaningful moments throughout the year. These celebrations help tamariki build understanding, pride, and respect for their own identities, and those of others.
Nature and seasonal change also guide much of what we do — reminding us to slow down, tune in, and learn from the world around us.
See our events calendar here.
“Poipoia te kakano kia Puawai - Nurture the seed and it will blossom”
Ngā Pēpi Room (0-2 year olds)
He kākano ahau i ruia mai i Rangiātea – I am a seed born of greatness.
Our Ngā Pēpi Room is a calm, nurturing space where our youngest tamariki can safely explore, play and learn at their own pace. The environment is spacious, peaceful and thoughtfully designed to support connection, comfort and discovery.
Our teachers are attuned to each child’s unique rhythms and curiosities. We offer meaningful learning opportunities that arise from what truly interests them.
With loving guidance, we validate, encourage and nurture each child’s sense of wonder helping them feel seen, understood and deeply valued from the very beginning.
Puāwai Room (2-5 year olds)
Poipoia te kākano kia puāwai – Nurture the seed and it will blossom.
Puāwai means to bloom, to blossom and this beautiful whakataukī guides our teaching every day. In the Puāwai Room, we nurture each child to grow into the best version of themselves, in their own time and in their own way.
The environment is rich in curiosity, creativity and adventure. Together, we play, learn and grow supported to question, wonder and express who we are. As children blossom, they build the confidence and skills to carry them into their next learning journey.
Supporting Transitions
Tupu – to grow, develop, prosper
We know that transitions are big moments for children and for whānau. Whether it's your baby’s very first day, or a confident toddler ready to move into the Puāwai Room, we honour these milestones with care, patience and love.
When a child first joins Happy Days, we begin by building connection. Gentle visits into the centre give you and your child time to get to know the environment, the teachers, and the rhythm of the day. You’ll never be rushed, we go at a pace that feels right for you. These visits are a chance to see our philosophy in action, and for us to understand your routines, values and dreams for your child.
As tamariki grow and prepare to move from Ngā Pēpi to Puāwai, we continue this same thoughtful approach. We support your child with familiar faces, gradual visits, and plenty of love and encouragement as they explore their new space. We also work closely with you, so the transition is smooth, respectful and rooted in connection.
At every step, our focus is on creating a sense of belonging, trust and joy so your child feels safe, supported and ready to bloom.
“Childhood is the most beautiful of all life's seasons”
-Jerry Smith
