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Busy Bees Douglas Street offers six individual, well-resourced classrooms and spacious outdoor environments that are a hidden gem in the community. Tamariki have opportunities to run, ride, jump, explore nature, enjoy water play, and even swim in the warmer months, encouraging active play, confidence, safe risk-taking, and the formation of caring friendships. Our natural outdoor areas feature real grass, a bike track, trees, and plenty of space for exploration and play.
While each centre has its own unique identity, we work closely with our neighbouring Busy Bees McGarvey Road centre to support one another and the wider community. Both centres are guided by our core values of Whānau (Family), Respect, Adventure, and Passion. Busy Bees Douglas Street is conveniently located just around the corner from McGarvey Road, with Allandale Primary School and Whakatāne High School within walking distance. We warmly welcome whānau to visit and experience our centres for themselves.
Our unique centre has the bonus of two Montessori-inspired classrooms. These two classes provide Montessori activities and resources, with the ability to weave free play as the children desire. Our on site swimming pool helps to encourage children's water confidence, safety, and other benefits including improved physical, emotional, social and cognitive development.
Our Kaiako (teachers) bring a vast range of skills, experience and knowledge to the centre and we are so proud of the quality, professionalism, and authenticity they each deliver within the centre.
Our Rooms
Pounamu & Kea (Under 2s)
Our Kea and Pounamu classes provide a warm, nurturing environment where consistent care routines build trust and a strong sense of belonging. We work in partnership with whānau, making meaningful connections between home and the centre to support each child’s wellbeing. These classes often join together, supporting the development of all tamariki.
Kōwhai & Pōhutukawa (2–6 years)
In our Kōwhai and Pōhutukawa classes, tamariki can explore and develop their curiosity within a large, natural environment. Children build independence and social competence through relationships and play-based learning. Daily routines remain an important part of the programme, particularly as new two-year-olds transition into the space. The mixed-age setting supports the development of tuakana-teina practices.
Pātiki (2–3½ years) – Montessori Inspired
Our Pātiki class is a Montessori-inspired environment where learning is woven through play alongside key Montessori concepts. We create a balanced approach that supports independence and self-directed learning, while continuing to provide support with care routines.
Tūī (3–6 years) – Montessori Inspired
Our Tūī class is a Montessori-inspired environment where learning is woven through play alongside key Montessori concepts. We offer a balanced approach that encourages independence and self-directed learning, while supporting school readiness for our older tamariki.
Kai
We are proud to be a lunchbox centre. This promotes independence as well as encourages self-help skills in preparation for school. We encourage families to make healthy food choices and ensure their child’s pouaka kai (lunch box) meets centre guidelines as well as Ministry of Health criteria for Early Learning Services.
Curriculum & Philosophy
We follow the New Zealand ECE Curriculum, Te Whāriki, working in partnership with families and the community to empower children as lifelong learners. Our centre features two Montessori-inspired classrooms that balance structured activities with learning through play, as well as an on-site swimming pool that supports water confidence, safety, and overall development. Our practice honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi through strong bicultural practice, including the use of te reo Māori, waiata, and respectful tikanga.
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