Important: Our Centre Hours Are Changing - Read the Details Here
Blog
Newsletters
Nature Connection

Have You Met Norman Yet?

Published
•
August 12, 2025
Share this post

Table of contents

Heading 2
Heading 3

Norman is our tame alpaca. He was rejected by his mother as a tiny cria (baby alpaca) and has been hand reared ever since.

He loves coming to Gems and tearing round the playground with the kids. Even better stretching his legs at Farm School. Its hilarious watching the older kids trying to catch up with him. He even dressed up in his party clothes and came along to Gems 4th Birthday Party.........cracker........

Norman provides a great opportunity for some of the children to interact with animals they wouldn't normally get a chance to meet. They love him to bits, he is just so soft and cuddly!

Ready to enrol

We look forward to having you join, start your enrolment online today

Start your enrolment

Read More

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

View ALl Blogs

Have You Met Norman Yet?

Norman, our lovable hand-reared alpaca, brings joy to the kids at Gems with his playful antics and cuddly nature. From playground zoomies to birthday parties—everyone loves Norman!
Read more

Last Week at Gems Nature Play

Laughter, mud, and chilly mornings! Last week at Gems Nature Play featured joyful outdoor play, including a hilarious full face plant in the mud. Embracing winter the playful way!
Read more

Wetland Regeneration Project at Shotover Country

Gems and Shotover Primary School partner to restore a local wetland, offering hands-on ecological learning for children. A 10-year project fostering connection, sustainability, and collaboration.
Read more
View all
“A big thank you from us for all your hard work in providing Frankie (and Lily) a safe, caring and exciting place to learn and grow. This is a sad day for us as you have all been part of our lives for the last five years. We will take fond memories of Gems with us, you will always be in our hearts. Keep being awesome”
Nga Mihi Nui, Nic, Jonathan, Lily and Frankie
“Honestly it means so much to us knowing that the children are in such good hands there. Thank you for all that you do, your staff are amazing and you should be so proud. The environment and philosophies you have created and instilled at Gems are such a credit to you all.”
Thank you again Just & Rock xx
“We loved the nurturing philosophy at Gems, and that our kids always had someone familiar to cuddle on drop off. I was always impressed at the range of activities they got to experience there: artistic, wild, educational, messy and fun. The home cooked lunches were great for our busy family and we particularly appreciated how supportive they were of our vegan diet. Thank you Gems for 8 wonderful years in your care for our 4 kids!”
Hana
“We never felt like just a number at Gem’s, which I wonder how [this] is possible when you have so many children and families coming and going each day. All together you make the perfect team and have been amazing support for our wee family through the good times and the bad times.”
Rach, Ty, Mahi and Kahu

Find a gems centre
for you and your child

Each of our three centres offers the same high standard of Gems care and curriculum, with thoughtful variations to suit your preferences and budget.

find the perfect centre