Important: Our Centre Hours Are Changing - Read the Details Here

Gems Blog

Stories, tips, and ideas to inspire learning, play, and parenting, straight from our Gems educators and community.

Gems Newsletter - August 2021

Discover how GEMS Early Learning Centres are building strong, responsive relationships, supporting teacher growth, and adapting to changing needs in the August 2021 newsletter from General Manager Jose Llodra.
Read more

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

The Developing Brain - Nathan Mikaere-Wallis

Join us for an engaging evening with Nathan Mikaere-Wallis, one of NZ’s leading experts on brain development. Open to parents and educators. Reserve your seat at accounts@gems.net.nz.
Read more

A Reflection On Culture

Explore how strong team culture, shared values, and thoughtful leadership have shaped Gems into a thriving, connected community. A heartfelt end-of-year reflection on loyalty, growth, and what truly drives success.
Read more

Matariki - Gems Night Nature Play

Celebrate Matariki with Gems’ annual Night Nature Play—an evening of whānau connection, karakia, star-inspired adventures, and warming soup. A magical event honouring Māori tradition and children’s natural curiosity.
Read more

Mark's Reflection

In his reflection, Mark shares how six years at Gems shaped his passion for outdoor education, early intervention, and lifelong learning—highlighting the strong team culture, adaptability, and values that make Gems truly special.
Read more

Top 6 Tips For Behaviour Management

Struggling with challenging behaviour? Discover 6 practical, gentle strategies to support your child with clear communication, consistent routines, and calm guidance—perfect for first-time or experienced parents.
Read more

Team Challenge 2018

Discover how the Gems team embraced creativity and sustainability in the 2018 Team Challenge—crafting beautiful, useful resources through upcycling and teamwork. A fun and inspiring celebration of innovation and community spirit.
Read more

Reflections From Natasha Kibble Professional Development

Discover how Natasha Kibble’s workshop inspired the Gems team through heartfelt teachings on respectful caregiving, nurturing environments, and the power of love, respect, and kindness in early childhood education.
Read more

Chloe's Reflection On 4 Years At Gems

Chloe shares her inspiring 4-year journey at Gems—highlighting the passion, care, and learning culture that shaped her both personally and professionally. A heartfelt tribute to authentic teaching and community.
Read more

Local Natural Goodness - A Room Designed & Crafted By Gems Whanau

Discover how the Gems Whānau came together to create bespoke indoor climbing equipment using natural materials. A heartfelt story of community, craftsmanship, and care at The Nest Lake Hayes Estate.
Read more

Dr. Emmi Pikler - Professional Development With Heart

Explore the heart-centered philosophy of Dr. Emmi Pikler, shared by Gems coordinators Kelly and Lana. Learn how respectful caregiving, free movement, and authentic connection support healthy development in early childhood.
Read more

Toddler Wellbeing - Rachael Carty

Discover practical, heartfelt tips from Rachael Carty to support your toddler’s emotional wellbeing during times of change. Learn how connection, honesty, and simple routines can make a world of difference for your little one.
Read more

Sensory Play - Kaylee Watson

Discover how sensory play helps babies and young children explore the world. Educator Kaylee Watson shares engaging sensory activities—from fragrant ice blocks to nature play—that support brain development through smell, touch, taste, and more.
Read more

Urges - Carrie Lindsay

Why do kids throw, climb, or line up their toys? Discover the meaning behind common play urges like trajectory, transporting, enveloping, and more. Gems educator Carrie Lindsay shares insights and tips to support your child’s natural learning through play.
Read more

Heuristic Play and Treasure Baskets – Marianne Beer

Discover the benefits of heuristic play and how to create treasure baskets for your child at home. Gems educator Marianne Beer shares simple, open-ended ideas using everyday, natural materials to spark curiosity and learning in young children.
Read more

Resilience - What is it and why is it important? Rachael Carty

Discover what resilience really means and how to support your child in developing it. Gems educator Rachael Carty shares brain-based insights and practical tips to help tamariki bounce back from life’s challenges with strength and confidence.
Read more

Wide Age Ranges at Home – Sarah Fletcher & Ruth Chapman-Olla

Struggling to entertain toddlers and school-aged kids at once? Gems educators Sarah and Ruth share real-life strategies, messy play ideas, and calming routines to support whānau juggling wide age ranges at home during lockdown.
Read more

“No I Won’t” – Toddlers and Defiance - Rachael Carty

Why do toddlers love saying “no”? Explore expert insights and tips from Rachael Carty on managing toddler defiance with empathy, connection, and playful strategies that support emotional development.
Read more

Loose Parts Play - Avi Ortiz

Discover the power of loose parts play with Avi Ortiz. Learn how everyday items like sticks, stones, and boxes can spark creativity, imagination, and rich learning experiences for children at home.
Read more

Block Play/ Poro Rakau with Alissa & Finn

Join Finn and Alissa as they explore the endless learning possibilities of block play (poro rākau). Discover how this open-ended activity supports creativity, problem-solving, and child development at home.
Read more

The Bubble Family - A Lockdown Story - Lily Knight

Lily Knight shares a creative way to help tamariki understand lockdown through storytelling and play. Meet the Bubble Family—a heartwarming clay model tale of life in isolation.
Read more

Tips for those tricky Drop Offs - Settling back into Gems - Rachael Carty

Transitions can be tough for under-5s. Discover practical tips to ease morning drop-offs and help your child feel safe, settled, and confident returning to Gems.
Read more

Rediscovering Nature - Returning to Gems Nature Play - Morgan Clode

After 9 weeks away, tamariki return to Gems Nature Play to reconnect with the outdoors, explore the changing seasons, and rebuild relationships through nature-based learning. Discover how the power of play, environment, and reflection shapes resilient young minds.
Read more

Helping Your Child Leave Lockdown - Shawn Barron-Cowie

Support your child’s return to school with practical tips for easing post-lockdown anxiety. Learn how to talk about emotions, build resilience, and prepare preschoolers for a positive transition back to early learning at Gems.
Read more

Preparing Gems Miro's Environment For Return from Lockdown - Inga McKeown

At Gems Miro, we're preparing beautiful, intentional play environments to support tamariki returning after lockdown. Discover how our thoughtfully designed spaces nurture curiosity, creativity, and connection through play.
Read more

Matariki Magic - Gems Night Nature Play 2020 - Morgan Clode

Experience the wonder of Matariki through Gems' Night Nature Play—an evening of storytelling, star-gazing, and connection with tamariki, kaiako, and whānau. Celebrate Māori culture, set new goals, and enjoy magical memories under the night sky.
Read more

Making Aquafaba for Sensory Play with Alissa and Finn

Discover how Alissa and Finn create Aquafaba foam for fun, safe sensory play! Learn step-by-step how to make this colourful, creative activity at home—and try a bonus hummus recipe with the leftover chickpeas.
Read more

Nominate a Mother for a Free Baby Gift Box

Know an expecting or new mum in Queenstown Lakes or Central Otago? Nominate her for a free Baby Box packed with essentials—proudly supported by Gems and the Baby Box Charitable Trust.
Read more

Balancing the Triangle

Explore the key relationships shaping Early Childhood Education at Gems. Learn how tamariki, whānau, kaiako, and providers work together—and why understanding these dynamics is crucial to building a stronger ECE system.
Read more

Gems Newsletter May 2025

Explore the May 2025 edition of the GEMS Newsletter, highlighting our core values, Pikler-inspired practices, and the powerful role of relationships and respectful caregiving in nurturing confident, capable learners.
Read more
View all

Ready to enrol

We can't wait to have you join the Gems Family, start your enrolment online today

Start your enrolment
“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