Where learning and play meet

Discovery Junction Opawa and Styx Mill offer warm, modern, sustainable early learning environments.

Where children from 3 months to 6 years can develop, socialise and prepare for when they start school.

Exploratory play

Discovery Junction Early Learning Centres are spaces for education, exploration, development, and nurturing for tamariki aged from 3 months to 6 years.

A collaborative approach

As an early childhood collaborative, Discovery Junction Early Learning Centres provide a supportive atmosphere where tamariki, kaiako and whanau come together to discover and grow.

Tamariki-led learning

Our uniquely holistic approach to early childhood education is built on a philosophy of tamariki centred learning through play that embraces the great outdoors.

Children playing on a tire and wooden balance trail in a playground.

The importance of play

We encourage tamariki to learn through free play – both independently and alongside their kaiako and peers. Tamariki are empowered to take leadership in their learning, develop their social skills and the confidence to make their own choices and express themselves.

Four children and a woman playing outside with shredded paper in a sandbox, surrounded by grass and wooden structures.

Better kaiako -
tamariki ratios

Many New Zealand early learning centres have a tamariki/kaiako ratio of 1:10 for tamariki over two years of age and 1:5 for tamariki under two years of age.

We cap our ratio at 1:8 and 1:4 and it is often much less. That way, growing minds get the attention they deserve being guided through their exploration of the stimulating environment around them.

Child sliding down a playground slide with a ladder, wearing a white shirt and pink shorts.
A smiling baby crawling on a fuzzy rug, holding onto a wooden play structure in a room with educational toys and cabinets.

Keep their growing minds engaged

Explore our spaces