Lollipops

Ruapehu Drive

199-201 Ruapehu Drive, Palmerston North
Monday - Friday 7:30am - 6:00pm
06 354 3782

Centre Benefits

Lunches/Food
2 Rooms
Nursery
Nappies Included
Excursions
School Transitions
Storypark
Large Outdoor Area
Extended Hours
ECE Hours

Fitzherbert's favourite local daycare

Kia ora and welcome to Lollipops Ruapehu Drive in Fitzherbert, Palmerston North. We are a caring, community-minded early learning centre where tamariki are nurtured to learn, explore, and thrive. We proudly support military whānau, celebrate our cultural diversity, and offer meaningful connections to nature and local history.

Meet our Centre Manager

Kia ora

My name is Peta! I have been working in early childhood education for over twenty years and hold a Bachelor of Education (teaching) Early Years 0-8.

I live in Feilding with my supportive partner James. I have two beautiful daughters Jazmine and Sophie and two wonderful stepchildren Frankie and Boston. I enjoy working with the team here at Lollipops Ruapehu and working in partnership with the staff, children and parents. Lollipops is my home away from home, I have been here since Feb 2010.

I am passionate about leading our children to become confident lifelong learners’ and leading the team to their fullest potential.

What makes us special

Our Centre

About Lollipops Ruapehu Drive

At Lollipops Ruapehu Drive, we’re all about strong whanaungatanga and providing a stable, nurturing environment where tamariki can grow with confidence. Our teaching reflects Reggio Emilia principles, our local pūrākau, and values like manaakitanga and sustainability. These foundations shape how we care for and teach our tamariki.

Our centre is filled with natural light and earthy tones, creating a calm and welcoming feel. We have edible gardens, a worm farm, and composting systems that tamariki help care for, alongside open-ended learning resources that support creativity and curiosity. Located near bushwalks and historic local sites, we take learning outside regularly.

We welcome pēpi through to school-ready 5-year-olds, with tailored programmes for each age group. A typical week includes bush adventures, fun football, local excursions, and school prep time. We love getting together for special events, whether it’s celebrating Matariki, dancing at disco nights, enjoying whānau breakfasts, or making a wreath for the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Linton Military Camp.

Our People

Our Team

Our teaching team is full of heart. We are experienced, passionate kaiako who bring a mix of creativity, culture, and aroha into everything we do. Many of us have been here for years, and we work closely with whānau to make every child feel seen, supported, and loved.

Team Leader - Kakapo & Kea Rooms

Sue

Qualified Kaiako

Linda

Qualified Kaiako

Evelyn

Kaiako

Kristin

Kaiako in Training

Amber

Kaiako in Training

Felicity

Qualified Kaiako

Grace

Kaiako in Training

Sam

Centre Admin

Shanri

Qualified Kaiako

Wendy

Our Rooms

Our centre is calm, natural, and full of warmth. We’ve created inviting learning spaces with real-life materials and beautiful natural elements where tamariki can explore at their own pace and feel a true sense of belonging.

0–2 years

Kiwi Room

Our Kiwi Room is designed with aroha for our youngest tamariki. With plenty of space to move freely and explore, this room has a big sandpit, nature garden, and a quiet sleep space where each pēpi has their own cot. Respectful care and unhurried routines are at the heart of everything we do.

2-5 years

Kea Room

The Kea Room is full of hands-on fun. One space is set up for art, puzzles, reading and science, while the other encourages imaginative play, construction and table learning experiences. It’s all about fostering independence, social skills, and a love for learning in a supportive, creative environment.

Our Gallery

Chat to our team

Send us a message today. We can't wait to talk to you

We love Lollipops Ruapehu Drive! The staff are lovely, the play environment is great with heaps to do both inside and out, and the food is always nutritious and tasty. Our daughter looks forward to co...

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