Walk through our doors and you might be greeted by the scent of freshly baked muffins or a curry simmering on the stove. Follow your nose and you’ll find our talented on-site chef, preparing your child’s morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea, made fresh each day.
At New Shoots, our kai (food) is simple, nutritious, and full of variety, because when tamariki are well fed, everything else falls into place.
We’ve got you covered with fresh, balanced meals made for all kinds of eaters. Whatever is on today’s menu, there’s a mix of familiar favourites and new flavours to explore.
We stick to seasonal ingredients and, where we can, source local New Zealand produce. It’s all about wholesome food that supports growing bodies and curious minds.
You might find yourself wishing we cooked your lunch, too. Our daily menus are created by experienced chefs and reviewed by a qualified nutritionist, so you can trust what’s on your child’s plate.
We avoid highly processed ingredients and keep refined sugar to a minimum. Yes, there are treats (think muffins or fruit loaf), but even those are packed with goodness.
Our chefs understand early childhood habits, and even picky eaters usually find something they love. If your tamariki have any allergies or dietary needs, please let your Centre Director know. We’re happy to help.
You might find yourself wishing we cooked your lunch, too. Our daily menus are created by experienced chefs and reviewed by a qualified nutritionist, so you can trust what’s on your child’s plate.
We avoid highly processed ingredients and keep refined sugar to a minimum. Yes, there are treats (think muffins or fruit loaf), but even those are packed with goodness.
Our chefs understand early childhood habits, and even picky eaters usually find something they love. If your tamariki have any allergies or dietary needs, please let your Centre Director know. We’re happy to help.
We want your child to flourish, and we want to make life a little easier for you, too. Food served during the day can make up around a third of your child’s daily intake. So even if breakfast was rushed or last night was a tough one, you can feel confident that they’ve had something good to fuel their day.
And it’s not just about what they eat, it’s how they eat too. Surrounded by their peers at child-sized tables, tamariki learn to slow down, stay seated, and enjoy kai together as part of the rhythm of the day.
At New Shoots, food is about more than nourishment — it’s about connection. Our recipe book brings together favourite family recipes from our kaiako and wider New Shoots whānau. From quick weeknight meals to weekend baking, these are dishes that bring people together.
Contact the centre of your choice – email or give us a call. We can answer any questions you have, let you know availability for your child’s age group, and send you an enrolment form.
The best way to find out if we’re the right centre for you is by seeing it for yourself. Please come in for a visit, we’d love to meet you. If you want to read more about New Shoots, please download our parent handbook.
