Our story
Having identified a demand for high quality childcare, Gemma and Mike Smith created a purpose built early childhood education facility to meet the needs of their community. They opened it in Lake Hayes Estate, Queenstown in 2012 and called it Little Rockets (Educare). The centres grew opening Gems Kowhai in 2017 and Gems Rata in 2020. Gemma and Mike made the decision to transition ownership of Gems to a new entity in May 2024. They found such a partner in David and Vivien Hitchins, of Wellington Childcare, who have a family-owned entity who possess the resources, skills, and experience to lead Gems into its next chapter of growth and success.
David and Vivien have been closely involved in Early Childhood Education for 22 years. Their passion for Early Childcare Education started when they bought three Family Corner centres on the Kapiti Coast.
They had been involved with their son’s early childhood centre and the opportunity came up to get more involved with the development of the centres. Their son, Harrison was just 3 years old and really enjoyed his time at the Raumati Family Corner. Several years later their daughter, Sophia started her early childhood education at Raumati and still has fond memories and friendships she made while there.
During the following years, Whitby Childcare was born from a converted Church in Whitby. Then in 2003, they added Johnsonville Childcare around the same time they welcomed Sophia into the world!
In December 2011, Island Bay Childcare was opened as a roof-top centre in the heart of Island Bay. It was later expanded due to high demand in the lovely sea-side suburb to include separate spaces for the different age groups and a fabulous new playground for our 3 ½ – 5-year-olds. Another opportunity arose which saw Miramar Childcare join our fabulous extended family.
In April 2023, the opportunity came about at Curious Minds Early Learning in Queenstown. The centre has stunning mountain views, and soft grass on the private rooftop location in the heart of Five Mile Retail Center. The center is licensed to accommodate up 80 children aged from 6 months to 5 years.
David and Vivien really enjoy working alongside their fabulous team of managers, teachers and staff, and getting to know their wonderful families who all make their childcare centres such a special place.
This really is a family affair with our children helping out and even coming along to Christmas Parties and other special events.
Harrison, Sophia, David and Vivien HItchins
Our mission
“Our Mission: Where learning takes flight!
We are committed to providing a homely environment that is nurturing, safe, reliable, affordable and is stimulating and inspiring where children have the opportunity to deepen their own knowledge of the natural and social world around them
Our values:
We will inspire, nurture, educate and challenge children to empower them and their whānau for the changing world ahead.
We promise to empower families and whānau by building relationships, developing trust, gaining their confidence and respecting their aspirations.
We are committed to empowering teachers by supporting them on their journey of self-discovery to reach their greatest potential.”