Playgroups are an early childhood education (ECE) option where children and families come together to provide opportunities for their children to play, learn and grow. There are many different types of playgroups in New Zealand.

Ngā puna kōhungahunga are playgroups where whānau with young tamariki meet together to play and learn. Ngā puna kōhungahunga meet in different settings all over Aotearoa but they all have one thing in common – a focus on learning te reo Māori and tikanga. Ngā puna kōhungahunga respect the tikanga and reo of the tangata whenua of their area.

Some benefits of ngā puna kōhungahunga are that they can be set up quickly, are flexible, have fewer regulations than other ECE services and can respond well to the needs of their community.