The movement of the New Zealand Free Kindergarten Association (AKA) began in Dunedin in 1889. The AKA was established on 8 October 1908 with the aim of providing free kindergarten services to Auckland. 

The first free kindergarten in Auckland was established in Freemans Bay. Sir John Logan Campbell and his wife Lady Campbell donated the funds and equipment to enable the AKA to go ahead with the project. The kindergarten was opened on 19 October 1910 and still remains in operation today. 

The flagship kindergarten of the AKA, Myers Kindergarten, situated in Myers Park on Queen Street was opened 16 October 1916 (and now operates as KiNZ Myers Park, an all day early learning centre).

Sir Arthur Myers donated both the building and the park to the AKA. Mrs Leo Myers and other Myers family members are credited with establishing the AKA. 

If you are interested in reading more about the history of the AKA, you may like to read our following books:

 - 75 Year Jubilee.  A History of the Auckland Kindergarten Association

- Moving with the times.  100 years of the Auckland Kindergarten Association

For your personal copy email liz@aka.org.nz