The Rimutaka and Wellington Region Free Kindergarten Associations have merged.
The new organisation, called He Whanau Manaaki o Tararua Free Kindergarten Association, will cater for 85 kindergartens from Wellington to Masterton, involving more than 5600 children and families.
The association employs 500 teachers and 150 support staff.
Amanda Coulston, previously the general manager of the Wellington association, will become chief executive of He Whanau Manaaki o Tararua.
