The movement of the New Zealand Free Kindergarten Association (AKA) began in Dunedin in 1889. The Auckland Kindergarten Association (AKA) was established on 8th 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 19th October 1910 and still remains in operation today. 

Myers Kindergarten, situated in Myers Park on Queen Street was opened in November 1916.  This kindergarten now operates as KiNZ Myers Park Early Learning Centre, and was officially opened on 4 March 2002.

KiNZ Sandringham Early Learning Centre, situated on the Edendale Primary School site officially opened on 24 May 2007.  A Kohanga Reo previously operated at this location and following its closure at the end of 2004, KiNZ purchased the property and redeveloped it into the Early Learning Centre.

Clydemore Kindergarten, situated beside the Manukau Insitute of Technology on Otara Road closed at the end of 2005.  KiNZ East Tamaki Early Learning Centre now operates from this site and opened on 12 June 2007.

KiNZ Mission Heights Early Learning Centre is the fourth KiNZ centre to open. It is a purpose built Early Learning Centre situated on the Mission Heights School site in Flat Bush and is licensed for 10 under 2s and 40 over 2s.  The centre was opened on 28 June 2010.