Winton Kindergarten will be vying for up to $50,000 in prize money as a newly announced finalist in the 2019 Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards.

The Central Southland kindergarten is one of four finalists, and the only South Island contender, chosen for the "Excellence in Teaching and Learning" category.

Winton Kindergarten’s nature-based programme aims to support their learners to develop a strong sense of ecological identity and participate as active citizens of their community.

Ministry of Education deputy secretary for early learning and student achievement Ellen MacGregor-Reid said the judging panel chose a total of 20 finalists across New Zealand across all categories and they all demonstrated outstanding teaching practices that made a big difference not just to learners, but to their whānau and the wider community.

"They are a great example of the amazing work that is happening in early learning services, kura and schools across the country. We look forward to hearing their stories at the awards ceremony and sharing them with the rest of New Zealand," she said.

The judges will be visiting the finalists between June and August to see their work and speak with all those involved. Winners from each category will receive $20,000 and a professional development opportunity.

The Prime Minister’s Supreme Award is selected from the four category winners, and will receive an additional $30,000 and an opportunity to represent New Zealand in an international education conference.

The Awards ceremony will be held in Wellington in September.