Like most towns and cities in the UK and all over the world, there are good and not so good areas in Tauranga but to be truthful there are no really bad bad areas just different.
We live in Welcome Bay and its amazing how many people in areas such as Matua and Bethlehem look down on it but we love it. We have fantastic views, the best in Tauranga I would say, lovely houses (some not so good in the older part), friendly folk around us and lovely reserves close by to take the dog out for a run and go for picnics.
Tauranga is lovely and we would recommend it.
Can't help on the nursery schools though.........sorry..........if we can help in anyway then drop us a pm Brumnurse.
Cheers
Anni