The sunny lawn, picnic tables and centre buildings seen through the trees

Our values and our three spaces

Woven into everyday life

Our values guide how we support our tamariki, build relationships and create an environment where children feel confident, connected and cared for.

A group of children finger painting together around one table

What guides us

Our values

1RangatiratangaLeadership and autonomy

We encourage children to become capable and confident by making choices, developing self-help skills and taking responsibility. Through caring for animals, getting involved in gardening, looking after their environment and leading their own play and learning, children develop independence and confidence.

2WhanaungatangaBelonging and kinship

We create a strong sense of belonging through warm relationships, shared experiences and a genuine connection to our community. Whether children are playing together, caring for animals, gardening, sharing meals or exploring the bush, they learn that they are an important part of something bigger.

3ManaakitangaCare and respect

We encourage children to care for themselves, each other, our animals and the natural environment. Feeding animals, tending gardens, helping friends and looking after our surroundings provide meaningful opportunities to practise kindness, respect and responsibility.

4Ngākau PonoIntegrity and authenticity

We support children to be themselves, express their ideas and feelings and develop confidence in who they are. Through trusting relationships, child-led learning and real experiences, children are encouraged to have a voice and make genuine choices.

5Ngākau PaiPositive and encouraging

We create an environment where children feel safe to explore, have a go, make mistakes and try again. Our centre, gardens and outdoor spaces provide endless opportunities to challenge themselves, discover new things and celebrate their achievements.

3 months to 5 years

Our three spaces

Our three spaces are designed around the changing needs of children as they grow, providing age-appropriate opportunities to develop confidence, independence, relationships and wellbeing.

A teacher helping a toddler cut an orange

3 months to 2 years

Pihi / Panihi

A nurturing beginning where little ones feel safe, secure and connected.

Our youngest tamariki are cared for in an intimate, nurturing environment where strong relationships and responsive care are at the heart of their day.

Children have space to move, explore and develop at their own pace while being supported through important milestones. Through play, sensory experiences, movement, stories and time outdoors, they develop physical, communication, social and emotional skills.

As they grow, children are encouraged to participate in everyday routines and develop early self-help skills and independence.

Children in sun hats playing at the water trough on the Tātua lawn

2 to 3 years

Tatua

A time of growing independence, curiosity and confidence.

Tatua is a stage of exciting development as children become more independent, develop their communication and discover what they can do for themselves.

Children are encouraged to make choices, follow their interests, develop friendships and learn to navigate emotions and relationships.

They can get involved in gardening, caring for animals, bush walks, exploring nature and participating in everyday routines, developing self-help skills, confidence and a growing sense of responsibility.

Older children and teachers on a bush walk with a view over Gisborne

3 to 5 years

Nukuroa / Taiao

A space for confident explorers, capable learners and growing independence.

As children grow, they are encouraged to take on greater responsibility, challenge themselves and become increasingly confident in their abilities.

Children can take part in gardening, caring for animals, exploring the outdoors, bush walking, swimming, gymnastics, storytelling and a wide range of hands-on experiences.

They are supported to communicate confidently, solve problems, build friendships, manage challenges and develop the independence and skills they need for their next stage of learning.

A look around

Inside and out

A timber-lined room with a high beamed ceiling, a rug, armchair and low tables, with glass doors opening to the deck
A big shady tree on the lawn with picnic tables and the centre buildings behind
The Ko Tātou Tēnei wall introducing our team, with photos framed by driftwood

Book a tour

Book a tour to see our spaces

Come and see where your child would spend their days, inside and out.

Book a tour Enrol now