Childcare options in Manaia

Te Putahitanga o te Rukenga o Nga Wai is an education and care centre located in Manaia and provides for up to 30 tamariki. Book a visit today to connect with our kōhanga reo and to learn more about the options for your whanau.

Manaia Community Preschool is a family focused centre that prides itself in providing a quality early childhood curriculum for three and four year old children.

Our team of dynamic teachers implement an innovative and interactive programme based on a philosophy that encourages children to play within set-limits and boundaries to promote self-esteem, social skills, and fun, which in turn empowers children to learn!

We value the contributions of our families and warmly welcome whaanau to come and be involved in their child's education.

Our team recognises that for many of you making a choice about your child's early childhood education is an important one.

What happens at Manaia Community Preschool?

The environment is set up so children can play and learn with each other and the teachers. Our teachers carefully and thoughtfully respond to children, building on their strengths and skills. Children are encouraged to make choices around their play as well as to grow socially within clear boundaries with an awareness of their emotional well-being.

The education journey starts with whaanau. At Manaia Community Preschool we strive to provide a service that compliments and further builds on this. Towards the end of a child's time with us, transition into the school environment is seen as a necessary element to a successful overall education experience.

We see ourselves as a stepping stone in the continual learning and educational experience of your child. Our teachers are skilled in noticing, and recognising and responding to learning in all areas of a child's development.

The many experiences of your child will contribute to a strong foundation that steps your child with confidence into future learning success.

Your child's learning and experiences are showcased through an individual portfolio which includes photographs, stories and documentation about your child's learning progress and identity formation. 

Te Kōhanga Reo

The kōhanga reo movement is a unique initiative based on total immersion in Māori language and values with the aim of passing on Māori culture to future generations.

Kōhanga reo emphasise the revitalisation of the culture through te reo Māori and are dependent on the active participation of the whole whānau. The kaupapa of kōhanga reo aims to strengthen whānau capabilities in cultural, social, economic, spiritual and political matters. Education, health and wellbeing are inherent within all aspects of the kaupapa. The prime focus is the whānau – its collective development, growth, accountability and wellbeing set within a Māori cultural context.

Kōhanga reo do not regard tamariki in isolation, but as important members of the whānau. The kōhanga reo philosophy is that tamariki will benefit when whānau successfully operate according to the kaupapa. Tamariki are an integral part of whānau development.

The following key goals are the foundation of te kōhanga reo kaupapa established in 1982:

• total immersion in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in daily operations
• whānau decision-making, management and responsibility
• accountability
• health and wellbeing of mokopuna and whānau.

The key goals of te kōhanga reo assure that there will be:

• security in te reo Māori
• a supportive, caring environment for mokopuna
• whānau (collective) sharing of responsibilities, knowledge and expertise
• greater respect and appreciation of each other.