Childcare options in Cannons Creek

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.

Our kindergarten is surrounded by the diverse and vibrant Cannons Creek Community in Eastern Porirua. Here we welcome two, three and four year olds to attend on days that suit their whanau/family. There are no fees for children who attend for three days. Children can attend for up to five days – come and talk to us if this could suit your family.    

Our teaching philosophy sees children as capable and competent members of our kindergarten whanau. We encourage children to make choices and to follow their interests. We aim to foster learning dispositions that encourage children to be motivated learners. While we have areas set aside to encourage creative and constructive play, each day may look a little different as we support current and emerging investigations and interests and the diverse ways our young tamariki learn.     

We strive to complement the role parents and whanau have as first teachers by talking about their child’s learning and development, and we value and respect their knowledge and contribution to decisions about the care and education of their child. Many of our parents and whanau have shared how important the values of family and respect are to them. We support this within the kindergarten with a strong emphasis on developing children’s social competence and positive ways of relating to and caring for others.    

Our day starts with a short group time, kotahitanga. This time is special to acknowledge each other and the new day before us. At the end of the day we come together again to farewell each other, acknowledge the day we have had together and head home safely to our family/whanau.       

We are nestled into the valley that once contained Maara Roa; the long garden cultivated in days gone now, by our whaea or mother. The nearby Maraeroa Marae has honoured her by naming the wharenui Ukaipo Hiato - the gathering place of the mother who provides for all the people. We believe our name carries the power of this history and have taken on the role of a caring for our extensive maara. We value the rich opportunities this outdoor environment provides for the tamariki by learning and living alongside each other each day.     

Our teachers are 100% qualified and registered early childhood teachers. We continue to up-skill with regular professional development and learning. We are ably assisted by two part-time support staff that help ensure the smooth running of the kindergarten.

Nuanua Kindergarten in the heart of Cannons Creek nurtures the Samoan and Tokelauan languages and culture. Our teachers are fluent in these languages and use them throughout the learning experiences and activities.

We have a brand new building, opened in 2015, with state of the art facilities. We operate as a community, Nuanua village, with space for community activities and services.

Every morning children gather for Lotu (devotions).  We start on a positive note with blessings that set the tone for the day. This is also a time to welcome new children and families to the Nuanua village.

We celebrate traditional cultural events including Samoan language week and independence day, Tokelauan Language week and other national days that relate to our families and cultures.  We celebrate with music, dance and food.

All are teachers are 100 per cent qualified and registered, and we all have first aid qualifications. Our teaching team includes Samoan, Tokelauan, Maori and Scots backgrounds. We are all dedicated to providing high quality education for the children. Our aspiration is for them “to grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society.”