Welcome to He Manu Hou Trust ECE, a bilingual Kaupapa Māori early childhood education centre in Timaru.

About He Manu Hou ECE

Our vision is to create a holistic Kaupapa using the Māori model of health; Te whare tapa wha, that nurtures the needs of tamariki, whānau and Kaiako as lifelong learners and partners in all levels of decision making.

He Manu Hou centre is nestled in the grounds of Te Aitarakihi multi-cultural centre, offering our tamariki access to a huge outdoor space, in fact 8000sqm!

Unlike most early childhood centres we don’t separate the tamariki by age. We believe that all tamariki can learn from each other and by separating them we will miss a vital part of this learning journey. In the afternoons our older tamariki enjoy the outdoor space, leaving our younger ones to enjoy some quieter times in the centre. This also means that while your tamariki spend time at the centre we are part of your extended whānau, and the tamariki know that their carers at He Manu Hou will always be there for them.

We have an open-door policy at He Manu Hou and we welcome all opportunities to communicate any of your concerns or aspirations regarding your child and their ongoing learning.

Our philosophy.

• Whanaungatanga.
  Respectful, trusting relationships and keeping connected.
• Manaakitanga.
  Sincerity, integrity and equality where acceptance, celebration and understanding of diversity is valued.
• Tangata Whenuatanga.
  Tikanga Māori/tikanga-a-iwi. Whakapiki I te reo I ngā wa katoa. Commitment to growing te reo all the time.
• Knowledge of whakapapa.
  Knowing who children are, where they are from and who/where they belong/connect to. Place based education.
• Wānanga.
  Communication, problem solving, innovation and co-constructing learning journeys. Growth and development of Kaiako.
• Ako.
  Reciprocal teaching and learning at He Manu Hou and beyond, alongside parents, whānau, hapu, tamariki and Kaiako.