Childcare options in Maoribank

Our Whakatauki:

Manaaki Whenua ... We look after the land and environment

Manaaki Tangata ...  We look after the people

Haere Whakamua ...We can all go forward in our learning

You will hear laughter from both adults and children as you come up our long driveway. This is everyone’s place. The families and whānau nourish our kindergarten and our community to grow and strengthen.

We encourage children to be learners, investigating the world around them, taking risks, discovering, and gaining confidence. We view children as adventurers who teach and learn.

When you visit you will see our philosophy of manaakitanga (respect for all things).   New Zealand Sign Language and Te Reo Maori are used within our kindergarten alongside English.  We believe in an inclusive environment supporting individual needs of children and whanau.

We make connections to our wider community and local iwi. We encourage the sharing of different cultures and their customs. We celebrate difference and embrace fun.          

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.