Our emphasis is always on play, believing that learning should be fun. We work in collaboration with families and our community to nurture children’s growth and development so they can learn and discover in a positive secure environment.
Learning Groups
Kiwi (2 year olds)
Kia ora, we are Rōpū Kiwi!
We are 2 year olds exploring, discovering and growing at Ako!
Recently in te măra we have been busy connecting with nature, using our senses and taking time to notice the world around us.
We have been learning how to care for Papatüănuku by helping to water our herbs, plants, fruit trees and putitputi/flowers.
Together we whangai/nurture, whakatenatena/encourage
and tupu/grow our taiao/environment and each other.
Mā te tiaki, ka tupu – When we care, we grow
Piwakawaka (2.5 - 3 years)
In our Pīwakawaka rōpū, learning is expressed through rhythm, music, and movement. Together, we collaborate, explore, and nurture our curiosity about nature, building and testing our working theories as we learn.
Kakapo (3 year olds)
During Kakapo rōpū times we work together to practice and develop our mana reo/communication and social skills along with foundational skills for early literacy and numeracy. We do this through a range of experiences such as stories, games, art, science, and music and movement.
Developing whakawhanaunga/relationships and a sense of mana whenua/belonging along the way.
We support the Ako vision of Whangai (Nurture) – creating loving, responsive environments where tamariki feel safe, valued, and supported to thrive. Whakatenatena (Encourage) – empowering tamariki through positive relationships, encouragement, confidence-building, and celebrating their achievements. Tupu (Grow) – supporting children to learn, develop independence, explore their interests, and grow into capable and confident learners.
Kea (4 year olds preparing for kura)
“Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu” is a beautiful and well-known
Maori whakatauki/proverb that translates to:
“Adorn the bird with feathers so it may fly.”
This beautiful saying means that just as a bird cannot fly without feathers, people need the right tools, resources, and care to reach their full potential.
We equip each Kea, through nurture and encouragement to grow then soar!