We are so excited to see our next extension which, as you know, is well underway. Whakanui have been creative in keeping tamariki happy and engaged whilst the build is in progress.

Whakanui have had lots of visits over to Manaaki where the older tamariki love to dote on our youngest – this can be described as tuakana-tenia, older and younger children coming together – it is not just the youngest that can learn from the oldest; the older children learn patience, nurturing skills, empathy, kindness and a whole lot more when given the opportunity to care for someone less able than them.

In Puawai we have kept our focus on communication but have brainstormed how we can take this deeper; it is still a very strong interest for all of our children. You only have to walk outside and say “BOO’ and they all scatter to hiding places ready to jump out with a big grin - we have extended on this by providing lots of hiding spots and tunnels! We also have a few mother hens getting ready to transition onto Manaaki and while its sad to see them go we see how they have outgrown our space. They take smaller children into the sleep room, sit with them and rub their backs like they see us do every day. It’s a huge reminder for us that we are always being watched and that our slow, unhurried, respectful and responsive practice build the foundation for each child to understand how to care for one another.

He waka eke noa- We are all in this together

-Whakanui and Puawai Kaiako 

Ngā mihi nui,

The Whakanui & Puawai teams