Our Curriculum

Guided by Te Whāriki – New Zealand’s Early Childhood Framework

Our teaching and learning is guided by Te Whāriki, the official Early Childhood Education Curriculum of Aotearoa New Zealand. This rich and holistic framework places children at the heart of learning and recognises the importance of family, culture, and community in a child’s early development.

🌱 What is Te Whāriki?

Te Whāriki means “the woven mat”—symbolising the strength, support, and connection between children, families, educators, and communities. It is designed to empower all children to learn and grow as confident, competent, and valued members of society.

📚 The 5 Key Learning Strands

• Wellbeing | Mana Atua
  Children are nurtured to feel safe, secure, and protected—both physically and emotionally.
• Belonging | Mana Whenua
  We create a strong sense of connection between children, their families, and our learning environment.
• Contribution | Mana Tangata
  Every child is encouraged to participate, share ideas, and feel respected and included.
• Communication | Mana Reo
  We support all forms of communication—spoken, written, artistic, musical, and cultural.
• Exploration | Mana Aotūroa
  Through play, discovery, and hands-on learning, children are empowered to investigate and make sense of the world around them.

🤝 How We Bring Te Whāriki to Life

• We follow child-led, play-based learning, tailored to each child’s interests and developmental stage.

• We build strong partnerships with whānau, recognising parents and caregivers as the child’s first teachers.

• We celebrate cultural diversity, with a strong emphasis on Te Ao Māori and inclusive practices.

• We document and reflect on each child’s learning journey through learning stories and portfolios.

💛 Our Promise

We honour each child’s identity, language, and culture. Our curriculum doesn’t just prepare children for school—it lays the foundation for lifelong learning, wellbeing, and belonging.