Our Philosophy

Te Waka Huruhurumanu ki Ōtautahi is a whānau-based early learning centre that prides itself on providing high quality care and education through Māori concepts, values and beliefs for all. In this bilingual setting we deliver a curriculum that provides genuine interactions and experiences for all tamariki and whānau through embracing their individual needs and holistic development. Through nurturing tamariki, we weave together a korowai of knowledge, skills and attitudes to carry them into the wider world.

Te Reo Māori me ōna tikanga are integral aspects within our centre philosophy. We aim to provide tamariki and whānau with opportunities for a wide variety of learning experiences through the medium of Te Reo Māori. Our focus on Te Reo Māori me ōna tikanga is our contribution to revitalising the Māori language, upholding, as well as promoting and encouraging, social, cultural and spiritual awareness of all whānau so that they are empowered to be bi-culturally comfortable.

Kaiako provide a positive learning environment in which tamariki are encouraged and supported to discover as much as possible on their own. We recognise that tamariki who achieve through their own experiences acquire knowledge that is different to tamariki who are offered ready-made solutions. By providing a learning environment where tamariki are encouraged to explore through freedom to make choices, we believe they experience their world on their own terms, with the support and guidance of kaiako. Tamariki and whānau will experience an environment where play-based learning is valued.

The foundation of our philosophy is developed around Mason Durie's concept of Te Whare Tapa Whā, embraced through our core centre values of whanaungatanga, whakaute, aroha, manaakitanga, and Te Reo me ōna tikanga.

  • Holistic growth for tamariki, whanau and hapori through Maori values, experiences and opportunities that foster a strong sense of self and identity. Tamariki graduate Te Waka with knowledge, skills and attitudes to reach their full potential.

  • We celebrate Māoritanga as our way of living and being as tangata whenua of Aotearoa

  • Whanaungatanga
    We value whanau connections, and fostering strong, responsive, reciprocal relationships through engaging in positive and collaborative interactions with our tamariki, kaimahi, whanau and hapori.

    Whakaute
    Our Te Waka learning hapori value respectful communication and being accepting and inclusive of one another.

    Aroha
    We value our centre as a safe, secure space that is honest, warm, affectionate, fun loving and compassionate.

    Manaakitanga
    Our centre is a welcoming, nurturing learning environment where everything and everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

    Te Reo Maori me ōna Tikanga
    Maori language and customs are embedded in all we do. here

Mā te Huruhuru ka rere te manu

With the feathers of knowledge the bird will fly. Preparing our tamariki for the future