“Take care of our children. Take care of what they hear, take care of what they see, take care of what they feel. For how the children grow, so will the shape of Aotearoa.”
Miniwhais Philosophy
We see tamariki as the next generation of guardians of our world and “connections” as the key to success. Connections with ourselves, with other, and with nature lay the foundation for a bright future for generations to come.
Te Whāriki, the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum, and the Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Treaty of Waitangi are woven throughout our philosophy, practice and environment within authentic tikanga practices, te reo māori and consideration to the guiding principles of the Maori world view.
Whanaungatanga is about forming and maintaining relationships and strengthening ties between kin and communities. This value is the essential glue that binds people together, providing the foundation for a sense of unity, belonging and cohesion. At Miniwhais tamariki are connected, with themselves, others, and the environment. Real authentic relationships mean that tamariki feel that they are respected and know that they have a place where they belong.
Rangitiritanga is the value and practice of people exercising their independence, and determining their choices for governing themselves. We encourage tamariki to become advocates for themselves and others by encouraging social and cultural competencies and dispositions.
Manaakitanga is a powerful way of expressing how Māori communities care about each other’s wellbeing, nurture relationships, and engage with one another. At Miniwhais we encourage tamariki to express kindness and respect for others, emphasising responsibility and reciprocity which creates a learning environment that treats all with dignity and respect.
Kaitiakitanga is the Maori belief that there is a deep kinship between humans and the natural world. This connection is expressed through kaitiakitanga – a way of managing the environment. We see our tamariki as the next generation of guardians of our world and we use Bush Kura to provide opportunities for tamariki to connect with, respect and learn about their, our natural environments.
Kotahitanga is a sense of belonging and togetherness, lifting each other up, offering support to others, and receiving it back. Tamariki are guided to really get to know themselves, to connect with themselves as we must know ourselves before we can know others. We encourage tamariki to work together, with energy and enthusiasm, towards the achievement of common goals.
“Ehara tāku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini. My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective”
- Te Whariki, 2017
