Piwakawaka Tamariki aged 3 months - 2.5 years
In the Piwakawaka room we are committed to primary caregiving, an approach where children build secure, trusting relationships with Kaiako so they can develop a sense of security and know their needs are being met. Care rituals are encompassed within a philosophy of respectful care practices. They are unhurried, warm and interactive.
Kaiako are strong advocates for being respectful and reciprocal of children's communication, their verbal and nonverbal ideas. Through role modelling conversations,
pukapuka (books), waiata (songs) and play, mana reo is fostered. |
Through tangata whenua we honour Te Tiriti O Waitangi by committing to provide contexts where
language, identity and culture of Māori learners and their whānau are affirmed. |
Children have opportunities to mahi tahi - work with and alongside others and form and strengthen relationships.
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Children are innate scientists and are supported to discover the natural environment at their own pace. They are guided towards caring for papatuanuku (earth) and to be rangatiratanga (leaders) for their own learning to support independence and self help skills.
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There comes a time when our toddlers are ready to take flight and expand their horizons in Ngā Kahurangi. This is the space next door that supports 2 - 6 year olds. Kaiako are respectful of children's needs and wants through this time, and support and guide both children and their whānau to feel safe, secure and comfortable in Ngā Kahurangi as they become familiar with their rituals and rhythms. Each transition is carefully planned in collaboration with the parents and whānau as their children make discoveries about the new space to grow and learn.

Whānau Testimonial
"I highly recommend sending your little one to Motueka Kindergarten. I am beyond thankful for your kindness, patience and guidance we have recieved from the team at Motueka. My little girl (2) has grown in leaps and bounds in her short 2 or 3 months at kindy. Our purpose for kindy was socialisation and confidence around other children as well as adults. I'll be honest and say I was nervous letting her go, but the team in Piwakawaka (where we felt was the best place for her) allowed me to stay with her and step slowly away. There was absolutely no pressure to leave and it was all in my little girl's timing. One day she just clicked and didn't need me there anymore. Since starting she has just come out of her shell around others and LOVES going to kindy. Hearing what she gets up to blows my mind as it was not that long ago she wouldn't go anywhere if others were there. She is more confident in other settings too."
Lianne
"Motueka Kindergarten are dedicated to establishing safe and nurturing relationships with tamariki, connecting with whānau, and fostering values such as exploration and wellbeing. Both the Piwakawaka and Ngā Kahurangi rooms offer wonderful, well thought out learning experiences for all. I am grateful to feel a sense of belonging within this community"
Tanya
"I highly recommend sending your little one to Motueka Kindergarten. I am beyond thankful for your kindness, patience and guidance we have recieved from the team at Motueka. My little girl (2) has grown in leaps and bounds in her short 2 or 3 months at kindy. Our purpose for kindy was socialisation and confidence around other children as well as adults. I'll be honest and say I was nervous letting her go, but the team in Piwakawaka (where we felt was the best place for her) allowed me to stay with her and step slowly away. There was absolutely no pressure to leave and it was all in my little girl's timing. One day she just clicked and didn't need me there anymore. Since starting she has just come out of her shell around others and LOVES going to kindy. Hearing what she gets up to blows my mind as it was not that long ago she wouldn't go anywhere if others were there. She is more confident in other settings too."
Lianne
"Motueka Kindergarten are dedicated to establishing safe and nurturing relationships with tamariki, connecting with whānau, and fostering values such as exploration and wellbeing. Both the Piwakawaka and Ngā Kahurangi rooms offer wonderful, well thought out learning experiences for all. I am grateful to feel a sense of belonging within this community"
Tanya