This is our place…

Each of our kindergartens sit at the heart of their communities; A hub, not only for children to learn, but for families to come and get to know each other.

Our kindergartens are also reflections of their surrounding area. Being a local , it’s important that tamariki get the opportunity to see their own surroundings reflected in the place they spend so much time developing.

Kidsfirst Queenspark were celebrated in the 2023 Values Awards for a commitment towards creating an authentic kindergarten space that echoed their community.

Beginning with growing their understanding of the local cultural narrative, kaiako took time to learn more about their suburb, and gain knowledge of the area, both through their own research, and in partnership with whānau, some of whom have had generations of living in the area.

The team moved into enquiry about their place, and how it sat within the suburb, and then worked out ways to incorporate this learning into their day-to-day routines… sharing it with tamariki and their whānau.

One of the ways they express this sense of belonging is through a pepeha, developed and sung by both kaiako and tamariki on a daily basis. Tamariki love this, and in many cases have taken it home to share with whānau.

The kindergarten is also decorated with canvases donated by whānau, which describe many of the points of interest expressed by their pepeha, and that take inspiration from existing artwork by the tamariki around the kindergarten.

It doesn’t start and stop inside the kindergarten, however, and  whānau often accompany tamariki and kaiako on walks in the local area, with their older children (tuakana) guiding their younger children (teina).

Throughout what has been a lengthy process, the team has been engaged in their mahi and connections with whānau and the local area – it’s been important to them, and they were also able to share their journey with other kaiako at our Me Ako Tonu professional learning hui in 2022.

Kidsfirst Queenspark were celebrated in the 2023 Kidsfirst Values Awards.

Every year Kidsfirst Kindergartens celebrate the individuals, kindergartens and teaching teams who have showcased our values in their mahi, with their generosity, hard work and enthusiasm for what we stand for and believe in.