Whānau Manaaki Maraeroa Kindergarten

"Our kindergarten is surrounded by the diverse and vibrant Cannons Creek Community in Porirua East.
We are nestled into the valley that once contained Maara Roa; the long garden cultivated in days gone now, by our whaea or mother. The nearby Maraeroa Marae has honoured her by naming the wharenui Ukaipo Hiato - the gathering place of the mother who provides for all the people. We believe our name carries the power of this history and have taken on the role of a caring for our extensive maara. We value the rich opportunities this outdoor environment provides for the tamariki by learning and living alongside each other each day.

Our teachers are 100% qualified and registered early childhood teachers. We continue to up-skill with regular professional development and learning. We are ably assisted by two part-time support staff that help ensure the smooth running of the kindergarten.

We welcome two, three and four year olds to attend on days that suit their whānau/family. There are no fees for children who attend for three days. Children can attend for up to five days – come and talk to us if this could suit your family.

Our programme is based on Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum. Our teaching philosophy sees children as capable and competent members of our kindergarten whanau. We encourage children to make choices and to follow their interests. We aim to foster learning dispositions that encourage children to be motivated learners. While we have areas set aside to encourage creative and constructive play, each day may look a little different as we support current and emerging investigations and interests and the diverse ways our young tamariki learn.
We strive to complement the role parents and whānau have as first teachers by talking about their child’s learning and development, and we value and respect their knowledge and contribution to decisions about the care and education of their child. Many of our parents and whānau have shared how important the values of family and respect are to them. We support this within the kindergarten with a strong emphasis on developing children’s social competence and positive ways of relating to and caring for others.
Our day starts with a short group time, kotahitanga. This time is special to acknowledge each other and the new day before us. At the end of the day we come together again to farewell each other, acknowledge the day we have been together and head home safely to our family/whānau."