Our Philosophy

Tōtara Trees have strong, vast root systems that the tree spends a lot of time and energy developing before focusing on the spectacular height and canopy.

At Tōtara Kids, we focus on developing a child’s fundamental physical, emotional and cognitive skills needed to set them up for success as life long learners. These root systems need to be strong before our tamariki head off to a formal learning environment that will build their fantastic canopies.

Child-lead investigations, play based learning, free movement and skilled scaffolding of learning by kaiako will allow tamariki to be the drivers of their interactions with our carefully curated environment. We believe in as much unstructured play as possible with our rituals and care routines punctuating the day to ensure predictable rhythms.

We strive to create an environment rich in manaakitanga and whanaungatanga where children and their families have a true sense of tūrangawaewae. We want to become your extended family during your child’s time with us. We want to be a community hub of support, knowledge and kindness to everyone connected to this special place. We aim for children to leave here with a passion to be kaitiaki for the natural world.

Our kaiako and management team have a vision for Tōtara Kids to be a home away from home for tamariki and their families that reflects the important place te ao Māori has in Aotearoa/ New Zealand. We also recognise with excitement the multicultural landscape of New Zealand and learning opportunities this provides for kaiako and tamariki. You will see genuine integration of te reo (language) and tikanga (customs) in every aspect of life at Tōtara Kids, as well as authentic representation of our wider world.

All our work at Tōtara Kids ELC is underpinned by our centre values of Makaakitanga, Kaitiakitanga, Whanaungatanga and Wairuatanga.  

Key Words

Kaiako: is someone passionate about investing in the next generation. A steward of knowledge, imparter of wisdom, nurturer of potential, facilitator of growth.

Tūrangawaewae is your space to stand and belong.

Manaakitanga is expressing kindness and respect for others, emphasising responsibility and reciprocity.

Whanaungatanga is relationship, kinship, sense of family connection - a relationship through shared experiences and working together.

A kaitiaki is a guardian, and the process and practices of protecting and looking after the environment are referred to as kaitiakitanga.

Wairuatanga is the holistic wellbeing of an individual and the spiritual synergy of the collective.