Language is a taonga that connects us to identity, culture, and whānau. At BestStart Dannemora, we celebrate Māori Language Week by weaving te reo and tikanga into daily learning, empowering tamariki to embrace diversity and stand tall in who they are.
At BestStart Dannemora, we believe that language is more than just a way of communicating – it’s a taonga (treasure) that connects us to identity, culture, and whānau. That’s why each year we come together with pride to celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week.
We are committed to nurturing bicultural practices that support tamariki in embracing Aotearoa’s rich cultural heritage. Māori language and tikanga are woven into our daily routines, songs, stories, and learning experiences.
Children explore Māori patterns and symbols through art, creating beautiful kōwhaiwhai and koru designs. We share pūrākau (stories) and talk about the meanings behind Māori designs, linking learning to identity and culture.
We are thrilled to see whānau getting involved – from sharing their own reo journeys to joining us for kai and kōrero. When we celebrate te reo Māori, we’re not just teaching words – we’re supporting our tamariki to grow up with respect for culture, a strong sense of identity, and a deep connection to the land they call home.
At BestStart Dannemora, we know that language shapes thinking, and by promoting te reo Māori, we are empowering our future leaders to embrace diversity and stand tall in who they are.