Much of our focus has been outdoors, where the gardens have taken on new life. With the green fence removed, tamariki now have the freedom to wander through the garden beds, discovering textures, scents, and the joy of nature at their fingertips.
The mud kitchen is being lovingly reimagined, with flower beds woven into its design, creating a space where imagination and the natural world meet. One of the most treasured projects has been the planting of sunflowers. Guided by Brooke, tamariki carefully nurtured seedlings, and with Whaea Leah they created a special area along the shed where the flowers now stand tall. Their excitement and care for these plants has been inspiring to watch.
Our journey of kaitiakitanga has continued to unfold in meaningful ways. November has been filled with gardening, composting, and tending to our worm farm, each activity offering tamariki rich opportunities to learn about responsibility and guardianship of the environment. Adding kai to our Pataka kai and feeding our bunnies with fresh silver beet have become joyful rituals, with tamariki eager to lend a hand.
These moments remind us that caring for living things—whether plants, animals, or people—is at the heart of our philosophy. We see this reflected daily in the way tamariki play and interact. Their curiosity leads them to explore, inquire, and investigate with confidence, turning play into powerful learning. They ask thoughtful questions, notice the world around them, and show genuine interest in contributing as kaitiakitanga.
Alongside this, we witness beautiful manaakitanga. Acts of kindness, empathy, and care shine through—from helping a friend build a tower to offering comfort when someone feels upset. These small but significant gestures embody the values of respect and compassion that we hold dear.