Out in the sandpit, a group of curious minds gathered with a shared vision — to create their very own awa.
With buckets, spades, and bright ideas, the tamariki began shaping the sand, carving winding pathways like the gentle flow of Ko Waimapū te awa — the river that connects us to our place and our stories.
With the support of kaiako, the learning deepened. Kaiako Keshia had thoughtfully provided tinfoil, sparking new possibilities for exploration. The tamariki worked together alongside Kaiako Keshia and Kaiako Tiana, engaging in rich mahi tahi as they carefully pressed the tinfoil into the sand to line their awa.
Gentle hands smoothed it down, and excited voices filled the air as they prepared to bring their creation to life. Turning on the water, they watched in delight as it began to flow — a shimmering river weaving its way through the sand. But then… the unexpected happened. The tinfoil shifted, sand tumbled in, and suddenly there were landslides!
The awa began to change shape before their eyes. There was a pause. Watching. Thinking. Then came the magic of learning — “What if we press it harder?” “Maybe we need more sand on the sides!” “Let’s fix it together!” With encouragement and gentle guidance from Kaiako Keshia and Kaiako Tiana, the tamariki revisited their ideas. The problem became an opportunity.
Through trial, error, and shared thinking, they adapted their design — strengthening the sides, pressing the tinfoil more securely, and refining their awa. Their working theories came alive as they explored ideas about water flow, cause and effect, and how the land shapes the movement of water. This rich moment of exploration reflects the strands of Te Whāriki:
- Exploration | Mana Aotūroa – Investigating the natural properties of sand and water, testing ideas, and developing working theories
- Contribution | Mana Tangata – Collaborating with peers and kaiako, sharing ideas, and working together through mahi tahi
- Empowerment | Mana Atua – Taking ownership, persisting through challenges, and confidently problem-solving Belonging | Mana Whenua – Connecting their play to the significance of Ko Waimapū te awa, grounding learning in place and identity
As the awa began to flow once more, their play echoed the story of Taurikura, who journeyed along the Waimapū River and out to Karewa Island — a reminder of resilience, courage, and connection. Like Taurikura, the tamariki showed determination, navigating challenges and continuing forward together.
This experience beautifully reflects our centre priorities:
- Relationships – Building trust and collaboration between tamariki and kaiako
- Empowerment – Supporting tamariki to lead their learning and problem-solve with confidence
- Citizenship – Respecting the environment, contributing to shared experiences, and connecting to local stories and place
As the awa began to flow once more, their play echoed the story of Taurikura, who journeyed along the Waimapū River and out to Karewa Island — a reminder of resilience, courage, and connection. Like Taurikura, the tamariki showed determination, navigating challenges and continuing forward together.
This experience beautifully reflects our centre priorities:
- Relationships – Building trust and collaboration between tamariki and kaiako
- Empowerment – Supporting tamariki to lead their learning and problem-solve with confidence
- Citizenship – Respecting the environment, contributing to shared experiences, and connecting to local stories and place