BestStart Epsom celebrates Te Tiriti o Waitangi by weaving te reo Māori and tikanga Māori into everyday learning. Tamariki develop confidence, care, and community connection through song, shared kai, and exploring their neighbourhood.
At BestStart Epsom, we are proud to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi by embedding te reo Māori and tikanga Māori into our everyday practice. Biculturalism is not limited to special occasions—it is an integral part of our daily interactions, relationships, and learning experiences.
Each day, tamariki confidently engage in karakia, waiata, and kōrero, developing their language skills while deepening their sense of identity and belonging. Through these moments, children experience the values of whanaungatanga (connection), manaakitanga (care and hospitality), and kaitiakitanga (guardianship), guiding how we care for people, places, and each other.
In September, we extended these everyday practices through our celebration of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, Māori Language Week. This was not a one-off event, but an opportunity to strengthen our ongoing commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi by offering tamariki new ways to experience tikanga Māori in meaningful contexts.
To begin the month, we held a Father’s Day Afternoon Tea, where tamariki proudly welcomed their dads and father figures. This special event celebrated whanaungatanga, as children shared songs and greetings in te reo Māori, showing confidence and pride in their learning.
Later in the month, with the support of a whānau member, tamariki prepared healthy kai, creating fruit smoothies and enjoying them with crunchy veggie sticks. This hands-on experience reflected manaakitanga, as they learned about sharing, caring, and looking after one another.
Our neighbourhood walk to the local motel provided another opportunity to live kaitiakitanga. Tamariki explored the space with curiosity and care, making connections to how they can help at home and in their community.
These experiences reflect our ongoing commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi—partnership, protection, and participation. By working alongside whānau, valuing te reo Māori, and providing meaningful opportunities for tamariki to participate, we create a learning environment where biculturalism is lived, celebrated, and genuinely embedded in our everyday mahi.