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Kaitiakitanga of Papatūānuku
At BestStart Napier Central our kaupapa is for children to develop and build on an awareness of respect for Papatūānuku and how to take care of her.
Teachers role model and support children as we show aroha (love) for Papatūānuku (Earth Mother) by caring for her tinana (body) in the same way that we would nurture our own. We support her by nourishing her body through watering the many vegetables, herbs and plantings that we grow and when they are ready for harvest we nourish our own bodies through the gifts (vegetables) that are provided when we look after Papatūānuku.
Kaiako role model and support children to be guardians and protectors as they are learning all about connectedness to the natural world around them and how to preserve it. Animals are also a part of our centre whānau so kaiako foster children’s sense of belonging rolemodeling respect, empathy, care and protection for all of our living creatures.