BestStart Papamoa Plaza Our team at BestStart Papamoa Plaza recently had the privilege of attending a meaningful and inspiring wānanga.
From the moment we were welcomed onto the marae with a powerful pōwhiri, we felt a deep sense of connection to the whenua, the people, and the rich cultural knowledge being shared.
The wānanga provided valuable insight into the significance of native plants to Ngā Pōtiki, as well as broader cultural and ecological perspectives within te ao Māori.
This learning helped us strengthen our understanding of tikanga and Māori worldviews, giving us a clearer foundation for weaving kaupapa Māori into our daily practice with intention and respect. We especially valued the story time and waiata sessions, which offered practical, engaging ways to share te reo Māori and Māori narratives with our tamariki.
These experiences reminded us of the power of storytelling and music in nurturing cultural identity and belonging. As we reflect on the experience, we are grateful for the opportunity to grow together as a team. The wānanga has inspired us to continue our journey of cultural competence, ensuring that our teaching honours the values and knowledge of tangata whenua in meaningful and authentic ways.
We now can't wait to take the tamariki!!