A brand-new sandpit, running wai, and rockery garden have transformed our outdoor space! Tamariki now enjoy messy, creative play that sparks teamwork, imagination, and a deep connection to nature and their surroundings.
Earlier this year, we had our outdoor area refreshed with new turf and a brand-new sandpit. We now have a fully functional play space where our tamariki can enjoy both water and sand, with a tap that flows down a rock path to form a muddy puddle.
Water and sand merge for our tamariki to create ataahua masterpieces, bake, and just get gloriously messy! We have plumbers, construction workers, role-play families, and so much more emerging through their play.
The sandpit has become a social hub, where tamariki work together on special projects. They use a variety of equipment like pipes, diggers, muffin tins, spades, and buckets to create all kinds of fantastic fun.
This ataahua space has been especially beneficial for our tamariki with sensory needs. Having water more accessible right by the sandpit makes it easier for our kaiako to let the wai flow when needed.
The rockery garden has also been a hit. Our tamariki walk along the rocks, practising balance and engaging their senses by feeling the smooth river stones—just as they would at the awa. It creates a deep taiao connection, being one with the environment.