At BestStart Onehunga, our tamariki enjoyed a joyful and meaningful week celebrating Pink Shirt Day as a centre-wide event. Through a range of play-based experiences, children explored kindness, empathy, inclusion, friendship, and respect for others.
"He aroha whakatō, he aroha puta mai."
If kindness is sown, kindness you shall receive.
Throughout the week, tamariki expressed their creativity by designing pink shirts using crayons, pencils, paint, collage materials, and loose parts. These experiences encouraged self-expression while fostering conversations about kindness and inclusion.
Children also engaged in sensory experiences through playdough and messy play, exploring textures, colours, and imaginative play together. Through these shared moments, they demonstrated the value of Fetokoni'aki—helping and supporting one another through positive interactions.
During mat times, kaiako facilitated meaningful discussions about the message behind Pink Shirt Day. Together, we explored the importance of using kind words, sharing, helping others feel included, and showing empathy.
"Manaaki whenua, manaaki tangata, haere whakamua."
Care for the land, care for the people, go forward together.
It was heartwarming to see tamariki demonstrating kindness by sharing spaces, taking turns, offering toys to friends, and supporting one another in play. These everyday interactions reflected Oku tau fe'ofa'aki—caring for others through friendship, empathy, and inclusion.
Music, dancing, movement, and imaginative play provided opportunities for children to confidently express themselves while building strong relationships with their peers and strengthening their sense of belonging.
On Friday, both tamariki and kaiako proudly wore pink to stand together in support of Pink Shirt Day. Throughout the week, we embraced the Pacific value of Alofa atu, alofa mai—give love and receive love—reminding us all that kindness helps create a caring and welcoming community.