At BestStart Orewa West, Te Whāriki isn’t just a curriculum – it’s the heartbeat of our centre. Meaning “woven mat” in te reo Māori, Te Whāriki represents each child’s unique learning journey, with strands that intertwine to support growth, identity, and belonging.
But what does Te Whāriki look like in our day-to-day practice?
Well-being | Mana Atua
We prioritise each child’s safety, health, and emotional wellbeing. Through gentle routines and encouraging self-care, we empower tamariki to feel secure and confident in their environment.
Belonging | Mana Whenua
Our centre is a home away from home. Children are welcomed with warmth and respect, building a strong sense of belonging where they feel seen, heard, and valued.
Contribution | Mana Tangata
Every child plays a meaningful role in our learning community. We nurture social skills, support collaborative play, and encourage children to participate in ways that feel authentic to them.
Communication | Mana Reo
Everyone has a voice here. We celebrate all cultures and languages, and encourage children to express themselves through conversation, creativity, storytelling, and play.
Exploration | Mana Aotūroa
We embrace curiosity. Our learning environments spark wonder and adventure, encouraging children to explore, experiment, and make sense of the world through play, movement, and discovery.
At BestStart Orewa West, we bring the values of Te Whāriki to life every day. From messy play and quiet kōrero to big group adventures, we create space for tamariki to feel confident, curious, and truly themselves. It’s not just about learning – it’s about growing together as a community.