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Waitangi Day at BestStart Manukau
Waitangi Day as we all may understand is the day the treaty was signed between the Queen's representatives and leaders of the Maori tribe. It is recognized as New Zealand's founding document and outlines the principles to form a nation state and establish a government.
Every year, we celebrate this special event with our tamariki by doing a range of activities which help them to recognize and value their own culture as well as to learn about the Maori culture and history. Throughout the week prior to the Waitangi holiday, our tamariki had the opportunity to spend some time with Kira who taught them a bit about the New Zealand history. She brought her special taiaha and taught the children that it is a traditional Maori weapon made from either wood or whalebone. Kira was able to teach the tamariki how to use the taiaha and helped them in making their own little taiaha with wood and to practice with it.
Children also painted New Zealand, European and Maori flags with the teachers as they talked about and revisited the history of New Zealand. Teacher Aman also invited the tamariki to make a great big waka for our room. Throughout the week the children sang Te Reo songs and teachers read some Maori legends out to them. It was a great learning journey for teachers and children.