Waitangi Day Celebration at BestStart Everglade Babies
We celebrated Waitangi Day, a significant day in Aotearoa New Zealand that honours the Treaty of Waitangi and its key principles of Partnership, Participation, and Protection.
At BestStart Everglade Babies, our focus was on creating meaningful learning experiences that were developmentally appropriate for our tamariki. Through intentional teaching, we provided gentle opportunities for tamariki to explore culture, build connections, and experience a sense of belonging.
Partnership – Learning Together
A calm and inclusive mat time created space for shared connection. Through singing Māori waiata together, tamariki experienced rhythm, language, and social interaction. These moments supported early communication skills, listening, turn-taking, and a growing sense of community.
Participation – Hands-on Exploration
Tamariki engaged in making rēwena bread, exploring textures, smells, and simple food preparation processes. This sensory-rich experience supported fine motor development, curiosity, and active participation while respectfully acknowledging Māori cultural practices.
Protection – Valuing Culture and Identity
The creation of a korowai (Māori cloak) allowed tamariki to explore different materials and colours while learning that cultural traditions are treasured and respected. This experience fostered creativity, sensory exploration, and an emerging understanding of identity and belonging.
Kaiako also introduced a simple classroom treaty activity, where tamariki participated by placing their thumbprints. This symbolic act supported early concepts of contribution, shared responsibility, and inclusion within our learning environment.
Additionally, wearing tīpare respectfully and applying moko on kaiako chins enriched the day, providing visual and cultural connections that supported awareness and appreciation of Māori traditions.
Our Centre Manager supported and encouraged the team throughout the celebration, and her guidance was truly appreciated.
Through these experiences, tamariki developed a stronger sense of belonging and connection to people and place. They engaged in rich sensory exploration that supported their cognitive and physical development, while also building early communication and social skills through shared interactions.
These meaningful moments encouraged an appreciation of cultural diversity in a respectful and age-appropriate way, supporting tamariki to participate confidently in group experiences and feel valued within their learning community.