BestStart Berryfields Crossing

Pounamu is our pepi (Infant) room for tamariki ages 0-18months. With a small licence of only 10 tamariki, we allow space for each child to flourish in their own time and pace. Pounamu translates to greenstone is Te Reo Māori. Pounamu is a precious and powerful stone in which is held a great treasure. This encompassed what we envision in for our pepi. 

Wai-iti is our toddler room for children aged 18months - 2.5yrs. In this room, we encourage independence, emotional regulation and confidence. A shared outdoor space with Pounamu encourages tuakana teina (older children supporting younger children) and is witnessed and nurtured daily. Wai-iti is known as the river that flows through the Richmond/Tasman area and into Te Tai-o-Aorere; the Tasman Sea.

Aorere, a name taken from the Tasman Sea is for children aged 2.5yrs - 4. A room that is full of adventure, imagination and aroha for everyone. Aorere is a space focused on child led learning, the importance of friendships and being kinds to one another. Tamariki have the chance for their imagination to be explored and celebrated.

Kōtuku, known as the great white heron, with particuluar importance to the Mapua region, is also a symbol of leaderships, uniqueness, and beauty. For BestStart Berryfields Crossing, Kōtuku is the room that is the final learning space before the tamaiti takes flight and affirming them as an individual before the next step in their learning journey - school.