BestStart Berryfields Crossing

Pounamu is a precious and powerful stone in which is held a great treasure. This encompassed what we envision in for our pepi.

Pounamu is our dedicated pēpi (infant) room, specially designed for tamariki aged 0–18 months. With a small license of only 10 children, we create a nurturing environment where each baby can grow and thrive at their own pace. This safe and calm space supports the unique needs of infants, with opportunities to explore and develop in a gentle, unhurried setting. Pounamu also shares a carefully designed outdoor space with our Wai-iti room, offering seamless interactions and opportunities for exploration in nature.

Wai-iti is known as the river that flows through the Richmond/Tasman area and into Te Tai-o-Aorere; the Tasman Sea.

Wai-iti is our toddler room, catering to tamariki aged 18 months to 2.5 years. Here, we focus on fostering independence, emotional regulation, and confidence as children explore and grow. With a maximum of 16 tamariki, the room offers a supportive and nurturing environment tailored to this important developmental stage. Sharing an outdoor space with the Pounamu room allows for the natural development of tuakana-teina relationships, where older tamariki support and guide their younger peers—an interaction we observe and nurture daily.

Aorere, a name taken from the Tasman Sea.

Aorere is a dynamic space for tamariki aged 2.5 to 4 years, where emotional regulation and building strong relationships are at the heart of our approach. We support children’s independence as they explore their world through child-led learning, with a focus on the importance of friendships and kindness towards one another. The room is full of adventure, imagination, and aroha, creating a nurturing environment where tamariki can freely express themselves. With a shared outdoor space alongside Kōtuku, tamariki have opportunities to engage in tuakana-teina relationships, fostering collaboration and growth.

Kōtuku, known as the great white heron, with particuluar importance to the Mapua region, is also a symbol of leaderships, uniqueness, and beauty.

Kōtuku is the final learning space at BestStart Berryfields Crossing, where tamariki are supported as they prepare to take flight on their next learning adventure—school. In this room, we focus on "Set for School," helping tamariki develop key skills and leadership qualities, while affirming their individuality and readiness for the challenges ahead. The outdoor space, shared with Aorere, fosters tuakana-teina relationships, where older tamariki guide and support their younger peers, reinforcing the values of teamwork and leadership in a nurturing environment.