With hands in the soil and hearts in the wild, our tamariki are becoming backyard explorers and nature guardians. Through play, planting, and deep respect for Ao Tūroa, we’re growing a generation of kaitiaki — one seed and story at a time.
At BestStart Waihopai we have a focus on kaitiakitanga — being sustainable and caring for the natural world around us. Tamariki have been exploring the garden as they plant, seed and sow the next season’s vegetables.
We are the backyard explorers that create curious minds, sensory and messy play, and a feeling of being at home in your own backyard.
Ao Tūroa / the natural world is a treasured part of our curriculum. We believe in the importance of allowing children time in nature. We encourage children to develop a respectful relationship with nature and an understanding of their role as kaitiaki (guardians) of the natural world.
Tamariki will learn the role they have in creating a sustainable environment for the future.
BestStart Waihopai Kindy are applying for the BestStart Eco-Centre Sustainability Awards — Nurturing Kaitiaki of the Future. At BestStart, we recognise that sustainability is not just a practice — it’s a mindset, a community commitment, and a responsibility to future generations and to mana whenua.
Our Eco-Centre Sustainability Awards guide centres on a journey to embed sustainable practices through Te Ao Māori values, rich curriculum connections, and enduring environmental stewardship. The Sustainability Awards journey includes making your way through three tiers.