BestStart Waiuku

Nau mai, haere mai 
Welcome to The Nest and Kōwhai Room
 
Here is where our learning journey begins, a place grounded in whakawhanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and aroha. When our tamariki feel safe, loved, and nurtured, they develop the māia (confidence) and strong sense of whanaungatanga (belonging) that help them grow and thrive.
 
In The Nest and Kōwhai Room, we follow the interests and passions of our tamariki, engaging in what brings them joy and building on this through rich, meaningful experiences that invite exploration, discovery, and learning.
 
Our transitions are guided with aroha and atawhai (care) by all our kaiako, thoughtfully tailored to meet the needs of each tamaiti. We value partnership with whānau and recognize that every child’s learning journey is unique and deeply treasured.
 
Like the feather that begins its journey in the Nest, each child’s learning journey continues through Kōwhai to Mānuka and then onto our Kauri room carrying with them their feather alongside, stories, growth, and experiences that help to guide and shape who they are and who they are becoming.
 
So welcome to the whānau as we embark on this journey together, please remember our door always open and we are always here.

Nau mai, haere mai 
Welcome to The Nest and Kōwhai Room
 
Here is where our learning journey begins, a place grounded in whakawhanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and aroha. When our tamariki feel safe, loved, and nurtured, they develop the māia (confidence) and strong sense of whanaungatanga (belonging) that help them grow and thrive.
 
In The Nest and Kōwhai Room, we follow the interests and passions of our tamariki, engaging in what brings them joy and building on this through rich, meaningful experiences that invite exploration, discovery, and learning.
 
Our transitions are guided with aroha and atawhai (care) by all our kaiako, thoughtfully tailored to meet the needs of each tamaiti. We value partnership with whānau and recognize that every child’s learning journey is unique and deeply treasured.
 
Like the feather that begins its journey in the Nest, each child’s learning journey continues through Kōwhai to Mānuka and then onto our Kauri room carrying with them their feather alongside, stories, growth, and experiences that help to guide and shape who they are and who they are becoming.
 
So welcome to the whānau as we embark on this journey together, please remember our door always open and we are always here.

Nau mai, haere mai ki te Rūma Mānuka — a place of ngākau hihiko (curiosity), rangahau (exploration), and koa (joy).

Here is where our tamariki journey continues, from either flying from "The Nest" (Kowhai Room) or a newcomer jumping aboard our waka as we all journey together to get set for preschool (Kauri). The Mānuka tamariki bring an incredible sense of energy and enthusiasm to each day, and we embrace the busy, vibrant atmosphere that comes with this wonderful age group.

We are fortunate to have a large, open environment with a natural indoor–outdoor flow, allowing tamariki to explore freely and follow their interests without boundaries. Within this space, we also provide calm, quiet areas for rest and emotional regulation. Art, waiata (music), and active play are central to our kaupapa, these are experiences that support tamariki to express themselves, build confidence, and develop important self-regulation skills.

This reflects the Te Whāriki strand of Mana Reo – Communication, as tamariki use a range of ways to express their ideas and feelings.

At the heart of our mahi are whanaungatanga (relationships). Through tuakana–teina connections, our older tamariki take pride in being kaitiaki (guardians) for those who are new or transitioning, guiding them with aroha and care as they learn “The Mānuka Way.”

This upholds the principle of Whānau Tangata – Family and Community, and the strand of Mana Atua – Wellbeing, as tamariki experience a strong sense of belonging and emotional security.

Our teaching is both intentional and responsive, guided by the interests and aspirations of each tamaiti as we nurture their growth and learning. We observe, listen, and respond to where they are on their learning journey, recognising them as capable and confident learners.

This reflects the principle of Empowerment – Whakamana, supporting each child to grow holistically and reach their potential.

We hope that every whānau feels a deep sense of warmth and belonging here, a true home away from home where both tamariki and their families are seen, heard, and valued as individuals. We celebrate and recognise each child’s home culture, language, and identity, supporting them to develop a confident sense of who they are and where they come from.

This aligns with the strand of Mana Whenua – Belonging, as we honour the unique place of every whānau within our community.

Haere mai, whakatau mai! Welcome aboard and enjoy the journey — we look forward to walking alongside you and your tamaiti as they grow, learn, and thrive in the Mānuka Room.

Nau mai, haere mai ki te Ruuma Kauri

Here is where our tamariki stand tall and strong, like the mighty kauri. This is the final stage of their early learning journey before they take their next steps into school. Our tamariki continue to grow in confidence and independence as they explore, create, and learn alongside their peers and kaiako.

The Kauri Room is a place of connection- to people, to place, and to learning. We nurture strong relationships with our local school, often visiting Sandspit School for shared experiences and walking to the Waiuku Library for story time. These moments strengthen tamariki confidence in their wider community, fostering familiarity and excitement for their transition to school.

Our outdoor environment is at the heart of our learning. With a mud pit, sandpit, swings, climbing playground, sensory spaces, and shaded areas for reading or quiet reflection, tamariki are free to explore, take risks, and build resilience. Through these experiences, they develop curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a love for the natural world.

Our teaching is guided by the values of manaakitanga (care and respect), kaitiakitanga (guardianship), ako (shared learning), whanaungatanga (relationships), and kotahitanga (unity). These values are woven through our daily practice, much like the feathers in our korowai, symbolising the collective aroha, learning, and growth that surrounds each tamaiti.

A special milestone in the Kauri Room is our Korowai Graduation — a celebration of each child’s unique journey. Each feather in the korowai represents their experiences, friendships, and the values that will continue to wrap around them as they move forward into school.

“Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu — With feathers, the bird can fly."

As our tamariki prepare to take their next steps, they carry with them all that they have learned, the aroha of those who have walked beside them, and the strength of the kauri as they soar into their next journey.