Dunstan Educare

Thought this was worth sharing for those who have the opportunity 😊

Happy 22nd birthday to us 🥳🤪 how is it 22 years?????
It's been an honour to have been a part of so many whānau lives over the years 🥰
Seeing that its a Thursday a little throw back seems appropriate 😅
Here's a glimpse into our first week at our Gregg st centre 💕

On the 5th of November, 1881, 1600 armed constabulary and volunteers took part in the invasion of Parihaka, a settlement in Western Taranaki which had become the symbol of protest against the confiscation of Māori land by british invading forces and become of concern to the government as a possible site for the reignition of Māori opposition to pākeha 'progress'. the invasion was led by then native minister John Bryce who had previously described Parihaka as 'that headquarters of fanaticism and disaffection’.

As they entered the village more than 2000 inhabitants of Parihaka sat quietly on the marae while their children greeted the force with waiata. they were given food, their horses were watered. they faced no resistance from those they arrested.

Leaders Te Whiti-o-Rongomai and Tohu Kākahi were arrested without trial and exiled from Parihaka for 16 months. During this time they were taken on an enforced tour throughout the south island, designed to demonstrate the 'progress' and 'power' of pākeha society. They were reportedly entirely unimpressed by what they witnessed.

In the aftermath of the invasion, the prosperous village of Parihaka was systematically razed, homes were looted and burnt, crops destroyed and livestock slaughtered.

The people of Parihaka were forcibly driven out and left homeless, facing a bleak future of extreme hardship,the settlement was virtually wiped out of existence; maps were redrawn and history was redefined in the attempt to obliterate the memory of the invasion of Parihaka and the mistreatment of its inhabitants.

Many of the women and children of Parihaka had no option but to follow those arrested to Ōtepoti.

21 of those taken from Parihaka died in Ōtepoti, forced into labour and buried in unmarked paupers graves in the northern cemetary.

Te Whiti and Tohu were allowed to return to Parihaka in 1883.

“Just as night is the bringer of day, so too is death and struggle the bringer of life”
- Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kākahi

JOIN OUR TEAM: Family-Owned Early Childhood Centre Seeks Qualified ECE Kaiako. We offer a unique and collaborative environment where you'll work with children from 6 months to 5 years, promoting tuakana teina, kaitiaki, and mahitahi. If you share our passion for nurturing tamariki and whānau, contact Linley Hattrill at [email protected].

We've had some very sad news this morning, when we opened we realized that Jar-Jar our lovely cockatiel had passed away. We have enjoyed his chirping and whistling at educare for a very long time. He was here to welcome tamariki for over 14 years. We will miss you Jar-Jar, haere rā e kare. 😢

JOB OPPORTUNITY: OVER 2's ROLE / 4 DAYS PER WEEK (negotiable)
Are you looking for something new and exciting for 2024? We have the role for you. You will work in a unique & supportive over 2's environment alongside a team kaiako who have a passion for working with over 2's.
We are after a very special individual, who has a genuine passion and willingness to grow whanaungatanga and empower mana with our tamariki and whanau.
Our objective as a centre is to provide the highest quality care and education as we believe all our children are unique and bring something special to all of us from the day that they start with us.
We have an environment that encourages tuakana teina, kaitiaki, mahitahi and allows tamariki and kaiako to be included with all aspects of our centre.
If you are interested in this role please contact Linley Hattrill ([email protected]) for more details
Kā mihi nui