Nature Connect

28/08/2026

27/08/2026

❤️❤️❤️

27/08/2026

What a Market Day the Thursday Explorers put on! Exceptional!
There are already plans to make these Market Days a termly event, and what a wonderful opportunity they are proving to be. These young entrepreneurs used sticks, stones and leaves as currency while offering an impressive range of top quality products and services.
Security was quiet and the jail remained unused, so it was cleverly repurposed as a hangout! On offer today were handmade shields, kawakawa oil, cookies, Kawakawa tea, freshly squeezed orange juice, face painting, incense and smellies, charcoal pencils, natural paintbrushes, terrariums, busking and even a joke stall.
The learning was incredible. Contracts were drawn up for a co-operative, with one child creating job descriptions for all members. His tireless managerial role saw him overseeing the stores, making products and helping with the clean up. Another child set up a traders’ group, encouraging others to swap and trade their wares.
There was even a finger knitted scarf put up for auction, with the bidding reaching an impressive 180 leaves!
These Market Days are such fun, and the learning that unfolds through them is exceptional. We are observing creativity, collaboration, negotiation, leadership, problem solving, entrepreneurship and so much more happening authentically through this powerful play concept.
Thanks for a remarkable day, everyone!

26/08/2026

A sense of place, a sense of belonging, and a sense of identity! Tūrangawaewae!

26/08/2026

Just like the child’s imagination never runs out! Nature gives and gives!

26/08/2026

The imaginary play in the ngahere was wild today, from motorbike zombies to outlaws and bandits! Large groups of children raided bases and became completely enthralled in the thrill of the game.
It takes a lot to play like this: collaborating, coming up with ideas, establishing rules, getting into character, negotiating, showing camaraderie, and, of course, getting active. There was so much creativity, connection and joy happening amongst the trees today.
The clay continued to delight, with mugs and all sorts of wonderful figurines being created and sculpted. It is such a pleasure to see the sense of pride the children have in their work and the joy they get from bringing their ideas to life.
The kererū are back, enjoying a few titoki berries, a real treat for these beautiful visitors. It is such a pleasure to have them with us. They continue to remind me of kaitiaki, watching over us as they soar and swoop through the ngahere.
The marshmallow ice creams were a hit today! The children still ask, “Where is the real ice cream?” and I still ask them, “Where is our electricity?”
Our focus on values this week sparked some wonderful conversations. Many children initially saw values as being like rules, while others shared their own ideas about what their top values might be. These collaborative conversations are so important to us as we learn to share different opinions and respect that we all bring different perspectives, experiences and strengths to our circle.
Thanks for another great day, explorers!
See you all next week for more fun, adventure and action in the ngahere!

25/08/2026

Spring Environmental Education Holiday Programs…Visit www.natureconnect.co.nz for five day bookings or email [email protected] for casual days. Our first week has just 8 spaces left!

25/08/2026

Are you keen for your child to move, explore, investigate, imagine and connect? Come and experience the Nature Connect ngahere, a place where children can learn, play and connect with nature.
To make an appointment to visit, email [email protected] or phone 027 242 4596.