Tо̄tara Kids ELC

Te Kete Rangimārie Workshop.

Come and see how we use this to support tamariki here at TK! (also give Erin and Elise some support before they share this kaupapa at the National ECC Conference in July!)

All our little people can struggle with BIG feelings some time and as adults in their lives we want to support them to be emotionally resilient and intune with their feelings and mental health. Te Kete Rangimārie is a tool for children, strategy for parents and culture here at Tōtara Kids.

💧☔️Something about that rainy day light makes my special someone look even better.☔️💧

Sometimes, a picture is the only way to capture the special relationship between Ako Kaiako and tamariki.

-Daily Nature Play Trips
(Every child has at least 1 per week, once they are ready)

- Weekly visits to and from local schools.

- 20 ECE hours are actually free!

- Only 29 children each day (to 6 kaiako!)

And so much more!

Joining our waitlist means we can see what hours you’re needing and hopefully help! We have some children heading to school next term, so may have some days available.

Follow this link to join the waitlist or read more about us.
https://www.totarakids.co.nz/waitlist

Come and see how we use this to support tamariki! (also give Erin and Elise some support before they share this kaupapa at the ECC Conference in July!)

🔴ANZAC🔴

Friday's are for Pj's and Puddles.

Here at Tōtara kids we love a rainy day.

A reflection on two years of TK From Elise.

Two years of Tōtara Kids is amazing and seeing my dream come to life everyday is hard work, but so, so, so worth it. I’ve learnt a lot in the last two years - lots of the boring, yet essential business side, but the wonderful Kaiako and tamariki here have confirmed some things too.

You can have a privately owned ECE become the centre of a community; it can be a place of support for families through meal trains, fundraisers and connection. The adults in our Tōtara Kids community role model manaakitanga to our tamariki every day. In two years, we have raised nearly fifteen thousand dollars for charities close to our hearts.

Being a kaitiaki (guardian) for the world can mean having a voice when it’s easier not too - it is advocating for children, sharing our knowledge and having faith that our philosophy really does promote the best learning outcomes for children.

We have had some pretty tough things happen in our little whānau over the last two years and a reflection on this time will always include seeing whanaungatanga and aroha in action from both my team and our TK Whānau as we remember those who we have lost and those who are facing tough battles. Here at TK whānaungatanga also means having deep connections and relationships that mean we all have a safe place for support in struggles, whether that be sleepless nights, sickness or the loss of a loved one.

Lastly, my theory that you can have a centre set up to promote Kaiako wellbeing, optimal care for children and a space that allows for tough chats about mental health has been proven - that’s what TK is! Our Kaiako teach from rangimārie (a state of peacefulness and harmony) not squashing down emotion, but being real; taking accountability for role modelling good mind/body lifestyles, coming to work able to support children to regulate, and to love each person who comes through our doors. Our teachers really are the most valuable resource we have - Tōtara Kids is what it is because of them. Many teachers in our sector are burnt out, crowd managing and loosing their spark. By teaching from rangimārie (no one works 5 days on the floor at TK) our Kaiako can maintain the wairuatanga of our environment. As a leader, making the emotional wellbeing of my staff a priority, I can now see the trickle-down impact this has for our who community.

All of this to say, the four centre values we have here are also the highlights for me from the last two years. Challenges come and go, but the TK community we have built does make it easier. Thank you for trusting us with your greatest treasures - it takes a village and I think our village is pretty incredible!

Tangata ako ana I te kāenga, te tūranga ki te marae, tau ana| A person nurtured in the community contributes strongly to society.

We are so excited to announce the winners of our raffles! Thank you to every single person who bought a ticket and shared our posts! Also a big massive thank you to all the sponsors and a special mention to Kim who coordinated and organised everything for this behind the scenes.

DRUM ROLL!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Dan Sangster for drawing the winners!

Raffle #1 - Date Night ........ Jodie Backhouse
Raffle #2 - Back to Nature......Tobias Jeffries.....Libby Smith....Mandy Carter
Raffle #3- Making Memories.... Jessica Murphy
Raffle #4 - Petrol Head ..... Alisha Leefe
Raffle #5- Rangimārie.... Liv Moir
Raffle #6- Kai Time ..... Molly Robinson
Raffle #7- Toyworld Hamper... Katie Nicoll
Raffle #8- The Weekender.... Lynette Clayworth

We will get in touch with winners this week- feel free to contact us to come and claim your prize.

Park days are Cicada shell finding days.

At Tōtara kids we love a park day and are pretty big fans of Cicadas.

If your looking for our Kaiako during their lunch breaks tomorrow - I bet they will be here!!!

📍 Little Bang Bang has a new spot! 🔥

We’re back to trading tomorrow — and you might spot a bright yellow food trailer on Bolt Road.

Yep, that’s us 💛

🕚 Weekdays
11:00am – 2:30pm (sometimes till 3pm)

We’re starting with lunch first, and once we settle in, we’re hoping to add Friday/Saturday dinner sessions soon 👀✨

⸻

Build Your Own Bang Bang 💥

Choose your base:
🫓 Homemade bao bun
🥥 Coconut milk rice
🥗 Fresh salad

Pick your flavour:
🍗 Fried chicken (choose your own sauce)
🥩 Beef Rendang
🌱 Tofu (vegetarian option)

Plus our signature stir-fried noodles and homemade curry puffs 🌟

⸻

Our goal has always been simple —
fresh ingredients, proper flavours, and food made with care.
A warm, satisfying meal you can enjoy during your lunch break.

If you see the yellow trailer, come say hi 💛🔥