Ngā tamariki o te Taiao: Children of the Natural World

11/09/2026

11/09/2026

Exploring Trajectory Through Play

Our tamariki transformed the furniture into a ramp and began experimenting with cars—watching closely as they travelled down the slope.

Through this joyful, child-led play, they explored trajectory, speed, gravity and cause and effect. They tested different starting points, made predictions and adjusted their ideas while learning alongside one another.

A wonderful example of physics, problem-solving and collaboration emerging naturally through play!

08/09/2026

🧊 Learning through problem-solving and teamwork 🧊

Matua Glen created an engaging ice-cube provocation, freezing different objects inside a large block of ice for our tamariki to discover.

The children initially experimented with a range of tools, but quickly realised these were not very effective. This challenge created an opportunity for one tamaiti to suggest moving the ice to a different location, where they could try another approach.

Together, the tamariki shared ideas, adapted their plan and worked as a team to break apart the ice. This rich learning experience supported curiosity, communication, perseverance and creative problem-solving.

Sometimes the greatest learning happens when the first idea does not work! 🌿

03/09/2026

🌿 Why Do We Do What We Do? 🌿

I opened this preschool to meet a genuine need in our community—to help grow and strengthen the Hokianga, support women into study and employment, and build the teaching profession within our region.

We began as an entry-level space where people could gain experience, develop their skills and begin their journey in education. Since then, we have grown into a strong team of fully qualified teachers, supported by dedicated support workers.

Our vision has always been bigger than the preschool itself. We want to see our region thriving, our whānau supported and every tamaiti given access to high-quality learning and care.

Step back in time with us—to a childhood that values play, exploration, imagination and meaningful learning. We are committed to keeping tamariki off screens and supporting their development in the best way we know: through loving relationships, rich experiences and plenty of time outdoors.

This is why we do what we do: to create opportunities, strengthen our community and help our tamariki grow into confident, capable learners.

Come and discover a place where childhood is protected, curiosity is encouraged and tamariki are free to learn naturally. 🌱

02/09/2026

Changing Spaces in Our Outdoor Classroom

Today, our outdoor classroom was transformed into a collection of inviting spaces for exploration, creativity and movement. Just as the seasons change, our learning environment continues to grow and respond to the interests and needs of our tamariki.

The veranda became a peaceful creative area, where children could draw, create and work quietly in the warmth of the sun. Outside, large tarpaulins, ropes, tyres, planks and natural materials were used to form pathways, shelters, balancing challenges and spaces for imaginative play.

The trees remained at the heart of the playground. Tamariki climbed among the branches, tested their strength and balance, considered where to place their hands and feet, and supported one another as they explored. safe challenges. Nearby, the newly created tunnel and shelter offered a place to crawl through, hide, gather with friends and invent new stories.

Changing the environment invited tamariki to see familiar places in fresh ways. Open-ended materials encouraged them to adapt each space according to their own ideas. A plank could become a bridge, a tyre could form part of an obstacle course, and a sheltered space could become a whare, tunnel or secret meeting place.

Through these experiences, tamariki developed confidence, coordination, problem-solving skills and awareness of their bodies. They negotiated space, shared ideas and learned alongside one another. They demonstrated manaakitanga by helping their friends and kaitiakitanga through caring for their outdoor environment.

Links to Te Whāriki

Exploration | Mana Aotūroa: Tamariki developed confidence in movement, explored spatial relationships and used creativity and problem-solving.

Contribution | Mana Tangata: Tamariki learned with and alongside others, sharing the outdoor environment and contributing their ideas.

Belonging | Mana Whenua: Tamariki experienced the outdoor classroom as a place where they belong and where their ideas can shape the environment.

Where to next?

We will continue observing how tamariki use these changing spaces and invite them to help plan future developments. We will provide more open-ended materials for building, balancing, creating shelters and transforming the outdoor classroom through their own imagination.

Clair

02/09/2026

Lost Property

02/09/2026

Cooking with Erin 👩‍🍳🌿

Our tamariki have loved cooking alongside Whaea Erin! From grating and serving fresh ingredients to preparing their own wraps and carefully cutting shapes from dough, every step offered meaningful hands-on learning.

Cooking together strengthens fine-motor skills, confidence, independence and mathematical thinking, while encouraging tamariki to cooperate, take turns and explore healthy foods. The best part, of course, was sharing and enjoying something they helped create! 🥕🧀🥙🍪

He tino pai rawa atu—what wonderful learning through everyday experiences. ♥️

31/08/2026

🌿 Nature is one of our greatest teachers 🌿

Our tamariki have been enjoying precious time at the awa—exploring, observing, moving their bodies, and noticing the seasonal changes unfolding around them.

Time in nature supports curiosity, confidence, creativity, physical development, and emotional wellbeing. As the seasons change, the awa offers new discoveries: cooler water, changing colours, different textures, and shifting patterns in the natural world.

These experiences encourage our tamariki to slow down, wonder, take safe risks, and strengthen their connection to te taiao. Through regular visits, they also develop a sense of belonging and kaitiakitanga—learning to know, respect, and care for this very special place.

There is so much rich learning to be found beside the awa. 💚

28/08/2026

🌿 He Taiao Ako — A Place to Explore, Discover & Belong

There is something pretty special about watching tamariki discover their world when they are given the time, space and freedom to explore. ♥️

This week our tamariki have been busy digging, building, transporting, experimenting and working alongside one another. What might look like a simple sandpit moment is filled with learning — problem solving, communication, cooperation, perseverance and imagination.

At Ngā Tamariki o Te Taiao, we believe childhood should be rich with real experiences. Muddy hands, bare feet, big ideas, friendships, questions, creativity and plenty of time outside are all part of our days.

Our environment invites tamariki to be capable and confident learners. They are encouraged to investigate, take appropriate risks, contribute their ideas and develop a genuine connection with the natural world around them.

🌱 We are currently welcoming tuakana (tamariki aged 3 and over) into our preschool community.

If you are looking for a nurturing, nature-rich early childhood environment where your child has space to explore, create, grow and simply enjoy being a child, we would love to hear from you.

Come and visit us, meet our kaiako and see our beautiful little corner of the Hokianga for yourself. 🌿

Ngā Tamariki o Te Taiao — Children of the Natural World
Growing curious, capable and connected tamariki.

26/08/2026

Kia ora everyone!

What an absolutely beautiful day — the weather is impeccable, and our new shade arch is officially in! ♥️

Nau mai, haere mai ki te kura! We’re looking forward to a gorgeous day of learning, play and exploration with our tamariki.

Ngā mihi nui,
Clair 🌿