Whaia te iti kahurangi ki te tuohu koe me he maunga teitei
Seek the treasure you value most dearly: if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain

At Whaingaroa Childcare, we treasure the formative years as the most precious time in a child’s life. Drawing inspiration from the meaning of "Whaingaroa" — long pursuit — we design our daily curriculum to ignite a love for lifelong learning, nurture a thirst for knowledge, and instill happiness and confidence in our tamariki as they prepare to leave our Centre.

Childhood is a joyful journey, not a race. With deep commitment to early childhood, we believe education should be grounded in respect, kindness, and aroha (love). By intertwining diverse cultural perspectives with aroha, we create a tapestry of understanding and unity, fostering an inclusive and enriched environment.

Our philosophy values strong partnerships with families, recognizing that collaboration is key to achieving the best outcomes for children. We see every child as a taonga (treasure), honoring their individuality and uniqueness. Children grow through their innate qualities and their interactions with people and the environment. As educators, we guide and support them, modeling skills in problem-solving, self-control, and conflict resolution.

Our environment is integral to our philosophy. We are dedicated to creating safe, stimulating spaces that reflect the natural world and our deep connection to our taiao, maunga Karioi, and moana of Whaingaroa. By fostering exploration and connection with the surrounding community, we aim to instill a sense of sustainability, responsibility, and respect for the environment.

Our goal is to create a Centre where tamariki and their whaanau feel safe, welcome, and valued. Guided by Te Whaariki (Te Ara Whaanui), the New Zealand National Curriculum, we support and nurture children through open-ended play, encouraging discovery, experimentation, and problem-solving. Together, we embark on a beautiful journey of growth, learning, and connection.