Weaving Our Curriculum with Te Whāriki

When we began designing our early childhood curriculum, we wanted more than a collection of themed lessons and crafts. We wanted a programme that truly reflected the heart of early learning in Aotearoa New Zealand, one that honours identity, community, and discovery. To achieve this, we turned to Te Whāriki: He Whāriki Mātauranga mō ngā Mokopuna o Aotearoa, the national early childhood curriculum published by the Ministry of Education.

Our Foundation: The Weaving of Principles and Strands

Te Whāriki uses the image of a woven mat, or whāriki, where every strand represents a key principle and learning area. We used these strands as our foundation, ensuring every theme and activity nurtures the whole child.

Wellbeing | Mana AtuaOur activities promote physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing through safe, caring, and empowering environments.

Belonging | Mana WhenuaEach monthly theme connects tamariki to their local environment and community, celebrating the many cultures that make up Aotearoa.

Contribution | Mana TangataChildren learn through collaboration, empathy, and shared play.

Communication | Mana ReoEvery lesson includes opportunities for storytelling, art, and expression in both English and te reo Māori.

Exploration | Mana AotūroaOur play-based, hands-on projects encourage curiosity, discovery, and problem solving.

Guided by the Vision of Competent and Confident Learners

Te Whāriki envisions children as competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body, and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging, and aware that they make a valued contribution to society. This vision shaped how we designed every component, from art explorations to science experiments to storytelling games. Each experience builds confidence, independence, and a strong sense of connection.

Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Bicultural Practice

In alignment with Te Whāriki’s bicultural foundation, our curriculum intentionally incorporates te reo Māori, tikanga, and Māori perspectives throughout. We draw on concepts such as kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the environment) and whanaungatanga (relationships and community), helping tamariki learn within the cultural context of Aotearoa.

Child-Led, Inquiry-Based Learning

Te Whāriki reminds us that children learn best through meaningful interactions with people, places, and things. Following this guidance, our curriculum is flexible, allowing kaiako to adapt lessons to children’s interests and questions. Whether we are exploring “Under the Sea” or “Growing in the Garden,” tamariki curiosity leads the way.

Partnership with Whānau

Just as Te Whāriki emphasises the partnership between kaiako and whānau, we include family newsletters to extend learning beyond the classroom. These connections ensure that parents and caregivers are active participants in each child’s learning journey.

Our Whāriki Is Still Being Woven

Just as the Te Whāriki document describes an unfinished mat with loose strands still to be woven, our curriculum continues to grow and evolve. Each new idea, theme, and discovery adds another strand to this shared journey of learning. Grounding our work in Te Whāriki ensures that our curriculum honours the children of Aotearoa, celebrating their uniqueness, nurturing their potential, and helping them flourish.