At our Treetops daycare centres in Pukekohe and Botany, we believe understanding our past helps shape a better future. That’s why we embrace New Zealand’s bi-cultural heritage, grounded in the Treaty of Waitangi.
The Treaty represents a partnership between Māori and the Crown. Its principles guide our nation’s everyday life, including Early Childhood Education (ECE). Introducing children to this important part of New Zealand’s history helps them develop cultural awareness and respect for others.
Celebrating Waitangi Day At Our Daycare Centres
Each year, we celebrate Waitangi Day with fun and meaningful activities. The week leading up to this important day is packed with learning experiences that engage our children. These include:
- Reading stories and sharing videos about the Treaty.
- Role-playing historical events from 1840.
- Performing Māori dances and challenges like the haka.
- Singing waiata (songs) and sharing kai with our Treetops family and whānau.
- Creating taonga (treasures) for children to take home.
Through these activities, children explore Māori culture and history in ways they can understand.
Writing Our Own Treaty
At each of our daycare centres, each room created their own treaty consisting of agreements between teachers and children, children to children, and teachers to teachers.
Each year, we revisit this activity with the children in each room and together, we review the original treaty, make changes, and add new ideas. This process always sparks important discussions about what matters to our children. It empowers them to share their thoughts, respect others’ ideas, and actively participate in decision-making.
Promoting Cultural Awareness
At all three our Treetops daycare centres in Pukekohe and Botany, we celebrate each child’s individuality and encourage respect for all cultures. By sharing heritage, languages, and customs, children learn the value of togetherness and diversity.
The week leading up to Waitangi Day helps children build connections with their peers. It fosters a sense of belonging, understanding, and respect for the differences that make us unique.
