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KAKIANAU PROGRAMME

Location: Western Springs Park 

When: Tuesdays 

Age Group: 4-10 years old

 

Our new Kakīānau programme is nestled within the expansive 64-acre Te Wai Ōrea (Western Springs Park), our Kakīānau programme offers a unique outdoor experience for tamariki aged 4 to 9 years old. Running every Tuesday of the school term, this one-day programme is designed to immerse children in nature, foster curiosity, and encourage a deep connection to the whenua.

 

We are excited to welcome Kelly as the Forest School Leader for this programme! Kelly is a highly experienced ECE teacher with over 20 years in early childhood education. Her passion for outdoor learning and commitment to fostering children's independence and confidence make her an incredible guide for our tamariki.

 

Te Wai Ōrea is a place of rich history, and we are eager to explore its stories alongside our tamariki. By understanding the land they play and learn on, children develop a stronger sense of belonging and appreciation for the natural world.

With wide open spaces, clusters of bush for hut-making, steep slopes for scrambling and sliding, and abundant native wildlife, Western Springs provides an ideal landscape for adventure and exploration. Our max group size is 18 tamariki, ensuring a close-knit learning environment with 1:6 educator ratios.

Our daily adventures may Include:

- Shelter building & hut-making

- Whittling & tool use

- Exploring flora and fauna

- Feeding the eels

- Self-directed nature play

- Excursion walks 

- Cooking & essential life skills

- Plant identification sessions

 

At the heart of our programme is the Tuakana-Teina relationship, where older tamariki act as mentors and leaders, fostering a strong sense of community. Our learning approach balances child-led exploration with planned activities based on their interests, ensuring a holistic developmental experience.

 

We embrace a "less is more" philosophy when it comes to resources, allowing tamariki to engage in open-ended play and learning through nature—where the land itself becomes the greatest teacher.

 

Term fees can be paid weekly or fortnightly, with the first payment due before the programme begins.

We can't wait to welcome your tamariki to this exciting new adventure at Te Wai Ōrea!


Drop-off time: 8:45 am – 9:00 am
Pick-up time: 2:30 pm – 2:45 pm

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