Our Competencies
"Our unique approach to early childhood education"
At our centre, every child is seen, heard, and valued.
We believe that learning happens through meaningful relationships, play, and everyday experiences.
Guided by Te Whāriki, we create an environment where children can explore, grow, and develop at their own pace, while building confidence and a strong sense of belonging.
We embrace our point-of-difference in the community - we are an extremely culturally-diverse centre, having children and staff from nations around the world as part of our centre family. These cultures currently include Maori, New Zealand, Cook Island, Taiwanese, Chinese, Indian, as well as 10-15 other cultures. We honour our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi), upholding the principles within the document- Protection, Participation and Partnership, ensuring that our Maori culture and language is preserved and promoted.
Multi culture
Lots of Excursions!
We are extremely fortunate to be located in the heart of Invercargill, right beside Queens Park. We intentionally maintain strong staffing levels to not only provide exceptional education and care, but also create learning opportunities that would not otherwise be possible.
Combined with our dedicated minibus, our teaching team is able to extend the learning environment far beyond the centre walls, transforming the wider community into an extension of our classroom. This allows tamariki to experience learning in real places, with real people, alongside their friends and teachers.
With excursions taking place four days a week, from local walks to Queens Park, the library, shops, museums, and community spaces, to adventures further afield, children regularly explore the world around them through authentic, hands-on experiences that bring learning to life.
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Queens Park and local parks.
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Supermarkets and retail stores
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Invercargill City Library
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Splash Palace swimming lessons
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ILT Stadium Southland
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Drop-In Gym
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Abraham Acres
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Local primary schools
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Performing on stage, with several more visits as audience at Polyfest
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Art galleries and museums
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Bush walks and nature reserves around Southland
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SIT concerts and performances
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Community events and festivals
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Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre (Mandeville)
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Te Hikoi Museum (Riverton)
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Blueberry farms and other seasonal experiences
LIst of our
adventures
Individualised learning
No two children are the same, and neither are their learning journeys. We recognise every child as a capable and competent learner, taking the time to understand their unique strengths, interests, culture, aspirations, and way of learning. Our curriculum is shaped by children's ideas, emerging interests, and natural curiosity, creating meaningful learning experiences that reflect who they are. By building on what matters most to each child, we nurture confidence, independence, agency, and a genuine love of learning, empowering tamariki to become capable, self-motivated learners.
Strong relationships
Relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We build warm, respectful partnerships with children and whānau, creating a safe and nurturing environment where everyone feels a strong sense of belonging. Through these relationships, tamariki develop confidence, social competence, empathy, and a positive sense of identity.
Learning through play
We see children as capable, competent, and naturally curious learners. Through play-based learning, tamariki explore their interests, test ideas, solve problems, and make sense of the world around them. Play provides opportunities for children to develop creativity, resilience, independence, confidence, and the social and emotional skills that support lifelong learning.
Connection to community
We believe some of the most meaningful learning happens in the real world. Through regular excursions, community partnerships, and participation in local events, tamariki experience learning in real places, with real people, alongside their friends and teachers. These experiences strengthen children's sense of belonging, help them build connections within their community, and encourage respect for the people, places, and environment around them.