Whenuakite Country Kids is a place where children connect with their communities, are nurtured into forming strong relationships and learn respect and acceptance of all who learn and play in their environments.

At Whenuakite Country Kids we provide an environment where tamariki, whānau and staff feel loved, secure and affirmed as individuals. The heart of our centre is built upon strong reciprocal relationships within our community. The very whenua that our centre is built upon was generously donated by our neighbours, for the benefit of our community. We have enormous gratitude for the many whānau and friends who have given their services to our centre over the years. We honour the wealth of knowledge and experience which everyone in our learning community brings to our centre.

Relationships and partnerships based on trust, respect and open communication are central to our provision of a safe and inclusive environment. We extend Manaakitanga to all and celebrate growth alongside tamariki on their learning journey. We acknowledge the dual heritage of Aotearoa/New Zealand and honour the spirit and intent of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, fostering an environment where tamariki experience the language, values and traditions of our bicultural heritage. Being welcoming and inclusive of the diversity within our centre and community is intrinsic to our practice. 

We believe it is important to uphold the Mana of each child. Tamariki are supported to develop a strong sense of belonging and are empowered to lead their own learning. We provide an environment where every child is nurtured to gain the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to strengthen their social and emotional competencies. Our Kaiako are passionate educators who enjoy working within an inclusive and creative, play-based curriculum.

Our centre is a place where the needs and interests of tamariki are met through responsive interactions and meaningful experiences. We highly value the lens through which tamariki view the world and provide time and space for tamariki to explore and generate their own working theories. We incorporate a range of natural and open-ended resources, sourced from our local community.

We aim to support and nurture the hauora of all tamariki, whānau and Kaiako in our centre. We acknowledge the holistic nature of each child’s learning journey and consider the Taha hinengaro /mental and emotional, Taha whānau /social, Taha Tinana /physical, Taha wairua /spiritual aspects to wellbeing.

Our curriculum provides tamariki with regular opportunities to build an awareness of the environment and issues of sustainability. A respect for Papatūānuku is promoted with tamariki throughout all aspects of our practice. Our regular excursions into our natural environment encourages tamariki to nurture their hauora/well-being while also strengthening connections within our local community.

Holiday Closure Dates 2022

Term 1 2022

Closed Monday 31st January 2022 (Auckland Anniversary Day)

Closed Monday 7th February 2022 (Waitangi Day Observed)
Closed Friday 15th April 2022 (Good Friday)
Closed Monday 18th April 2022 (Easter Monday)

Closed Monday 25th April 2022 (ANZAC Day)  

Term 2 2022

Closed Monday 30th of May 2022 (Teacher only day)

Closed Monday 6th June 2022 (Queen's Birthday)

Closed Friday 24th June 2022 (Matariki)

Closed for week Monday 11th July 2022, re-opening Monday 18th July 2022  

Term 3 2022

Closed Monday 24th October 2022 (Labour Day)

Christmas Holidays 2022/2023

Closing at 4pm on Thursday 15th December 2022

Re-opening Tuesday the 10th of January 2023