Otaki Kindergarten
Otaki Kindergarten is a kindergarten administered by the Wellington Free Kindergartens Association, Ngā Māra Tamariki o te Ūpoko o te Ika.
Innovation
The culture of Otaki Kindergarten fosters responsibility for Papatuanuku and Ranginui: Te Ao Maori. Environmental education is an essential part of the curriculum—simply because we are all a part of the earth. We aspire to become kaitiaki, mindful caretakers of our patch of the world. By adhering to this philosophy, the teachers encourage tamariki to be active participants, contributing to their part of the world.
Centres of Innovation (COI) research
Major research aim:
The aim is to further develop and research the kindergarten’s innovative approach, which nurtures the mana of children, whānau and community and nurtures respect for the environment using indigenous knowledge.
Research questions
- How does the ecological approach to teaching and learning at Otaki Kindergarten impact on children’s learning outcomes and on reciprocal, respectful relationships with its community?
- How do nga tamariki and whanau of Otaki Kindergarten learn to:
a. Respect their environment?
b. Understand the tikanga of sustainability?
COI tenure
Calendar years 2008/2009/2010 (round four).
COI research associates
Sarah Te One, Victoria University of Wellington (Email: sarah.teone@vuw.ac.nz [no spam])
Dr Val Podmore, Victoria University of Wellington (Email: val.podmore@vuw.ac.nz [no spam])
Service location
Waerenga Road, Otaki, New Zealand.
Visitors
If you are interested in visiting Otaki Kindergarten, please ring or send us an e-mail to arrange a suitable time.
Otaki@wn-kindergarten.org.nz [no spam] or phone: 06-364 8553.
Contact details
Contact person: Sue Barrett
Postal address: Waerenga Road, Otaki, New Zealand
Telephone: 06 364 8553
Fax: 06 364 5545
Email: otaki@wn-kindergarten.org.nz [no spam]