Central Kids is a bi-cultural organisation and proud partner of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Staying connected to the past, present and future is important to us, and we are committed to growing an environment that strengthens and celebrates te ao Māori through our practices.
- Te reo Māori me ōna tikanga – Māori language and practices are naturally woven into our everyday activities.
- Aromatawai – learning assessment is culturally relevant for all tamariki.
- Ngā hononga – regular and ongoing engagement with iwi.
Our kaimahi are active role models and advocates for te reo Māori revitalisation. Around 50 per cent of our enrolled tamariki are Māori and we are proud of the diversity in our services. We have a strong focus on language, culture and identity.
Our kindergartens strive to incorporate te ao Māori values into everything we do, to connect our tamariki to our history and heritage. Te reo is naturally woven into our everyday language and we authentically engage with local iwi and marae to expose our tamariki to customs and culture from an early age.
Alongside our tamariki Māori, we have a high number of whānau Pasifika attending our kindergartens. We use Tapasā: Cultural competency framework for teachers of Pacific learners, and support our kindergartens to build effective relationships with tamariki and whānau who whakapapa Pasifika.
It’s important to us that we celebrate diversity and create a culture of inclusiveness for a more connected community, inside and outside of our kindergartens.
We understand every tamaiti is an individual. We celebrate diversity and inclusiveness across cultural, ethnic, social and economic backgrounds so everyone feels welcome, every day.
Kaitiaki whakaako | Māori rohe leads
Māori leaders in each of our five rohe ensure that whānau Māori are at the heart of everything we do, and ensure our practices align with strategy. We embrace a whānau centred approach that sets new standards for inclusivity, cultural awareness and the wellbeing of all tamariki and whānau we serve.
The team helps us achieve four vital goals.
- Empowering kaiako Māori: We're committed to giving our kaiako Māori a say in shaping our future.
- Connecting with mana whenua: Rohe alignment brings us closer to the whenua, fostering strong relationships and influencing our strategy and outcomes.
- Professional growth: These roles open doors for kaiako Māori to grow and develop professionally, gaining valuable leadership experience.
- Amplifying voices: Our Māori leaders ensure that the voices of kaiako Māori contribute to our strategy and overall success.
Roma Angel-Verlinden
Kaitiaki Whakaako
Ngāhuruhuru Aa Riki
(Rotorua and Reporoa)
Rahema Leabourn
Kaitiaki Whakaako
Te Mataariki
(Bay of Plenty)
Mikaela Ngawaka
Kaitiaki Whakaako
Mai Tongariro ki te pai o Raukawa
(Taupō, Tokoroa and Tūrangi)
Ally Te Wano
Kaitiako Whakaako
Te Waonui-a-Tāne
(South Waikato)
Vacancy
Kaitiako Whakaako
He Pakiaka Kotahi
(North Waikato)
