April 2025 | Kōrero from Curious Minds

Welcome to Our Monthly Newsletter

Kia ora whānau, and welcome to the first edition of our Curious Minds newsletter! Each month, we’ll
share stories, insights, and updates from across our four centres—highlighting the shared philosophy
that guides our teaching, celebrating your children’s adventures, and keeping you connected with
the heart of our work. It’s a space to reflect on what matters most in early childhood education:
community, connection, and joyful learning.

‍Why Nature and Community Matter in Early Childhood ✨

If you’ve ever watched your child light up when they spot a tūī in the trees or digging in the sand at
the beach, you’ll know how naturally curious and connected to the world around them they are. At
our early childhood centres, we see this every day—and it’s why we make nature and community
central to learning.

Learning in wild places

The natural world is an incredible teacher—full of wonder, challenge, and calm. Whether it’s
building a hut in the bush, collecting shells, or listening to birdsong, these experiences help tamariki
grow confidence, resilience, and connection.

We’re lucky in Aotearoa, New Zealand, to be surrounded by diverse landscapes. In Wellington,
tamariki can explore lush ngahere and vibrant moana, with opportunities like hiking in the hills or
visiting the beach. In Queenstown, the stunning lakes, rivers, and snow-capped mountains offer
unique outdoor play.

These wild spaces—whether in Wellington or Queenstown—spark curiosity, creativity, and deepen
children’s appreciation for nature, supporting their growth and learning.

‍He taonga nō te whenua, me hoki atu ki te whenua.
What is given by the land should return to the land.

This whakataukī reminds us to care for the natural world and to value the learning it offers. When
tamariki build a relationship with te taiao (the natural world), they understand their role as kaitiaki -
guardians of the places they love.

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Whanaungatanga: Learning through community

Children learn best through real-life, face-to-face experiences. Connecting with local people, places,
and stories helps tamariki feel they belong. Whether it’s a walk to the local shop, a kōrero with a
neighbour, or a shared project with a community group, these moments build empathy, confidence,
and a strong sense of whanaungatanga—relationships and connection.

When early learning centres partner with the community—through outings, welcoming visitors, or
caring for shared spaces—it helps children see themselves as participants in their community.
Visitors from the local community offer new perspectives, deepen children’s understanding of the
world, and foster a sense of belonging.

We also believe in the power of exploring nature right at our doorstep. Whether it’s observing the
changing seasons in the garden, discovering insects in the grass, or gathering leaves for art, these
hands-on experiences help tamariki develop a deep appreciation for nature.

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A shared journey ✨

As parents and whānau, you are your child’s first teacher. When home and centre values
align—prioritising outdoor time, unhurried play, and connection with nature and people—it creates
something powerful. Together, we raise confident, curious learners who feel at home in the bush, at
the beach, and in their community.

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So next time your little one comes home with muddy shoes or stories about spotting bugs under
rocks, know that learning is alive and well—and it starts with the world right outside your door.

What We've Been Up To This Month

April has been all about exploration, connection, and adventure for our tamariki. We've embraced
the still-warm autumn days with trips that sparked curiosity and deepened our connection with our
local area and the natural world. Here are some highlights:

• Mt Kaukau Hikoi – Our Johnsonville four-year old tamariki climbed the trails of Mt Kaukau.
  Along the way, they listened for birds, watched the wind dance through the grass, and took
  in the sweeping views over the harbour. A perfect spot to learn about the land and stretch
  those legs.
• Local Playgrounds – Sometimes the best adventures are just around the corner. Our Island
  Bay children have been exploring the neighbourhood playgrounds, which are places of joyful
  challenge—climbing, swinging, balancing, and most importantly, playing together.
• Forest Exploration – Time in the ngahere gave our Miramar tamariki space to slow down
  and tune in. They tracked bugs, collected leaves, and had hands on learning experiences in
  the world around them. These unstructured moments in nature are some of the richest for
  learning and wonder.
• Community Connections in Queenstown – Our tamariki have been equally engaged with the
  local community right at the centre. We have been fortunate to host Sue the librarian from
  Frankton Library, who shares the joy of stories and reading with the children. The tamariki
  have also had a special visit from Nick from Buzzstop, who taught them all about bees and
  the important role these creatures play in our world. These visits help connect our tamariki
  to their wider community, fostering curiosity and a sense of belonging.

Our nature and community experiences this month have reminded us of the power of connecting
children with their place—its people, stories, and wild spaces.

Ngā Mihi Nui from the Curious Minds Team

As we wrap up this edition, we want to thank you for being part of our incredible whānau. Your
support, trust, and joy make our work so rewarding. We look forward to continuing this journey
together—learning, growing, and exploring the world alongside our tamariki.

Until next time, stay curious and connected!

Ngā mihi nui,

The Curious Minds Team

‍Stay Connected: Island Bay, Johnsonville, Miramar, Queenstown