Ngā Whetū o Kidsfirst Uara 2024

Our AGM is a mix of so many important things – there are the mandated formalities that officially see out one year and herald the start of a new one; the appointment and confirmation of ngā kawana – the Association’s board members; the reconnection that happens as we come together from across the motu, and, of course, the much anticipated celebration of Kidsfirst’s Uara. 

The expression of our Uara is still young, but the ideas themselves are not new. They are ages-old principles that have been important in both te ao Māori and te ao kindergarten as far back as anyone can remember. And they are at the manawa – the centre of the Kidsfirst I have known – for almost thirty years. 

Every year at the AGM we recognise Kidsfirst people who embody our values. These are individuals and teams whose actions have gone above and beyond the everyday. But being recognised in this way isn’t the start of the journey – and it’s certainly not the end. The people you saw up on the stage at the AGM are guiding lights that continue to show us the way as we all work towards a more fulsome expression of the ideas at the heart of the Kidsfirst’s Uara.

Thank you to everybody who took the time to tell the story of the team or individual they nominated. It’s our stories that will bring the Uara to life, and ngā kōrero will keep their wairua flowing.

Sherryll

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CELEBRATING NGĀ WHETŪ:

Amelia Solofuti

Helping Culture, Language and Identity Thrive

Weaving culture into every day is such an important part of Kidsfirst's mission, and keeping the languages, culture and identity of Pacific peoples alive is a big part of this.

Kidsfirst Hoon Hay kaiako Amelia Solofuti works hard within Kidsfirst, in the wider education sector, and also in her local community at a number of levels.

Amelia presented at the Pacifica Symposium and at Kidsfirst Me Ako Tonu last year and leads Kidsfirst's Pasifika kaiako as they share their language, culture, and identity across Kidsfirst and the ECE sector. She regularly gives her time to take part in Ministry of Education and University of Canterbury workshops and guide students.

"Amelia is always willing to share knowledge to help the Education team and other kaiako," says Professional Leader, Sue Szentivanyi. "Her work is invaluable in supporting us all to become more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the Pasifika community and enhancing educational outcomes for all tamariki."

"Individually and collectively, our teachers value Amelia's wisdom and support, and value the opportunities that she creates to bring them together with manaakitanga and whanaungatanga, while growing their confidence and pride as Pasifika teachers in our network."

The Ministry of Education and the University of Canterbury regularly call upon our star to attend Pasifika-focused seminars and workshops over the weekends and in the evenings, and to support and guide students.

"She does this with pride and whakamanamana – there’s always a smile and a giggle," Sue says.

Debbie Dowling

"We're So Lucky to Have Her!"

It's not always easy to find relievers in the regions – ECE kaiako are thin on the ground, and finding the right fit for each kindergarten is so important.

Kidsfirst Maniototo has been fortunate to have Debbie Dowling for a decade now, she provides much appreciated lunch and general relief cover, come rain or shine, and is a big advocate for the kindergarten.

Many whānau have been pointed in the direction of the kindy thanks to 'Debbie-Dowling', as tamariki call her.

“She will often say, ‘I saw so-and-so down the street, and they were asking if there's any spaces at kindy,’ or ‘you might like to ring so-and-so as they have a child who is about kindy age.’ She is all about whanaungatanga and manaakitanga – families trust her to put them on the right track for their child's early childhood education – straight to Kidsfirst Maniototo."

"Debbie forms warm relationships with each of our tamariki and will always come back to kindergarten to attend the 'farewell to school' ceremony. Years after they've left, children who have gone on to school will ask where she is, reflecting the impact she has had on their young lives."

"Debbie is always our first port of call if a team member is sick, and we need a day reliever. Her reliability, loyalty to kindergarten, and kind heart are such special qualities, and we want to honour her decade-long commitment to Kidsfirst Maniototo, and hope we continue to enjoy her engagement as a valued team member for the next 10 years."

Zara Sandom

Bringing the Melting Pot to Life

So many of our Uara Waypoints relate to communication and connection – for good reason. We can achieve so much more together, and maintaining the kotahitanga of our network helps keep us all working in the same direction.

As technology has evolved, so to have opportunities to bring everyone together using digital platforms.

Finding the right tools for the job, testing them, and making sure they're a good fit for our unique environment is no small feat. With technology constantly evolving, it can seem like the job is never done.

Fortunately for Kidsfirst, HR Coordinator Zara Sandom has been tenacious in her quest to find and refine the right solution.

"Zara developed the concept of Tīmatanga Hou back in 2020 as a tool to improve staff onboarding," says Manager of Business Development, Jenny Pitama. "And that planted the seed for a one-stop shop for all things Kidsfirst."

Having a repository for information was just one of the jobs this platform had to do.

"Promoting whanaungatanga and strengthening those connections was also very important, and that became a foundational principle for the Melting Pot, which Zara brought to life in 2022. Zara has been persistent in continually improving this tool which is now central as a 'source of truth' and a place to share information and ideas across the network."

Jenny says Zara is “driven by whakaute”, and her commitment to inclusion is apparent in the way she goes about her mahi.

"Zara works hard to include all staff, help others up skill, and take ownership of the platform. You can depend on Zara to always finish what she has started, and she brings innovation and creativity to her mahi."

"The Melting Pot is a wonderful example of a project driven by our Uara to connect us every day and was even recognised by ERO as a contributor to our success.”

Kaiako Matua

Nurturing the Next Generation of Kaiako Matua

Starting an entirely new job or taking on a new role within an organisation can be stressful, and support from others who've been there before is invaluable.

When Kidsfirst's HR team was looking for ways to share akoranga about the wider organisation and new responsibilities with newly appointed Kaiako Matua, we turned to the people who know best how things work – existing Kaiako Matua.

"Becoming a Kaiako Matua means adding wider and differing perspectives to the work of a kaiako," says Professional Leader, Catherine Gerslov-Wright. "You need to be able to see things through a broader Kidsfirst lens, understand expectations for practice more deeply and lead a team of kaiako. It can be a lonely place, too – there's nothing like seeing a familiar face at events and knowing somebody else understands."

Learning leadership skills happens in many ways. There are formal opportunities, where theory is connected to practice, but the rubber hits the road in everyday challenges. "Our longer-serving Kaiako Matua have so much wisdom to share," says Professional Leader, Mark White. "There's nothing like sharing those day-to-day experiences and talking through real-world solutions to support the next generation to shine."

June King, Neroli Gardner, Munira Sugarwala, Deb Alexander, Steph Oliver, Lauren Sutcliffe, Jackie Cooper, Lorraine Stewart, Gemma Wilson, and Lara Lipp all took up the challenge to become Kaiako Matua 'Buddies', sharing their wisdom and experience with those just starting out on their leadership journey.

This cluster of Ngā Whetū o Kidsfirst Uara were recognised for bringing to life so many of the principles of our waypoints in their mahi.

McKenzie

Whānau is Our Second Language

Celebrating all cultures and supporting and nurturing the languages and traditions of tamariki sits at the heart of the everyday mahi at kindergarten.

Our network is a hub of diverse learning communities – with whānau and tamariki from all different backgrounds, many of whom have moved to the country from overseas, and don't speak English as their first language.

The Kidsfirst McKenzie teaching team have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to supporting the many nationalities of their kindergarten whānau and have been recognised as Ngā Whetū o Kidsfirst Uara at this years' AGM.

"Many families are recent arrivals in New Zealand, so they are often using English as a second language and finding their way in a new country that is vastly different to their own," says Professional Leader, Keryn Barlow.

"The McKenzie teaching team has a huge role that stretches beyond the day-to-day teaching and learning. They are often the first point of contact for these families, going above and beyond in supporting whānau and tamariki."

Keryn adds that kindergarten offers an important base for families who are new to the country.

"Kaiako are conduits to services and agencies, and provide all sorts of support, including suggesting English classes, offering job seeking and parenting advice and connecting whānau with health and well-being services. Regular events also help strengthen relationships within the learning community, and whānau attendance shows the value these hold for whānau and their tamariki."

It's not just what the McKenzie team does, but the way they weave the Uara into their everyday mahi that makes their efforts stand out.

"They are a humble team who are passionate about what they do. They live the whakaute, manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and kotahitanga Uara for all of the reasons above and more.

Maniototo

Putting Whakaute at the Forefront to Create Lasting Change

When several non-verbal tamariki and those needing extra support with speech and language started at Maniototo Kindergarten last year, the teaching team was quick to respond.

With whakaute at the forefront, they conducted a comprehensive internal evaluation to look at the resources they'd need, but it was soon apparent that honing their own skills would be just as important as specialist support.

"They involved a Speech Language Therapist (SLT) and Early Intervention Teacher, but it became clear that the team also had a big role to play in building on that external expertise," says Professional Leader Sue Szentivanyi. "Fortunately, Maniototo is led by a Kaiako Matua who is passionate about advocating for tamariki and was positive and excited about this challenge."

The teaching team used the knowledge and skills they'd acquired through the process to develop core boards and visuals and learn how to use them effectively with tamariki. As the kaiako grew more confident in using these tools, so did the children.

"Those with developed language skills began using the visuals and core boards to communicate with their non-verbal peers in a way they had not been able to before – an opportunity not only to connect, but also to practise manaakitanga," says head teacher, Deb McNally.

The team also collaborated with the Speech and Language Therapist to help tamariki with articulation challenges to improve their speech sound development through play and alongside their friends.

"This transformative work highlights the significance of the Head Teacher's attitude and leadership style in driving positive change within the kindergarten," Sue says. "Rather than relying on 'someone else' to come in and do the work, Maniototo saw this as an opportunity to up skill and ensure the benefits lasted long after the external interventions were over."

Rutland Street

Creating Opportunities from Challenges

Changes in teaching teams can be unsettling for the families and communities. Tamariki can feel they are losing an important person in their young lives, while whānau often worry about the loss of the familiar relationships they know and value.

"That was the position Rutland Street found themselves in at the start of 2023, as they were tasked with building a new team from scratch. Fortunately, the new Kaiako Matua Jo Hemmingsen and the two relievers, Kelly and Miranda, were ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work to build new connections with their learning community" says Professional Leader Lyndell Turner.

A focus on relationships came first, along with a reimagining of spaces and the kindergarten experience. The team wanted to ensure the offering was right for their community, that they had inspiring and exciting spaces and experiences for tamariki and whānau alike, and that there was a nurturing and sustainable base.

"This was a plan grounded in whanaungatanga," says Lyndell. "They connected back to whānau and the wider community in practical and enduring ways, drawing on the spirit of whanaungatanga and giving everybody a chance to participate."

Regular events like discos, dress-up days, book days, and cultural celebrations created a sense of excitement, opened the door to whānau and community engagement, and added some whakamanamana along the way. The team maintained a positive can-do attitude, even using an ERO audit as a learning opportunity.

A year in, this whānau voice sums up the results of the team's hard work.

"I see huge amounts of fun, and an abundance of daily activities. We see children interacting and teachers engaging and passionate about their role. We hear laughter, and teachers are fully engaged with children and discussing events with parents. An environment that is so full of fun and feels so inviting for their growth and development. This kindergarten is absolutely everything we could ask for!"

Wakatipu

Teaching Team Shines Through Construction Chaos

Diggers, concrete mixers, and swarms of builders often mean exciting sights and sounds for tamariki. Usually, construction is a novelty, and everyone is excited to track progress and see the finished product.

But it's a different story when building projects go on and on, and wreak havoc with everyday kindy life.

"Over the past couple of years, the teaching team, whānau and tamariki have been continually disrupted by developments being built around them.”

"Pedestrians and vehicles have had restricted access to the kindergarten, there's been continuous noise and vibration from machinery, blasting, and construction, and it even took part of the playground out of action for stretches of time," says Professional Leader Keryn Barlow.

"The teaching team worked incredibly hard to come up with solutions to keep the teaching, learning and connection happening, all the time maintaining a positive and solution-focused attitude."

As if all that wasn't enough, they experienced heavy rain which triggered a landslide and created a whole new set of challenges.

"There was an emergency closure and long periods of having to boil water," says Keryn. “But through it all, the team looked for the happiness in every day by connecting to whakamanamana and stayed true to the kindergarten culture in a shining example of whakapono."

The construction may end, but this team's resilience and positivity will serve them well for many years to come.

Ilam

Keeping Important Connections Alive

Learning communities matter in so many ways – they take a holistic view of tamariki so that their entire learning journey is connected from start to finish, foster kotahitanga between providers, and promote whanaungatanga every step along the way.

For many reasons, some Kāhui Ako networks no longer have the same level of engagement with their local kindergartens as they once did, "Kidsfirst Ilam was determined to not let this happen," says Professional Leader, Lyndell Turner.

"They've worked hard to ensure their connections within their local Kāhui Ako remained active and intentional. This has ensured that their tamariki, whānau and community can continue to benefit from these important cross-sector collaborations."

The Kidsfirst Uara of kotahitanga is the driving force of learning communities, which bring together ECE, primary and secondary services around shared activities and learning opportunities. For the past two years, the kindergarten has taken part in the local Kāhui Ako cultural festival, and enjoyed participating in events, including local kura Kapa Haka activity.

"Ilam has a very diverse kindergarten community, and the teaching team does a great job of ensuring home languages are kept front and centre and are responsive to their cultural ways of knowing and being."

"The team lives whakaute, kotahitanga and whanaungatanga through a range of initiatives, with visits from older kura students to the kindergarten, and in turn, tamariki visiting schools. Children get familiar with the school environment and are able to get hands-on with technology and practice kaitiakitanga."

It takes a massive effort to maintain links with these vital learning communities, but they're making it happen at Ilam in a way that brings ngā Uara to life.

Hāwea

Putting Sustainability at the Centre of Kindy Life

Like every journey worth taking, Kidsfirst Hawea's sustainability project has had all the right things at its foundations.

"It started from a small idea, built around the values and beliefs of the new teaching team, with collaboration through building relationships and connections with the wider community, families, and whānau," says Professional Leader, Keryn Barlow.

"What made this nomination stand out was how holistic and well thought it was – activity was built on in a stepwise way, carefully connected to curriculum priorities, and aligned with the values of all involved."

Progress has been slow and steady since the initiative began in 2022, and in the spirit of the Uara, it has been a truly collaborative effort.

"It all started in 2022, growing from a small seed with the re-introduction of our flower and vegetable garden," says head teacher Nicola Brown. "We started to think about what next, who we were as a community, and what our values were. The following year, our Complex Internal Evaluation focused on curriculum priorities. It quickly became apparent that our community valued manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, whanaungatanga, and auahatanga."

The team also worked hard to strengthen relationships with local sustainability community groups who have supported them with koha of time, funds, and equipment.

"As a team, they are constantly looking at how they can improve sustainability practices and be resourceful, while coming up with practical and long-term solutions," Keryn says.

"For example, the kindergarten had no way to compost green waste or food waste apart from into the landfill, but they did have very old compost bins and an abandoned worm farm. The kaiako talked to the children about worm farming and brought in some worms from home. It didn’t take too long for the children to become curious and involved."

A year down the track, tamariki are driving sustainability efforts, which are embedded in daily rituals.

"The children love being kaitiaki and caring for Papatūānuku. We are also working on getting rid of lunchbox wrappers, saving seeds, papermaking, beekeeping, eliminating water wastage, and so much more."

Ōpāwa St Martins, Beckenham, Hargest Crescent & The Bays

Creating a Welcoming Shared Space

We often talk about manaakitanga, whakaute, and whanaungatanga, and these values are evident in Kidsfirst mahi, across the organisation, at every level, every day.

When Kidsfirst Ōpāwa St Martins had to move out of their building for renovations, a temporary premise could not be found. The decision was made to relocate kaiako and tamariki into three nearby kindergartens, who welcomed them in for three terms,

The experience was seamless for kaiako, whānau and tamariki thanks to the efforts of the Hargest Crescent, Beckenham, and The Bays teaching teams, who worked with Ōpawa St Martins kaiako to welcome whānau and tamariki and help them feel at home in their new community.

"These teams took an overwhelmingly positive approach to welcoming others into their spaces and had a can-do attitude to tackling the challenges for the community, the kindergarten, and the team," says Professional Leader, Jeanne Williams.

"They maintained a sense of whanaungatanga with creative and innovative strategies, making sure their guests felt welcome and the community was connected, while maintaining their own kindergarten identity and ensuring their own whānau didn't feel left out. Whānau picnics, events, and storytelling all helped to keep everybody together."

Jenny Pitama, Manager Business Development says “The hosts saw this as a way to support their colleagues, kindergarten community and the organisation. And the Ōpawa St Martins team showed whakapono in their professionalism and willingness to be part of something quite unusual. The connections built over this time will endure when the Ōpawa St Martins team returns to their beautiful new building next term”.