Y Tamariki

Y Tamariki

Nau mai ki Y Tamariki

Bilingual Teaching Curriculum

Te Whare Kohungahunga o Y Tamariki is a Reo Rua early learning centre located in Kaiti, Gisborne. We are committed to providing a rich bilingual environment where te reo Māori and English are naturally woven throughout our daily programme, routines, interactions, and learning experiences.

Our kaupapa supports tamariki to develop a strong sense of identity, belonging, and confidence while fostering meaningful connections to te ao Māori, their whānau, and the wider community. We believe every tamaiti is capable, competent, and empowered to thrive as a learner and leader.

Y Tamariki offers three dedicated learning spaces, each designed to support tamariki at different stages of their learning journey.

Te Ruma Koruru (0-2 years)

Te Ruma Koruru provides a safe, nurturing, and responsive environment for our youngest tamariki. This is where our tamariki begin their journey on the waka, laying the foundations for lifelong learning, growth, and wellbeing. Guided by caring and knowledgeable kaiako, each child is welcomed aboard with aroha and supported to feel safe, secure, and connected.
As valued members of our waka, tamariki are supported to form connections, strengthen their identity, and grow in confidence as they continue their learning journey.

Te Ruma Hinengaro (2-4 years)

“Te Ruma Hinengaro is more than a room; it’s the heart of our centre, it’s our Marae”. Our starts and ends in Ruma Hinengaro. We nurture social, emotional, and physical confidence as they continue their journey of discovering “Ko wai au?” (Who am I?).

Te Ruma Manaakitanga (3-6 years)

Ruma Manaakitanga is a place where the rays of Tama-nui-te-Rā nurture and awaken the potential within our tamariki, providing a rich environment for learning, exploration, and discovery. Here, tamariki are encouraged to grow in confidence, strengthen their independence, and develop as curious and capable learners.

Within Ruma Manaakitanga, Te Ruma Whaihanga inspires tamariki to think creatively and innovatively, encouraging them to explore ideas, express their whakaaro, and bring their imaginations to life. Through meaningful experiences and opportunities for discovery, tamariki are supported to extend themselves, build on their strengths, and branch out into the wider world as confident, capable, and lifelong learners.

Centre Info

Daily Programme

Each day begins with all tamariki gathering together for karakia at 9am on the deck outside Te Ruma Koruru. This special time strengthens our sense of whanaungatanga and connection before tamariki head to their learning spaces for the day.

From 3pm, tamariki come together again in the Hinengaro space where whānau can collect them and reconnect at the end of the day.

Open hours

Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 5:15pm
(closed on Public Holidays and during the Christmas/New Year period.)

Fees

$7.00 per child, per hour

Fees are charged according to enrolled days and times
Additional charges may apply for attendance outside enrolled hours
WINZ subsidies are available for eligible whānau
20 Hours ECE is available for tamariki aged three years and over

Meals

Y Tamariki provides all meals throughout the day, including:

Morning tea
Cooked lunch
Afternoon tea
Fresh fruit

Our menus meet the nutritional needs of growing tamariki while encouraging healthy food choices and positive eating habits.

We are happy to accommodate allergies, dietary requirements, cultural preferences, and family values to ensure the needs of each tamaiti and whānau are respected.

Excursions

Tamariki in Te Ruma Manaakitanga participate in swimming lessons each term.

All learning spaces regularly plan excursions and community visits that extend learning beyond the centre. These experiences provide tamariki with opportunities to explore their local environment, strengthen community connections, and engage in meaningful real-world learning.

Van Service

Y Tamariki offers a van service for eligible whānau.
Morning pick-up: 8am-9am
Afternoon drop-off: 2:30pm-4pm

To access the service, tamariki must:

Live within Gisborne city limits
Be enrolled for at least 30 hours per week

For enquiries regarding van bookings and availability, please contact reception and speak with Koka Morgan.

Our Teaching Team

Y Tamariki is fortunate to have a large team of passionate, dedicated, and experienced kaiako who are committed to providing high-quality early childhood education and care.

Our team includes qualified, certificated, training, and support teachers who bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and cultural expertise to our centre. The diverse skills and strengths of our kaiako enrich the learning experiences we provide and ensure tamariki receive quality care and education every day.

Together, our teaching team works collaboratively to build strong relationships with tamariki and whānau, creating a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment where every child can thrive.

The centre is led by Centre Manager, Dallas Te Hau, alongside a strong leadership team who support curriculum, teaching practice, professional growth, and our commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi and continuous improvement.

Koka Roslyn | Pou Ārahi

As our Pou Ārahi, Koka Roslyn provides educational and cultural leadership across the centre. She guides our kaupapa, supports whānau engagement, and works alongside kaiako to ensure our teaching practices reflect the values, aspirations, and identity of our community.

Koka Maria Roberts | Pedagogical Lead

As our Pedagogical Lead, Koka Maria supports curriculum implementation and teaching practice across the centre. She mentors kaiako, strengthens professional learning, and guides assessment, planning, evaluation, and reflective practice to ensure positive learning outcomes for all tamariki.

Together with our wider teaching and support team, they help create a learning environment where tamariki are valued, inspired, and empowered to achieve their full potential.

Our Curriculum

The foundation of Te Whare Kohungahunga o Y Tamariki is built upon our four guiding pou:

Whakawhanaungatanga – Relationships
Manaakitanga – Care and Respect
Whakamana – Empowerment
Kotahitanga – Unity

As a Reo Rua centre, te reo Māori and English are intentionally woven throughout our curriculum, daily routines, learning experiences, and interactions. Our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and place-based learning ensures our curriculum reflects the unique identity, stories, and aspirations of our local community.

We strive to create a nurturing environment that empowers tamariki to become capable, confident, and competent learners who believe in themselves and their ability to succeed.

Every tamaiti is treated with aroha (love) and whakaute (respect).

Kia whakapiki te taha hinengaro, te taha tinana, te taha wairua me te taha whatumanawa o ngā tamariki, ngā whānau me ngā kaiako katoa.

We strive to strengthen the minds, bodies, spirits, and emotional wellbeing of our tamariki, whānau, and kaiako.
We want every whānau at Y Tamariki to experience a strong sense of belonging through respectful and reciprocal relationships between tamariki, whānau, and kaiako.

Kia kaha, kia māia, kia tū! He taonga tuku iho!

Building strong tamariki who stand confidently for themselves and each other, because they are our greatest treasure.