Whaia te iti kahurangi ki te tuohu koe me he maunga teitei
Seek the treasure you value most dearly: if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain

At Whaingaroa Childcare, we cherish the formative years as the most precious time in a child’s life. Inspired by the meaning of "Whaingaroa" — long pursuit — our daily curriculum is designed to foster a love for life-long learning, a passionate thirst for knowledge, and a sense of happiness and confidence in our tamariki when they leave our Centre. 

Childhood is not a race; it is a joyful journey. With our hearts and souls invested in early childhood, we believe education should be delivered with respect, kindness, and aroha (love). We weave together the diverse thoughts of various cultures with aroha, creating a tapestry of understanding and unity. 

We believe that our partnership with families is essential for achieving the best outcomes for children. We hold each family's child as a taonga (treasure), aiming to honor and cherish every individual. We believe that children are shaped through what they bring with them and their relationships with others and the environment they interact with. Our role as educators is to guide them, modelling and assisting with problem-solving, self-control, and conflict resolution skills. 

Our environment plays a crucial role in our philosophy. We are committed to creating spaces that are safe, stimulating, and reflective of the natural world and our connections to our taiao (nature), maunga Karioi and moana of Whaingaroa, encouraging children to explore and connect with our communities' surroundings. We value sustainability and aim to instill a sense of responsibility and respect for the environment in every child. 

Our goal is to create an environment where our tamariki and their whānau feel safe, welcome, and trusted. Guided by the NZ National Curriculum “Te Whāriki” (Te Ara Whānui), we support and teach our tamariki through open-ended play, encouraging exploration, experimentation, discovery, and problem-solving. Together, we embark on this beautiful journey of growth and learning.