02/09/2026
Yesterday, Room 2 spent time at Rangaroa Reserve learning about tikanga, manaakitanga and our role as kaitiaki (caretakers) of our ngahere.
We were incredibly fortunate to have Nan, Jackie Cash, walking alongside us and sharing her knowledge. Nan guided us in understanding how we can respectfully enter and connect with the ngahere. We learnt about listening for signs from the bush and were privileged to hear Nan perform a beautiful karanga, asking our surrounding for permission to enter.
There were lots of conversations about our ngahere, the many rΔkau and manu that call it home, and the importance of caring for the places around us. Nan also guided our tamariki through karakia, giving us another opportunity to learn through tikanga and connection.
Our learning then became action as we planted several harakeke, hΔ«nau, koromiko and kΕwhai. These plants mark the beginning of our journey to help regenerate our native bush area and create a place where future generations can learn, explore and connect.
We are incredibly grateful for the strength of local knowledge in our community. Our tamariki are so fortunate to learn from the people, whenua and taiao around them β and to understand that growth isnβt just something we see in ourselves, but something we can nurture in the world around us too.
