Treaty of Waitangi

Rationale: Bright Beginnings believes:  That it is the right of each and every child to be enriched in an environment that acknowledges and integrates the dual heritage of the Treaty partners in order to understand and to be confident in their own culture and be sensitive to the cultures of other people, and to appreciate the heritages of Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Every child in the centre has the right to learn and understand Maori language, values, customs and practices at the level appropriate to their age and ability level.

Management Plan:

1. Bright Beginnings will integrate practices and customs that reflect the principles of Tikanga Maori into the daily life of the centre.
   1. Children and adults will sit on chairs and stools rather than tables and benches;
   2. Teachers will not step over children;
   3. Teachers will not pass food above others heads;
   4. Foodstuffs will not be used for play;
   5. Adults will be encouraged not to pat children on the head;
   6. We will have specific flannels for washing hands and faces;
   7. Bright Beginnings sleep room is representative of a whare, shoes will be taken off inside;
   8. Food and drink will not be consumed in the sleep room;
   9. Teachers will separate washing in accordance with the laundry policy and procedure;
   10. Tablecloths will be used at meal times to distinguish and separate art/creative play from kai time.
2. The daily routine will incorporate bicultural practices through-
   1. Using appropriate greetings;
   2. Correct pronunciation of children’s names;
   3. Toys and equipment that reflect the bicultural nature of Aotearoa/New Zealand;
   4. Giving thanks to God for food, i.e. kai karakia;
   5. Use of natural materials and respect for the environment;
   6. The use of Te Reo Maori in everyday conversations.
3. Teachers will develop relationships with parents and whānau and invite them to participate in traditional bicultural practices.
4. Teachers will be offered professional development opportunities to advance their knowledge and understanding of Te Reo and Tikanga Maori. This will extend to and include-
   1. Opportunities provided by professional development organisations;
   2. Invitations to attend hui, noho marae etc.
   3. Researching local places/features of the area and sharing with other staff, children and parents/ whānau.
   4. Workshops provided by Baptist Maori Ministries

1. Teachers and staff will role model respect for different cultures and practice appropriate protocol.
2. Parents and whānau will be an important voice in Bright Beginnings operations.
3. Communication with parents and whānau may look like-
   1. Displays about Te Tiriti O Waitangi and how it is implemented in our curriculum;
   2. Te Tiriti O Waitangi policy and procedure;
   3. Bi-monthly newsletters and parent information evenings/Whānau Hui;
   4. Actively building partnerships with parents.
4. All children will-
   1. Have equal access to areas of the curriculum;
   2. Have their individual needs, parent’s goals and aspirations met through the curriculum and assessment for learning;
   3. Build and extend on bicultural learning experiences in a way that is culturally and socially significant to them.
5. Staff will-
   1. Critically reflect on resources and toys that undermine children’s ethnicity, gender, culture, background, ability or religion;
   2. Actively challenge stereotypes;
   3. Encourage equitable attitudes in children and their families.