Why Does Community Matter in ECE?

At Te Ōki, we often say that learning doesn’t stop at the centre gate — it continues out into the world. That’s because tamariki learn best when they feel a strong sense of connection — not just to their kaiako, peers, and whānau, but to their wider community too.

The Learning that Happens Out in the World

Excursions and outings give tamariki real-world experiences that spark curiosity, provide challenge and complexity and support the understanding of the world around them. Taking trips in our centre van is part of our weekly routine. Whether it’s attending local sports events or learning about myths and legends while visiting Mt Kakepuku, these experiences help children connect what they know to the world around them.

Our Little Explorers programme for our 4.5-year-olds is one way we do this intentionally. Through bush walks, visiting local playgrounds, the museum or even resthomes, we give tamariki the chance to explore beyond the fence line and deepen their understanding of te taiao (the natural world), people, and places. But it’s not just our older children who benefit — our van allows us to plan trips for all ages, which makes these rich learning experiences accessible for everyone.

Centres as Whānau Hubs

Community is about people too. At Te Ōki, we work hard to create spaces for parents and whānau to connect with each other, not just with us. Events like discos, parent evenings, and quiz nights aren’t just for fun (although they’re definitely that!) — they’re a way for families to bond, share their experiences, and feel supported through the ups and downs of parenting.

Research shows that when early childhood centres become community hubs, everyone benefits — tamariki feel more secure, parents gain insight and support, and a culture of trust and collaboration grows. According to a study by McFarlane (2010), strong whānau–centre connections support children’s social-emotional development and help parents feel empowered in their parenting journey.

Celebrating What Matters

Cultural celebrations play a huge role in how we live our philosophy of whanaungatanga. Whether it’s Matariki, Holi, Onam, or Masskarra — these events allow children to feel pride in their identity and develop appreciation for the diverse world around them. They also allow us to acknowledge and include the rich cultural backgrounds of our whānau, embedding their stories, values, and traditions into our shared curriculum.

Te ao Māori perspectives guide us to view learning as collective, with whānau deeply embedded in the process. Our philosophy speaks to this beautifully:

“Through kotahitanga, we work hand in hand with whānau to provide flexible, individualised opportunities for tamariki to learn and grow… where children grow to be competent, confident, enthusiastic learners and communicators, with a sense of purpose and belonging…”

This isn’t just a nice idea — it’s at the heart of Te Whāriki too. The curriculum reminds us that:

“Children learn and develop best when their culture, knowledge and community are affirmed and the people in their lives help them to make connections across settings.”

Why It All Matters

When children feel connected — to place, to people, to purpose — they thrive. When parents feel seen and supported, everyone benefits. And when centres value and invest in community, they become places of true belonging.

That’s why, here at Te Ōki, community isn’t an extra — it’s a core part of how we teach, learn, celebrate, and grow together.