Awhi Tairāwhiti thriving in its first year

‘Embracing the people of Tairāwhiti’ . . . Barnardos’ early learning centre Awhi Tairāwhiti is going strong one year after it was established. Enjoying play time are staff members Stacey Hocking (left) and Zariah Baty holding Romana Tikotikaca, while in front are (from left) Russell Gum, Percy Gum, Ariana Clay, Aio Te Rangimarie Kilburn, manager Quannah Nickerson and Ayhden Clay Black. Picture by Paul Rickard

Barnardos early learning centre Awhi Tairāwhiti has flourished in its first year since opening in March 2023.

“I am very proud of our teaching team,” says centre manager, Quannah Nickerson, who leads a team of four educators and teachers.

“The year has been rewarding. They are amazing. It’s a small centre.  They have to be awesome and they are.”

Awhi Tairāwhiti — which means “embracing the people of Tairāwhiti” — represents Barnardos’ vision of “an Aotearoa where every child shines bright”.

Providing child and family services under the same roof, making social services easy to access and supporting parents with children up to the age of six is key to its success.

It now has a waiting list for placement opportunities.

The centre’s open-door policy is particularly important.

“Whānau are welcomed and feel comfortable enough to stay as long as they want.  Joining in with the singing is just one example,” Quannah says.

She has seen younger mums becoming more confident through involvement.

The Women’s Native Tree Project charitable trust donated trees to enhance the centre’s outdoor area.

Led by Barnardos kaiako Stacey Hocking, with a little help from tamariki, the area plantings foster a connection with nature for young people.

Barnardos is also part of the Enviroschool environmental action-based programme.

Children are encouraged to learn about waste recycling and caring for their environment.

Mara kai, an activity of growing your own food, has seen Awhi Tairāwhiti establish a healthy vegetable garden. Composting and a worm farm add to the hands-on approach to learning.

“We are quite an ambitious team and are passionate and enthusiastic about what we do,” Quannah says.

The unique space has achieved many milestones in its launch.

Looking ahead, Quannah hopes to see “strengthening of what we already have and increasing our ability to support families . . . . being able to provide kai for young families and having the resources to do this”.

Placing value on a child’s cultural upbringing and identity is also important for the team — “where you come from, the home you live in and who you are”.

Volunteer students who are studying for an Early Childhood Education (ECE) qualification are regulars at the centre.

Awhi Tairāwhiti is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm at 25 Ormond Road.