Kōhanga Reo | Early Childhood
Education Support
Professional Development
Neuroscience and Trauma-informed Practice
Facilitated by Jase Williams
Thursday 26 March 2026 | 5:00 pm
-
Overview
Join Jase Williams for an inspiring and deeply reflective PLD exploring the power of relationships in shaping the wellbeing of our tamariki
Neuroscience and Trauma Informed Practice with Jase Williams
Join Jase Williams (Ngāti Tamaterā) TEDx speaker, award‑winning educator, and author of Your Trauma Has A Whakapapa for an inspiring and deeply reflective PLD exploring the power of relationships in shaping the wellbeing of our tamariki. With over 25 years of experience and national recognition for his trauma‑ informed, equity‑centered leadership, Jase weaves relational neuroscience with Indigenous knowledge to reveal how everyday moments of attunement, connection and love transform learning environments.
This session invites early childhood educators, primary school kaiako, kaimahi and professionals working with tamariki to rethink what truly supports children to thrive, offering a compassionate, culturally grounded approach to creating spaces of belonging, emotional safety and aroha.
Come prepared to think differently,
Come prepared to feel deeply,
Come prepared to lead with love.
Tiakina te Tamaiti | Helping Our Tamariki Thrive
Facilitated by the Brainwave Trust Aotearoa
Monday 9 March 2026 | 4:00 pm
-
Join us to kōrero about the healthy growth and oranga of our tamariki.
We explore what mātauranga Māori and the wisdom of our tūpuna say can make a real difference, alongside current science and research.
This workshop is for anyone who supports tamariki. Nau mai, hāere mai!
You will:
Kōrero about why the early years of life are so important for our tamariki
Hear about how the bodies and brains of our tamariki grow and develop
Look at how experiences can affect oranga/wellbeing
Kōrero about why supportive adults really matter
He Rangatahi Hei Raukura | Helping Taiohi Reach Their Potential
Facilitated by the Brainwave Trust Aotearoa
Tuesday 24 March 2026 | 4:00 pm
-
Come along to kōrero about what makes a difference to taiohi wellbeing.
We look at the changes that happen during adolescence: in the brains, bodies and lives of taiohi. We acknowledge their unique differences.
Through mātauranga Māori, science and research, we explore the role we can play to taiohi towards reaching their own potential.
He rangatahi hei raukura mō āpōpō | Rangatahi/taiohi are the leaders of tomorrow.
You will:
Explore taiohi brain development and wellbeing.
Discuss what can help and what can get in the way of taiohi healthy development.
Kōrero about insights from mātauranga Māori and our tūpuna Māori.
Affirm the importance of whanaungatanga relationships in their lives.
He Hikoi Mahara | A Glimpse Into Tūpuna Practices
Facilitated by the Brainwave Trust Aotearoa
Tuesday 21 April 2026 | 4:00 pm
-
Come along and share in whānau stories of childhood and parenting, where traditional Māori values, tikanga and tūpuna wisdom guide the journey.
Viewing tamariki and taiohi through the eyes of our ancestors, we take time for you to connect with your own stories of whānau and childhood.
He Hīkoi Mahara also helps prepare you to explore the latest science and mātauranga Māori in our supporting workshops: Tiakina ti Tamaiti and He Rangatahi Hei Raukura.
This wānanga is for anyone who supports tamariki, taiohi and whānau: Māmā, Pāpā, Nanny, Koro, Auntie, Uncle ... Nau mai, hāere mai.
You will:
Bring forth your own whānau story (which a kaitioi/artist will illustrate).
Wānanga on childhood and parenting roles in a safe whānau space.
Explore the deep understandings our tūpuna Māori had about tamariki wellbeing and development.
Workshops
Art Studio
Facilitated by Kylie Simeon
Term 1, 2026
Mondays - 12 - 2PM
Age Groups: 2 - 4 years | 5 - 7 years | 8 - 11+ years
Please note: Children must be accompanied by an adult
This is a FREE play-based art studio for children to experience an environment where they can discover different
ways to be creative and expressive using their ideas with a range of materials and models for them to explore.
Watch this space for updates
ALL WELCOME
About our services
Our Early Childhood Education team deliver a range of programmes and support to early childhood teachers, children, parents and whanāu in the following ways:
Early Childhood teachers and Kōhanga Reo kaiako are supported with subsidised, quality, locally situated Professional Learning and Development.
Parents and whānau have a greater understanding of early learning services available.
Isolated support for ECE, i.e., Playgroups and Puna Reo
A sustainable, healthy environment/taiao where children learn:
to love the environment by playing in nature based outdoor areas
to cultivate food
about waste management and reducing waste
Collaboration between health services, social services, and early childhood services/ kōhanga reo is supported.
Ka Hikitia –Māori enjoying and achieving educational success as Māori.
Child centered learning is available in early learning settings, including music, dance and art.
Transition to school support for early learning services and children.
