Waiapu Kids Merivale Whānau Aroha is a community-based early childhood centre and service of Anglican Care Waiapu.
We provide quality care and education for up to 43 children in a mixed-age group setting.
The concept of ‘tuakana – teina’, plays an important part in what we believe in and base our work on at Waiapu Kids Merivale Whānau Aroha. The concept is seen in the reciprocal relationships between our older tamariki and infants and toddlers. Children of different ages are encouraged to interact and learn from each other in a safe environment, sharing knowledge and experiences.
We value children’s play as the way in which they learn about the world around them. Different activities and opportunities are provided for children each day to extend their interests, develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills, and build self-confidence and creativity.
We have a great relationship with our community and enjoy taking part in events and going on outings in the community. These strong community links enable the children to explore and connect with the wider environment, making links between people, places, and things in their world to support their sense of belonging.
Waiapu Kids Merivale Whānau Aroha is situated in Parkvale.
Whānau Aroha
We provide an onsite whānau support service that is available to all whānau of infants, toddlers, and young children in our community. Our whānau support service walks alongside whānau to enhance skills, development, and overall wellbeing by providing advocacy, support, and information. Parenting programs such as Building Awesome Whānau are available to our families, as well as food support through the Good Neighbour programme
This is a free and confidential service available at our centre Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm.
Philosophy
Respect is at the heart of our teaching practice and is integrated daily in our curriculum. This is seen in our relationships with whānau, tamariki, our community, and our environment, and strengthened by our Christian values and teaching practice.
At Waiapu Kids Merivale Whānau Aroha we believe children learn through play and a stimulating environment. Our teachers are trained to extend children’s knowledge, development, and enhance their cultural awareness.
We promote children’s confidence and independence, and we have fun together!
Anglican Care Waiapu
We are part of Anglican Care Waiapu (ACW), an organisation delivering a range of social services throughout Bay of Plenty, Eastland, and Hawke’s Bay. You can find out more about ACW here.
All Waiapu Kids services incorporate the following philosophy into our practice and teaching:
“Waiapu Kids early childhood education services believe that each child is unique and created in the image of God. Jesus showed a special care and respect for tamariki. This belief guides our practice and our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tangata whenua, and the wellbeing of children and their whānau.”
Anglican Care Waiapu is committed to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi and safeguarding them from harm or abuse. We take our commitment very seriously. Our Child Protection Policy is in line with the Vulnerable Children’s Act 2014 and must be adhered to by all staff and volunteers.
You can read the policy here.