Eden Cottage
Eden Cottage – Te Iti Kahurangi has experienced positive growth, with new whānau joining the centre and an increase in enrolled hours attended. Strengthened leadership has played an important part in this development, with the appointment of an ECE Service Lead to support the centre’s current growth and guide preparations for the future transition to the Intergenerational Learning Centre.
Eden Cottage tamariki enjoying play with Whaea Claudia
This leadership role has strengthened organisational planning and supported the delivery of quality early childhood education that reflects the centre’s kaupapa and tikanga.
As attendance has increased, the service has also employed an additional kaimahi to help maintain high standards of education and care for tamariki.
Feedback from a recent whānau survey identified a desire for extended opening hours. This recommendation is now under consultation, with planning underway to ensure any change aligns with staffing capacity, operational requirements, and the needs of the community. This careful approach will help ensure the centre continues to provide a stable and supportive environment for tamariki and whānau.
A significant cultural change has also been introduced within team practice. To honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and strengthen the centre’s kaupapa Māori approach, kaimahi are shifting from the use of “Teacher” to Matua and Whaea when referring to one another. This change supports an inclusive learning environment grounded in tikanga Māori and reflects the centre’s commitment to relationships, belonging, and cultural identity.
The centre’s growth is also creating additional revenue, which is being reinvested into resources, kaimahi, and educational equipment. These developments are helping Eden Cottage – Te Iti Kahurangi provide richer learning opportunities and support each tamaiti (child) to become a confident, competent learner.
