RECENT NEWS

[Vica Cao – Head Teacher, Alfriston Road Kindergarten]
[Dianne Akast – Education Manager]

As a newly formed team, Alfriston Road Kindergarten’s Enviroschools journey began with a shared vision to make our environment a meaningful part of the children’s learning. With the gardening planters taking up a significant part of our playground, we thought: why not involve the children in restoring them? This idea quickly blossomed into a beautiful community effort. Whānau came together for a working bee, helping to empty out old soil and prepare the planter boxes for fresh beginnings.

Whānau also generously donated plants, and tamariki proudly planted vegetables, fruits, and flowers alongside them. It has been a joy to watch the children observe the growing process, and even more exciting for them to pick and taste what they’ve helped grow. So far, our garden has produced strawberries, pumpkins, kale, spinach, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs. Not only have the children enjoyed harvesting and eating the produce at kindergarten, but they’ve also taken some home to share with their families.

To extend on this mahi, we invited Hari from the Compost Collective to a special mat time, where he helped us set up our very own worm farm! The children were full of curiosity and excitement as Hari introduced us to the wriggly world of worms.

Hari showed us where worms like to live (in dark, damp places) and what they can eat (fruit and veggie scraps, but not citrus or bread). We talked about how much to feed them and how to check on them regularly to make sure they’re happy and healthy. Hari also showed us something special—worm tea! We learnt that the liquid collected from the worm farm can be used to feed our vegetable garden. The children were amazed to learn that these tiny creatures could help grow our food by turning scraps into healthy soil and natural fertiliser.

This experience was an exciting step in our kindergarten’s journey as an Enviroschool. We are committed to teaching children about sustainability and looking after Papatūānuku (Mother Earth). We are so proud of our learners for embracing this experience with such enthusiasm. Our worm farm will now be part of our daily rhythm, and we look forward to seeing how ngā tamariki grow as kaitiaki (guardians) of the earth.

Charlotte Johns – Counties Manukau Kindergarten Association
Nicole Ryan – Counties Manukau Kindergarten Association

When the temperature drops and the autumn leaves have fallen, it’s tempting to keep children/tamariki indoors. But, here in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), with its subtropical climate, winter presents a unique and enriching opportunity for outdoor play that supports early childhood development in many different ways.

At CMKA kindergartens and early learning centres, tamariki thrive in the cooler months just as they do in summer. We take pride in our large and natural playgrounds. Our teachers (kaiako) know all about the benefits of outdoor play and work hard to create safe and fun ways for tamariki to explore their outdoor learning environments.

1. Teaching adaptability and building resilience

Winter play teaches tamariki to adapt to changing conditions:

• Climbing, running, or jumping in wet, muddy landscapes builds confidence and helps develop problem-solving skills.
• Experiencing the cold and wet in safe, age-appropriate ways helps to build resilience.
• Dressing appropriately for the weather and learning how to do this themselves fosters self-care and independence.

2. Stimulating the senses and sparking curiosity

Winter offers a sensory-rich outdoor environment:

• The sound of rain, the sight of breath misting in the cold morning air, and the icy feel of frost engage the senses.
• Observing seasonal changes: bare trees, puddles, and migrating birds, which spark questions and learning.
• Natural materials like fallen leaves, pinecones, and mud provide endless opportunities for sensory and creative play that help strengthen a child’s fine-motor skills.

3. Nurturing social interaction and teamwork

Outdoor winter play often involves group activities that encourage:

• Cooperation – through playing games or building structures.
• Communication – where children share ideas and solve problems.
• Empathy – as children help each other stay warm or dry.

And it’s not always rainy and cold! Winter days in Auckland can be sunny and crisp too. Perfect for spreading out a blanket outside and sharing songs and stories.

4. Supporting holistic learning in early childhood education (ECE)

Outdoor winter play aligns with Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum:

• It supports physical development through movement and exploration.
• Encourages scientific thinking as children investigate weather, temperature, and seasonal patterns.
• Promotes language development through storytelling, conversation, and expressive play.
• Provides tamariki with responsive environments that support their learning development.

5. Deepening connections to nature and each other

Winter can be a time for tamariki to observe the rhythms of nature and reflect on kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the land). In Aotearoa (New Zealand), many of us celebrate Matariki (the Māori New Year) during the winter months. This provides an opportunity to celebrate the unique places we live in, show respect for the land we live on, and share and grow together through traditions that continue each year.

• Tamariki experience the cyclical nature of seasons, reinforcing concepts of place, time and change.
• Engaging with nature year-round fosters a lifelong love and stewardship of Aotearoa’s unique environment.
• Tamariki love to learn about the whetū iwa o Matariki (the nine stars of Matariki) and share the beautiful meanings behind each one with their whānau and friends.

Photos below are of the tamariki at Conifer Grove Kindergarten enjoying outdoor play during winter

Tips for safe and enjoyable winter play

Auckland weather is notoriously changeable, but, as the saying goes, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”. This means that with the proper attire, any weather can be manageable and enjoyable.

Ensuring tamariki dress appropriately for winter weather is the best way for them to stay warm, dry, and happy as they explore the world around them. It teaches the importance of being prepared for the elements through appropriate clothing choices.

To make the most of outdoor play in winter, our kindergartens and early learning centres ensure that tamariki:

• Dress in layers and waterproof gear (like raincoats and gumboots) and beanies. Many of our centres have wet weather gear that tamariki can use.
• Explore in safe, sheltered outdoor spaces – Our centres have large, natural outdoor learning environments
• Embrace the mess – Mud and puddles are part of the fun!
• Pack a wet bag and a change of clothes! After playing outdoors, it’s good to know you can come inside and warm up in dry, clean clothes.

Winter in New Zealand is not a barrier to outdoor play; it’s an invitation to new experiences! Embracing the season means we give our tamariki the chance to grow, explore, and connect.

So, zip up those jackets, pull on the gumboots, and join us outside! At CMKA, the learning doesn’t stop when the weather changes!

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Kindness Collective Foundation for your incredibly generous donation of pyjamas for our tamariki at Roscommon Kindergarten as part of The PJ Project.

Their kindness and aroha have brought huge smiles to the faces of our children and their whānau. The joy and excitement when they received their new PJs was truly heartwarming. Thank you for supporting our community and for wrapping our tamariki in warmth and love this season.

Your generosity reminds us of the power of compassion and community spirit!