Kauri Park Kindergarten’s inquiry approach and weekly walks to the ngahere nurture our children’s curiosity, active exploration, and deep connection with the natural world. Through these experiences, tamariki grow a strong sense of belonging to the whenua and Papatūānuku, developing the values of kaitiakitanga and manākitanga. The Daltons Sunflower Growing Competition has been a natural extension of this learning and our ongoing commitment to caring for the taiao.

This experience gives tamariki opportunities to take responsibility for planting, nurturing, and observing the growth of their sunflowers. Each child planted seeds at kindergarten and then took their seedlings home to nurture with their whānau, further deepening the meaningful connections we foster between home and kindergarten as families shared updates and photos of their growing sunflowers.

Throughout the year, our tamariki also grow, plant, and harvest a variety of plants and kai, deepening their understanding of how to care for the living world. These experiences build confidence, patience, and appreciation for nature’s cycles.

There has also been a strong sense of whanaungatanga as tamariki, kaiako, and whānau have worked together, sharing excitement and encouragement as the sunflowers grow taller each week.

Our kindergarten has been a long-time supporter of the Daltons competition and has previously won the “Biggest Head” category twice! With several keen gardeners on our team, including a qualified botanist, tamariki benefit from rich knowledge and hands-on guidance about growing and caring for plants.