At KiNZ Mission Heights, the Lunar New Year was celebrated with a week-long series of activities that infused the environment with joy and cultural heritage appreciation. The week featured diverse activities, including traditional crafting, such as making dragons and lanterns, and interactive slime play, which introduced tamariki to the lunar zodiac animals. Face painting further connected them to the celebration’s vibrant colours and themes. A standout event was the traditional dance performance by the Chinese community, providing a deep dive into cultural traditions. The collaborative effort of making dumplings together with our whānau strengthened community ties, highlighting the significance of shared experiences in cultural celebrations.

These experiences resonate with Te Whāriki by emphasizing cultural identity and community involvement. They provided an inclusive platform for tamariki from different cultural backgrounds to explore and appreciate cultural diversity, supporting Te Whāriki’s holistic approach to learning. This integration of cultural festivities enhances the sense of community of tamariki and broadens their understanding of the world.