It’s a double celebration for Diamond Harbour this year as the kindy celebrates its tenth birthday and is recognised as 2025 Ngā Whetū o Kidsfirst Uara.

The depth of connections that hold this tight-knit community together are also at the heart of the kindergarten, where younger tamariki learn from their older friends, whānau grow friendships and connections that last well beyond the kindy years, and every tamaiti has their own special kindy experience.

Diamond Harbour’s whānau model creates a space where even the tiniest tamariki are part of the wider kindergarten community working together. Through tuakana–teina relationships, tamariki practise manaakitanga naturally as they watch kaiako caring for the youngest learners, and then try out these caring skills themselves. This isn’t something that’s taught formally – it’s lived every day.

This sense of whanaungatanga extends to whānau, caregivers and friends of the kindergarten. Helping out with excursions, sharing their culture as part of special days and weeks, or just dropping in for a friendly ‘hello’ keeps everybody as involved as they would like or are able to be.

At Diamond Harbour, needing something different is celebrated through whakaute. Tamariki with additional needs are valued for their unique strengths and skills, and these gifts are shared with new teachers when each tamaiti moves on to school. This teaching team sees every child as bringing something special to their community and nurtures their individuality.

Living in a small community means relationships matter deeply, and Diamond Harbour understands this through kotahitanga. The kindergarten regularly gives support to local fundraisers while the community supports the kindergarten’s own efforts. This web of mutual care shows tamariki what it means to be part of something that stretches beyond the kindy gates.

Each week, children venture into their local environment – whether it’s the community garden, local gully plantings, or around their beautiful harbour setting. These regular adventures reflect kaitiakitanga in action, as tamariki learn to care for the special places that make Diamond Harbour home.

The connection with Diamond Harbour School next door creates seamless transitions for tamariki. During Book Week, everyone – kaiako and tamariki alike – dresses up as favourite book characters and joins the school’s annual parade. Shared celebrations like these strengthen the bonds that help children to feel confident about their next learning steps after they leave kindy.

Through whakamanamana, everyday moments become opportunities for joy and wonder. Whether it’s exploring rock pools, tending the community garden, or simply playing with friends they’ve known for years, tamariki learn that happiness can be found in the simplest experiences.

After a decade of building relationships and serving their community, Diamond Harbour recently celebrated their anniversary with whānau – a testament to the whakapono that underpins everything they do.

“This teaching team has created a special place where the youngest tamariki learn alongside their older friends, where whānau friendships flourish beyond the kindy years, and where being part of a small community means everyone looks out for each other,” says Kidsfirst Professional Leader Catherine Gerslov-Wright. “Through their whānau model and deep community roots, tamariki experience what it means to belong, to care for others and their environment, and to find joy in everyday moments.”