At Riverside, we cherish the opportunity to take our tamariki on exciting excursions, discovering the wonders of our local community. Our little adventurers find such joy in exploring the treasures our beautiful region has to offer, building a lifelong connection with our taiao (natural world) and the vibrant community around us.

Every week, our Kea and Kahu tamariki embark on explorations as part of our Kanuka Kids program, with a special Mini Kanuka Kids version for our Kea room! These outings provide a wonderful opportunity for our tamariki to connect with their environment, uncover local stories, and experience moments of pure wonder.

But our adventures don’t stop there. We believe in the importance of community engagement and take our tamariki on various excursions beyond those solely based in nature. Our trips to the local library, community events, and other cultural experiences are integral to our program. These excursions help our tamariki build a sense of belonging and connection to the community, exposing them to diverse experiences and broadening their understanding of the world.

Our dedicated kaiako carefully plan these excursions, tailoring them to the specific interests and needs of the children participating each week. We’re fortunate to have a centre van equipped with eight child seats in the back and space for two adults in the front. This van grants us the freedom to spread our wings a little wider and explore the world beyond our centre’s walls.

Through our nature-based learning approach and community engagements, we aim to inspire our tamariki to become kaitiaki of their environment and active participants in their community. By immersing them in the natural world and engaging with local resources, we encourage them to feel a deep connection to the land and the people around them, building a sense of responsibility and stewardship.

Our excursions are designed to spark curiosity and inspire a sense of adventure, allowing tamariki to explore, discover, and learn in various settings. We emphasise the importance of caring for the whenua (land) and contributing to our community, teaching children how to protect, preserve, and engage with the world for future generations.

By nurturing this connection to nature and the community, we hope to instill in our tamariki the values of kaitiakitanga (guardianship), manaakitanga (caretaking), and active citizenship. Our goal is to inspire them to become passionate advocates for the environment and dedicated members of their community, committed to sustaining and nurturing the beauty and vitality of the world around them.