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ABOUT OUR CENTRE
Te Akonga meaning: 'The Learner' or 'The Student'
We are a community based not for profit childcare centre in Pukekohe, Franklin. We pride ourselves on providing top quality care and education for children aged between 0 - 6 years. Our passionate teachers are highly trained, well-educated and loving, to ensure we provide the best service for our families.
We have a big heart for children who have additional needsโ and we're proud to have Early Intervention staff on-site.
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We have two areas of play - Koru and Pitau. Koru is for children aged 2.5 - 6 and Pitau is for our children aged 0 - 2.5.
Great adult : child ratios
To learn more about MoE ECE ratios, click here
Because we are a community based centre we are governed by parents and community representatives who make up our governance board. The board employs our management team who make day to day decisions regarding the running of the centre.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
At Te Akonga, we believe that every tamaiti has the right to feel a deep sense of belonging, to be respected for who they are, and to be supported in ways that reflect their unique strengths, needs, and identities. At Te Akonga all tamariki are welcome regardless of ability or differences. Our philosophy is grounded in the understanding that tamariki thrive in environments where they are seen, heard, and empowered, where differences are honoured, and the unique potential of each tamaiti is nurtured.
We are committed to creating a warm, welcoming learning community that values authentic relationships, where whaanau, kaiako, specialists, and the wider community work together in partnership. These relationships form the foundation for meaningful learning, and we honour the knowledge, aspirations, and contributions of all those involved in the journey of each tamaiti.
Our approach to teaching and learning is intentional, reflective, and responsive. We foster a play-based curriculum, guided by kaiako who support the holistic development of each tamaiti. We are committed to creating an environment which provokes curiosity and creativity, supports tamariki to develop confidence and resilience, ensures that tamariki are proud of their identity, and provides opportunities to make meaningful connections to the wider world.
We are guided by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and are committed to practices that reflect and celebrate the cultural heritage and diversity of our community. Through culturally responsive teaching, and strong relationships with whaanau and our community we affirm the mana of each tamaiti and support them to develop a strong sense of identity and belonging.
As a community-based, non-profit centre, we value collaboration and continuous growth. We regularly reflect on our practices, seek feedback, and adapt to meet the evolving needs of our tamariki and their whaanau. In everything we do, we strive to build a truly inclusive, empowering space where all tamariki can thrive—together, and as individuals.
OUR INSPIRING STORY AND THE HISTORY OF TE AKONGA ELC
The 'Tight 5"- from left Robyn W, Nan, Robyn M, Gloria and Pam
Te Akonga meaning ‘to learn with love’ has been operating since 1988 and was officially named Te Akonga ELC in 1994. Our centre started with a small group of children with additional needs in a spare classroom at Parkside Special School in Pukekohe. Founding member Robyn Moloney was one of the original staff members, she was soon joined by Nan and Gloria in the early 1990's, followed by Pam and Robyn W in 1996. These five ladies are famously named ‘the tight 5’. Te Akonga grew rapidly and soon we were too big for one classroom, which prompted us to find a new suitable premise to educate and care for children under 6.
During this year we jumped around the town using free accommodation where we could find it. We were located inside Pukekohe North school, then back to Parkside in two different classrooms and we were even located in an old villa owned by Franklin District Council. It became clear that we needed own own premises, and so the fundraising began!
After 2 years and not without serious drive, passion, commitment and love from our ‘tight 5’, plus staff, parents and community members, the tremendous efforts paid off - enough money was raised to build a new centre in Wellington St, Pukekohe. Families, staff, committee and members of the community helped to finish the painting and landscaping and we proudly moved in at the end of March 1998 - licensed for 30 children. It was a real triumph!
With continued growth and support, Te Akonga still needed more space for its growing roll. In 2006, the fundraising started again and with assistance from the Franklin District Council, a loan from the Ministry of Education and lots of hard work from dedicated parents and whanau, we moved in March 2008 to Franklin Rd where we are today. To this day the tight 5 are still involved in Te Akonga and always will be.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that helped us along the way – past staff, parents, whanau, children, support workers, volunteers and anyone involved
in the history of Te Akonga Early Learning Centre.