July 2025 | Kōrero from Curious Minds

Kia ora e te whānau,

Another richly coloured and crisp month here has passed us by, we wanted to share what exciting things our tamariki at Curious Minds Early Learning have been doing. Our centres have had a month filled with discovery of things big and small, to the wider world and our beautiful Aotearoa. This last month we have focused our attention to Matariki, and have been reflecting on what we are grateful for, sharing kai, and spending time with family and friends.

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Island Bay

This last month, we were lucky to host a special visit from the team at Zealandia, who brought with them stories and knowledge about Aotearoa’s native taonga species. Our tamariki were excited to learn more about the native birds, insects, and ecosystems that are present in Wellington. There was lots of curious questions, observing, and even a chance to see some really awesome bugs up close.This month we recognised Philippines Independence Day, Araw ng Kalayaan,with flag drawing, food, and language. Some of our Filippino kaiako and several families shared songs, stories and traditional treats from the Philippines. Capping it all off we made some lovely soup for Matariki and got all the older tamariki involved in stirring, chopping, and adding in the spices. The kai was shared with our CMEL whānau, reinforcing the idea of connection.

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Johnsonville

The children embraced the wairua (spirit) of Matariki by sharing in a karakia to bless the new winter crops they had just planted in the māra (garden). Matariki is a special time in our calendar and we feel honoured to celebrate it in such a meaningful way with our Curious Minds whānau and wider community. The tamariki helped prepare soup for our whānau, nothing better than shared kai!

We have also been on a lovely journey to the islands as we celebrated SamoanLanguage Week. The Tamariki explored Samoan patterns, learned words for colours, numbers, animals, and daily routines. Everyone even got to try fresh buttery coconut, and some delicious homemade panipopo (coconut buns)! We are so lucky to have our teacher Lesina guide us through this cultural experience.

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Miramar

All the decorated stars were hung on the grapevines in our outside play area, and our Tamariki have been exploring colour shapes and texture with cardboard art easels. International picnic day was well celebrated with yummy finger food and everyone gathered on blankets in the winter sunshine.

For Matariki we sent our heartfelt messages to loved ones who have passed, lifting them up to the stars. Afterwards, we toasted marshmallows — a special treat the children absolutely adored. We have been riding our bikes, having sensory play with some collected seaweed and shells, and even had a dress up superhero day! We pick a country of the month, which for June is of course Aotearoa!

We have asked all of our whanau ‘what is the story of your child’s name?” (why they named their children and what their name means). It’s been wonderful getting to learn more about the creative or historical origins of everyone’s names.

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Queenstown

Our Matariki celebrations in Queenstown shone a light on the importance of honouring our older generation. Whānau were invited to contribute a vegetable fora special soup, lovingly prepared by the children and gifted to a local rest home. As the tamariki helped chop and stir, rich kōrero flowed about where vegetables come from and how they grow.

Families also came together to decorate a star, sharing their hopes and aspirations for their child in the year ahead — a beautiful way to look forward while staying connected to tradition.

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Ngā Mihi Nui from The Curious Minds Team

These experiences and traditions are more than just fun days — they’re important opportunities for our children to grow in knowledge, empathy, confidence and cultural awareness. Through moments like these, the tamariki develop a stronger understanding of themselves, their whānau, and the wider world.

We want to thank all of you for being part of this journey. Whether it’s through sharing kai, helping with events, or simply sending your child in each day ready to learn, your partnership is what helps our centre thrive.

The Curious Minds Team

‍Stay Connected: Island Bay, Johnsonville, Miramar, Queenstown