WHANAU UPDATES
What’s Happening at Hātea
Reminder: Sun Hats
The Whangarei sun is strong! Please ensure your child has a named wide-brimmed sun hat in their bag every day for outdoor exploration.
New Bicultural Resources
We've added beautiful new Te Reo Māori pukapuka to our library. Whānau are welcome to borrow these for reading at home.
Winter Reminders
As we head into cooler months, please pack a spare set of warm clothes and wet-weather gear for our pēpi and tamariki.
Staff Update
We are proud of our stable and dedicated team, with very little staff turnover and many of our educators having been part of our center for many years.
Parenting Resources
Daily Routines
Nurturing growth together is at the heart of what we do. Explore our curated selection of guides and policies designed to support your family's journey with us.
Settling In
Healthy Lunches
Centre Policies
Cultural Responsiveness
Learning Paths
Mark Your Calendars
Stay connected with our Hātea community through our upcoming workshops, celebrations, and important centre dates. We look forward to seeing your family there!



15th September
Matariki Whānau Evening
2nd October
Join us for a special evening of kai and storytelling as we celebrate the Māori New Year together.
Spring Gardening Day
18th October
Helping hands wanted! Families are invited to help us refresh our vegetable patches for the new season.
Transition to School Forum
A helpful session for parents of our 4-year-olds to discuss school readiness and the enrolment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we begin the enrolment process?
We recommend starting with a visit to our centre to meet our kaiako and feel the environment. Afterwards, you can complete an enrolment form to secure a place or join our waiting list.
What are your daily opening hours?
We are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, providing a reliable and warm space for your tamariki throughout the working day.
How do you integrate bicultural practice?
We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi by weaving Te Reo Māori and Tikanga into our daily routines, waiata, and stories, ensuring all tamariki feel a sense of belonging in Aotearoa.
Do you support children from multilingual families?
Absolutely. We celebrate our multicultural community and work closely with families to support their child's unique home language and cultural identity.
How do kaiako communicate with parents?
We use a mix of daily face-to-face chats, digital portfolios, and regular newsletters to keep you updated on your child’s learning journey and centre news.
Are meals provided at the centre?
We provide nutritious, balanced meals throughout the day, catering to specific dietary requirements and allergies to ensure every child is well-nourished.
What should my child bring each day?
Please pack a named bag with a change of clothes, a sun hat or warm hat (depending on the season), and any specific items your child needs for comfort.
How do you support the settling-in period?
We offer a gentle transition process tailored to your family's needs, encouraging short visits initially to help tamariki build bonds with kaiako and peers.