Daisies Philosophy

Daisies is a loving, engaging and pleasing place of learning for all pēpi and tamariki, whānau and kaiako.


We create a culture of ako at Daisies and in nature:

  • where tamariki flourish through talking with others, big and small;

  • where investigation by tamariki and adults is a hallmark of the curriculum;

  • where tamariki and adults demonstrate a passion to think, explore and learn;

  • where tamariki and ngā whānau feel welcome and their culture respected;

  • where kaiako are valued and thrive as professionals;

  • where a culture of whakawhanaungatanga is mana-enhancing for everyone/ whakamana; and

  • which is connected to the Johnsonville community and beyond.

Our number one objective is to provide high quality early childhood education and care.


We live and work by the following values:

  • Whakautetanga - Respect for tamariki and adults, Daisies environment and the community

  • Manaakitanga – Warm, welcoming environment, fostering kindness, caring, and trust

  • Kaitiakitanga – Care for our environment and sustainability of the Earth

  • Hihiritanga - Enthusiasm for learning, by tamariki, whānau, our kaiako and others in education

  • Whanaketanga - Growth, development, enhancement to move upwards and onwards, empower.


Te Whāriki, Aotearoa New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, guides and inspires everything we do.

Our pedagogy is also inspired by Enviro-schools’ principles and theme areas, Malaguzzi, Bronfenbrenner, Bruner, Gerber, Vygotsky, Bowlby, Athey, Margaret Carr, Rose Pere, Tilly Reedy, Mason Durie and Wally Penetito.

We are committed to  Te Tiriti o Waitangi and that Māori are tangata whenua of Aotearoa New Zealand. Te reo, mātauranga and tikanga Māori are woven into our daily practice.

We provide peaceful and consistent ‘educare’ for children’s sense of security through key teacher and other kaiako relationships.

We trust tamariki and consider their perspectives when decisions are made.

We understand that aesthetics and the visual arts support tamariki as thinkers, learners and communicators.

We emphasise nature education for its breadth of learning and to contribute to sustainable environments.

Learning, leadership and responsibility are shared amongst everyone in the Daisies community, including kaiako,mātua, whānau, tamariki and others. There are opportunities to lead and be led (tuakana-teina).We are committed to social action and advocacy for Te Taiao āna tāngata.