Aroha Mai, Aroha Atu (Love Given, Love Returned)
Table of Contents
In Aotearoa New Zealand, we are fortunate to have the richness of Māori culture woven into our lives. At Treetops daycare centres in Auckland, Botany, and Pukekohe, we are guided by Te Whāriki, the national early childhood curriculum. This curriculum underscores the importance of the partnership born from te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi). Within this partnership lies the responsibility not just to preserve Māori culture but to ensure its flourishing.
We believe this journey begins in the early years by establishing strong roots, a principle beautifully reflected in our Treetops Philosophy. Te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) provides us with a unique lens through which we view and enhance everyday experiences. This perspective opens up alternative ways of thinking and opportunities to enrich learning and development.
Valuing Aroha in Early Learning
In our learning stories, we often discuss ‘learning dispositions’—traits and characteristics that shape how children engage with the world. Within te ao Māori, certain dispositions are highly valued, and one of the most significant is aroha. Often translated as “love,” aroha encompasses much more: caring, kindness, compassion, empathy, and affection. It is unconditional and infinite (Pere, 1997).
At Treetops, aroha is a guiding value deeply embedded in our philosophy. From the roots to the tips of our metaphorical tree, aroha flows through our environment, our kaiako (teachers), and our actions. By practising aroha, we create a space where tamariki (children), kaiako, and whānau (families) feel a sense of belonging and community. We believe that the act of giving aroha inspires the sharing and multiplication of aroha within our centres and beyond.
“He aroha whakatō, he aroha puta mai – If kindness is sown, then kindness you shall receive.”
Giving Back to the Community
At Treetops, we are committed to supporting our community. We actively engage in fundraising and charitable events, including Red Nose Day for Cure Kids, Daffodil Day for the Cancer Society, Jammies in June for the Middlemore Foundation, and Pink Shirt Day for the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand. We also contribute to food bank collections for local charities such as the Salvation Army.
These acts of koha (gift or donation) allow us to extend aroha to those who need it most. We hope that the kindness we give inspires others to continue the cycle of giving, creating a ripple effect of compassion throughout our community.
Aroha in Daily Life
Within our centres, aroha is at the heart of everything we do. Our kaiako are passionate about teaching, guiding, and learning alongside tamariki. They create environments that feel like home – welcoming, visually appealing, and inclusive.
We reflect the diverse cultures and languages of our tamariki in meaningful ways, whether through wall displays, songs, books, or conversations. Most importantly, our kaiako dedicate their time and attention to truly understanding and valuing each child for who they are.
Fostering Aroha in Tamariki
It’s not enough for us to practise aroha—we strive to instil this disposition in our tamariki. By role-modelling kindness, compassion, and respect, our kaiako guide tamariki to embrace and reciprocate aroha. Every child has the capacity to give and receive love, and our role is to nurture this ability, encouraging tamariki to grow into empathetic, kind-hearted individuals.
At our Botany and Pukekohe daycare centres, we believe that by teaching, giving, and fostering aroha, we are planting the seeds for a brighter, kinder future.
