Welcome back to a brand new year at our Treetops Early Learning Centres! We’re so excited to welcome our tamariki and whānau back into our centres and into another year filled with learning, laughter, celebration, and meaningful connections.
2026 is shaping up to be a wonderful year across our Botany Town Centre, Botany Junction and Pukekohe centres, with a rich mix of cultural celebrations, awareness days, learning experiences, and special moments that support each child’s growth and wellbeing.
A Year Grounded in Te Whāriki
Everything we do at Treetops is guided by Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum.
Throughout the year, our learning experiences will continue to nurture:
- Mana Atua – supporting children’s wellbeing
- Mana Whenua – building a strong sense of belonging
- Mana Tangata – developing relationships and social confidence
- Mana Reo – growing communication and language skills
- Mana Aotūroa – encouraging exploration and curiosity
Each celebration, activity and learning moment is thoughtfully woven into these principles.
Cultural Celebrations & Community Events
Celebrating culture and community is an important part of life at Treetops. In 2026, tamariki can look forward to taking part in:
- Waitangi Day – learning about Aotearoa’s history, identity and tikanga
- Matariki – celebrating the Māori New Year through reflection, storytelling and kai
- Chinese New Year – exploring traditions, colours, music and food
- Diwali – celebrating light, joy and togetherness
- Easter & Christmas celebrations – child-led, inclusive and meaningful
- Centre birthdays and special milestones
These experiences help children develop respect, understanding and appreciation for different cultures and traditions.
Awareness Days That Support Learning & Wellbeing
Throughout the year, we also acknowledge important awareness days that help children build empathy, confidence and self-awareness, such as:
- Pink Shirt Day – kindness, inclusion and anti-bullying
- Mental Health Awareness initiatives – emotional literacy and wellbeing
- World Environment Day – caring for Papatūānuku through sustainability practices
- Road Safety Week – learning how to stay safe in our communities
- Healthy eating and physical wellbeing weeks
These moments are explored in age-appropriate ways that feel natural and engaging for our tamariki.
Everyday Learning & Special Experiences
While special events are exciting, it’s the everyday experiences that truly shape children’s learning. In 2026, families can expect:
- Creative arts and sensory play
- Outdoor exploration and physical play
- Music, movement and storytelling
- Early literacy and numeracy development
- School-readiness support for our older tamariki
- Small group learning based on children’s interests
Our kaiako continuously observe, reflect and adapt learning experiences to support each child’s unique journey.
Strong Whānau Partnerships
We believe learning happens best when whānau and kaiako work together. This year, we look forward to continuing:
- Regular updates and learning stories
- Whānau events and celebrations
- Open communication and collaboration
- Opportunities for parents to be involved in centre life
Your child’s growth is a shared journey, and we value being part of it with you.
Here’s to a Fantastic Year Ahead
2026 is all about connection, confidence and curiosity. We can’t wait to see our tamariki grow, explore and thrive as they take part in another year of learning at Treetops.
Thank you for being part of our community, here’s to a year filled with special moments, meaningful learning and lots of smiles.
Nau mai, hoki mai – welcome back!
Frequently Asked Questions
What activities and celebrations will children take part in at Treetops in 2026?
At all our Treetops Early Learning Centres, children take part in a wide range of activities throughout 2026, including cultural celebrations such as Waitangi Day, Matariki, Chinese New Year and Diwali, as well as centre events, birthdays, and seasonal celebrations. We also acknowledge key awareness days focused on kindness, wellbeing, sustainability and safety. All activities are age-appropriate and guided by Te Whāriki.
How do these events support my child’s learning and development?
Each event and experience at Treetops is carefully planned to support children’s learning across wellbeing, communication, belonging, relationships and exploration. Celebrations and awareness days help tamariki build social skills, cultural understanding, confidence and emotional awareness, while everyday play-based learning supports school readiness and lifelong learning skills.
Will all children be involved in the activities, even if they attend part-time?
Yes. All children, including those attending part time, are encouraged to take part in activities and celebrations happening on their enrolled days. Our kaiako ensure learning experiences are inclusive and flexible, so every child feels involved and valued, regardless of their attendance schedule.
How does Treetops keep families informed about upcoming events?
We keep whānau informed through regular centre communication, including updates, learning stories and notices shared via our communication platforms and in-centre displays. Families are also welcome to speak directly with kaiako at any time if they have questions about upcoming events or their child’s learning.
