Our research, knowledge and fresh thinking shape our education programmes, professional development and best practice in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.
As a tertiary education provider specialising in early childhood and primary education and offering a range of post-graduate programmes, we are actively involved in national and international research to shape the future of early childhood and primary education.
Staff research
Our academic staff undertake research activity within our organisation and in collaboration with national and international partners. Read our Academic staff teaching and research profiles.
Flagship books and publications
Making a noise for ECE 1963 - 2023 | Te reo karanga mō ngā mokopuna
Published in 2023 by Te Rito Maioha, 'Making anoise for ECE' is a political statement from Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand; an advocacy organisation, which, from its founding in 1963 by Sonja Davies, has been shaped by aspirations of quality early childhood education.
Bicultural principles of teaching and learning online | Ngā mātāpono kākano rua o te mahi ako tuihono
Published 2022 by NZCER Press and Te Rito Maioha, this book by Te Rito Maioha staff offers 11 principles to help kaiako embrace tikanga Māori ways of doing, being and knowing in an online environment. Print edition available through NZCER Press, eBook available through meBooks, kindle through Amazon.
Life Stories on the Frontline: Growing a childcare movement in Aotearoa | Ngā kohinga kōrero a te aumangea: Kia mana te ara kōhungahunga ki Aotearoa
Published 2021 by Te Rito Maioha, this book tells the stories of the organisation’s life members and more broadly documents the growth of the movement for childcare and early childhood education since 1963. Available as a pdf and in print.
My Very Own Language | Tōku Anō Reo Māori
Published 2020 by Te Rito Maioha, this downloadable book offers a series of papers by pouako (Māori cultural advisors and lecturers) on their journeys and use of te reo Māori. The The aim is to encourage te reo Māori to be spoken in a natural and spontaneous way by tauira | students, kaiako |teachers, and colleagues.
Leaders Growing Leaders: Effective Early Childhood Leaders for Sustainable Leadership (and Case Studies)
Published 2017 by Te Rito Maioha, this downloadable publication examines effective ECE leadership and how it is grown and developed within ECE settings.
My Very Own World | Tōku Anō Ao Māori
Published 2015 by Te Rito Maioha, this downloadable book offers a series of papers by pouako (Māori cultural advisors and lecturers) on a broad range of concepts and topics including Mātauranga and Kaupapa Māori, traditional Māori knowledge in the early childhood curriculum, and the importance of te reo Māori in affirming one’s identity.
The Changing Fortunes of Childcare 2003-2013
Published 2013 by Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa, this book by life member Helen May updates the story of the NZ Childcare Association charting, challenging, influencing and negotiating early childhood policy and the childcare sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. Kindle edition through Amazon.
Discourses of bicultural teacher education practice in Aotearoa New Zealand
Published 2013 by Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa, this downloadable book explores bicultural teaching practice from the perspective of a Pakeha early childhood teacher and lecturer.
Early Childhood Teachers' Work in Education and Care Centres: Profiles, patters and purposes
Published 2013 by Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa, this downloadable flagship research project explores the work of ECE teachers and how teacher’s qualifications make a difference to children’s experiences.
National Diploma in Teaching (ECE, Pasifika): Reflections on the Journey
Published 2012 by Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa, this downloadable report details the inception and early years of delivery of the National Diploma in Teaching (ECE, Pasifika) from 2008 to 2011.
Concerning Women Considering Children: Battles of the Childcare Association 1963-2003
Published 2012 by Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa, this book by life member Helen May is a selection of stories providing historical context and insight into events and situations that confronted the NZ Childcare Association from its inception in 1963 to 2003. Available from Open Polytech Library