Te Whāriki is a taonga – and we should treasure it

21 August 2025

“The focus on the primary curriculum, and changes being proposed in Early Childhood Education (ECE), shine a light on our world leading curriculum - Te Whāriki, and why we should treasure this taonga” says Clare Wells, President of Te Rito Maioha.

“We welcome the opportunity to build wide public understanding of the benefits of Te Whāriki.”

“Te Whāriki is built on internationally respected, evidence-based frameworks including socio-cultural theory, Kaupapa Māori theory, ecological theory, and developmental theory” says Ms Wells. “Our strong theoretical foundation provides a deep understanding of how children learn, and the role teachers play in facilitating that process.”

“Learning does not start when a child goes to school. Science tells us the first five years of a child’s life are critical for brain development - building relationships, learning about the world and laying the foundations for future learning.”

Cathy Wilson, Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand Chief Executive and Te Rito Maioha Council Member agrees, “The approaches in Te Whāriki places relationships, culture, identity, and community at the heart of learning – ensuring every child is supported to grow as a competent and confident learner.”

“With over 200,000 children attending an ECE service each day, we have an obligation to make sure that experience is the best it can be for each and every child.”

Te Whāriki provides the framework within which teaching and learning happens. It emphasises the development of knowledge, skills and dispositions or qualities for life-long learning, and sets out learning outcomes for children.

“Teachers create and support environments to provide learning opportunities and challenges so children can develop and grow their understanding of maths, literacy, and science concepts for example. Educators observe, document, and reflect on each child’s learning in real contexts, creating a rich picture of their progress, strengths, and interests. This responsive, personalised approach means teaching adapts to each child’s needs and aspirations – strengthening learning outcomes.” says Mrs Wilson.

Co-writer of Te Whāriki and Te Rito Maioha life member Emeritus Professor Helen May recalls in 1993, Te Whāriki was released to international acclaim and soon became a model for other countries. “It was the first national ECE curriculum developed in partnership with its indigenous population. Its inclusion of infants, its focus on the strengths of young children rather than deficits, and the placing of relationships at the forefront of learning was groundbreaking.” Te Whāriki was showcased by the OECD as a model for other countries, and has been translated into other languages. “ECE students and scholars worldwide know about our curriculum.”

“Te Whāriki’s innovation and inclusivity are recognised worldwide,” says Dr Lesley Rameka, who was recently made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to Māori and early childhood education. “Te Whāriki has inspired curriculum development in Australia and other countries, proof of its global relevance and high regard.”

“Te Whāriki is uniquely New Zealand,” says Ms Wells, “it is shaped by the aspirations of whānau, the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and our shared commitment to ensuring every child thrives.”

“Early childhood education in Aotearoa is world leading and we are proud of that. Realising the vision set out in Te Whāriki requires qualified teachers delivering a world-class curriculum - the envy of the world. We need to celebrate that achievement,” says Ms Wells.

Media Contact

Rob McCann - Lead Communications Advisor | Kaitohutohu Whakapā Matua
022 411 4560
rob.mccann@ecnz.ac.nz