Bizzy Kidz is a bicultural centre, in that we honour both cultures inherent in the Treaty of Waitangi (Tiriti o te Waitangi). Our kaiako (teachers) are committed to using te reo Maori with the tamariki (children) in our centre. We also observe Maori tikanga (customs) in our centre, for example, we would:
  • Avoid touching the head where possible. The head is tapu and this is also forbidden in other cultures and religions.
  • Avoid putting potae (hats) that are worn on the head on kai tables and surfaces.
  • We do not sit or lean on tables and kai surfaces.
  • We do not step over others or pass food over their heads.
  • We use separate cloths for different areas i.e. kitchen, bathroom, general and floors. This is also a basic hygiene requirement.
  • Tamariki sleep with their heads in the same position and feet facing the centre of the room.
 

We also say a karakia kai (food blessing) before each meal, and a karakia timatanga to welcome everyone to the centre at the start of the day. In general, we promote manaakitanga (caring for others) to make our manuhiri (visitors), tamariki and whānau feel welcome at Bizzy Kidz. All teachers use te reo Maori for greeting and farewelling parents/whanau.

The daily use of te reo and tikanga Māori in our centre ensures that the goals of our early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki, are being met. Bizzy Kidz also respects other non-indigenous cultures within our educational framework, which reflects the multicultural community we serve.