free early childhood education at home

footsteps formally introduced at Hairini Marae

Our journey so far…… On 6th April 2009, we formally introduced the new name of our organisation, footsteps at Hairini Marae, one of the local marae where our Head Office is based in Tauranga Moana. We were privileged to have great weather and a number of special guests join and support us from near and far on this special occasion. Firstly, we want to take this opportunity to acknowledge a number of people who contributed to making this day so special.	Eddie Cairns and local kaumātua Huikakahu Kawe bless footsteps - poutama in front of Ranginui Meeting house, Hairini Marae, Tauranga
Ngā mihi nui to Huikakahu and Jan Kawe, the Kohanga and local people of Ngāi Te Ahi for hosting footsteps and our guests at Hairini Marae. Eddie and Betty Cairns, our elders, for their ongoing support. Ngahihi o te ra and Carolyn Bidois for your inspiration and gifting of the name "Poutama". Tania Cliffe and her team for their support and the waiata "Te Poutama" that was composed and gifted on this day to the children, staff and whānau of footsteps. Finally we want to acknowledge the Ministry of Education representatives who came to be part of our day. What does footsteps mean? We believe each child will make their OWN footsteps as they grow and develop through life. The three footprints in our logo represent the child, the caregiver and the teacher as they grow and develop together as a foundational triangle. Also included in our footsteps vision and logo is the Māori word “Poutama”.
"Poutama is symbolic of the FOOTSTEPS we all make in life from our infanthood to adulthood, from Early Childhood Education to the higher realms of Education and from our first breath to our last. Tawhaki received the three kete of knowledge. Through education we all have kete of knowledge to receive as we progress and develop – one step at a time. Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui." Ngahihi o te ra and Carolyn Bidois, Kauri Ltd, April 2009 To us this echo’s our goal, "stairways to achievement", where we can stand on the steps and celebrate the past achievements and also plan carefully for the future. Everyone has a "poutama", whether you are a child, caregiver, parent or teacher. So, climb your own stairs to achievement.	Ngahihi o te ra Bidois talks about the meaning of the word "Poutama"
We will continue to offer: Our high quality learning programmes Our highly qualified, passionate and committed teachers/kaiako Our recognised services by Ministry of Education, Child, Youth and Family, Work and Income, and Plunket Easily accessible programmes for all children We will also do as one of our teachers/Kaiako put it "Finding ways to take biculturalism over the doorstep, once we have taken our shoes off." Paula Hucklesby

Group photo in front of Ranginui Meeting House, Hairini Marae, Tauranga Moana after the blessing of our organisation footsteps – Poutama 6th April 2009
Finally, the whānau aspects of our ownership will be reflected in everything we do throughout the organisation. It would be our pleasure for one of our team to meet with you and perhaps have a coffee. Let us continue to work together, to create wonderful learning journeys for all children in New Zealand.