We’re proud to celebrate the incredible mahi of our kaiako through the 2025 Kauri Scholarships and the Lints Award! These honours recognise courage, leadership, cultural connection, and inclusive practice across our kindergartens.
At the heart of our organisation is a deep commitment to nurturing professional growth, fostering leadership, and celebrating the incredible mahi of our people. This year, we are proud to honour the recipients of the 2025 Kauri Scholarships and the Lints Award, whose dedication and aspirations reflect the values of the Northland Kindergarten Association - growth, connection, and the promise of a flourishing future for our tamariki and communities.
Melany’s application stood out for its deeply personal and courageous reflection. Her journey of resilience and self-discovery inspired the panel, who recognised her readiness to embrace the transformative experience of Outward Bound. This opportunity will strengthen her leadership, empower her to make bold decisions, and support her in becoming her best self. Melany represents the essence of wāhine in leadership – resilient, reflective, and ready to rise.
May’s pursuit of excellence is leading her to Harvard University, where she will undertake a Certificate in Early Education Leadership. Her application demonstrated a powerful blend of research-driven insight and practical strategies aimed at understanding the impact of stress, trauma, and adversity on early learners. Her commitment to leading through challenging times and deepening her knowledge will directly enhance her work with tamariki and fellow educators.
This year’s team scholarship was awarded to a kindergarten whose application was described as “one of the best written in 17 years.” Their journey is a beautiful tapestry of learning, discovery, and sharing taonga that connects culture, identity, and leadership.
Their collaboration with Bowen Early Childhood Centre in Wellington and the sharing of a taiaha symbolises a commitment to uplifting tamariki and whānau through meaningful relationships and cultural integrity. This kaupapa has been enriched by the arrival of Te iti Ahumairangi, a taonga that has sparked authentic engagement with tikanga Māori and opened new learning pathways for tamariki. Through this connection, the team is exploring the traditions and values embodied in the taiaha, the stories and whakapapa behind it, and providing hands-on opportunities for tamariki to learn and grow.
Through whakawhanaungatanga, ako, and manaakitanga, these kaiako, tamariki and whānau will journey together in tangata Tiriti-learning, sharing and growing.
Established in 2011, the Lints Award recognises kindergartens that support children’s learning in creative, original, and socially responsive ways. This year, Onerahi Kindergarten was honoured for their outstanding work with diverse learners. In collaboration with NKA’s Early Intervention Advisor Geoff Fugle and other ECE agencies, the team demonstrated proactive, reflective, and innovative practices to ensure every child could engage fully in the curriculum.
Geoff shared:
“The team at Onerahi have worked tirelessly to support a large group of diverse learners. They observe, document, discuss and engage in professional learning to better understand the learning needs of their tamariki. They have shown themselves to be proactive, open and willing to try new practices, with the tenacity to keep trying until it works. Above all else, they have shown us that they are a unified team.”
To all our recipients - Melany, May, the teams at Tikipunga and Onerahi, thank you for your passion, your pursuit of excellence, and your unwavering commitment to our tamariki and communities. Your journeys inspire us all to keep growing, nurturing, and flourishing.
