Treasure. Nurture. Grow.

Locally owned and operated, our homely childcare centre in the heart of Somerfield provides high quality care, flexible hours, small numbers, and time and space for your 2-5 year olds to play, grow and thrive.

Waka Huia's educational program draws inspiration from the Reggio Emilia approach, emphasising the fundamental belief in the competence and capability of children. In this approach, our teachers are driven by the natural curiosity, creativity, and ideas of the children, which serve as the foundation for their learning experiences. Our transition to school programme, supports children to develop the social and emotional skills to leave Waka Huia prepared to take that next big step into primary school.  

Entrust us with your most precious treasure - your child - and let us create a place together where your children are kept safe, nurtured and are inspired to grow into their own personalities full of knowledge, mana, spirit and wonder.

Waka. Boat/canoe

A vessel, carrying people on a journey which we can steer together as a community. In unity there is strength. When we work together towards a destination, building relationships along the journey, we not only reach our own goals, we also find common ground as a community. Our inclusive transition to school process, enhances children’s mana and learner identity as we support their transition to school.

Huia. native bird

Of all Tane’s children, the Huia was the most sacred, Tapu to Māori. Like jewels from a royal crown, Huia feathers were given as tokens of friendship and respect. Huia foraged together to work towards a common goal, just as we work alongside your children in their learning.

Waka Huia. Treasure Box

Our name and meaning, gifted to our whānau, represents everything we stand for. Waka Huia means ‘Treasure Box’, a place where you keep all of your most treasured and special belongings ‘Taonga’ and that’s exactly our mantra.