About the author Bronwyn Gooder / Tangata Tīrītī / She/her Bronwyn is an early childhood teacher from Tāmaki Makaurau. Her journey in teaching began with Play-centre with her own children in 2006, inspiring her to qualify as a teacher by 2015. She acknowledges the wisdoms and philosophies of Te Ao Māori, Pikler and Reggio Emilia as her compass to orientate her growing practice. The children and teachers of her work whānau keep her curious and mindful, and she feels very privileged to be in a profession that has aroha as an integral component. they feel this, and often ask if we can go for a hīkoi, exercising their agency over their day and their needs, with an awareness of their contribution to our daily planning. The community has noticed us, and we have built some connections that have afforded great opportunities to engage in local events such as tree planting, gardening, gifts of vests from the tunnel excavating team, and chats with ‘the ladies’ of a local clothing business. The unfolding events of the hīkoi are so dependent on what the children notice along the street. There is always something familiar to check on, something new to observe and ponder over and, unfortunately, always rubbish for us to plan another clean up hīkoi where we take leadership in being kaitiaki of our environment. The specifics of each journey are documented through Storypark to support the collaborative practice of all Aunties and whānau. I appreciate that not everyone has a great natural resource like Te Uru Karaka in such close proximity to their centre but it is the ritual, preparations and hīkoi of shared adventure walking out of the centre into the street, into your community, where the learning and growing takes place. We are on a continuum of learning and I acknowledge all the children and Aunties who have historically contributed to our excursions bringing us to where we are at today. I believe that our continued efforts to foster the art of listening in our space will further develop our hīkoi experience. December 2023 { 30 }
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