Kia ora koutou e te whānau!
(Meaning “Hello family”. This phrase in Māori means "wherever you are, wherever you come from, welcome home – hello.")
The World Forum on Early Care and Education is a global gathering that brings together ECE leaders to exchange ideas, challenge perspectives, and build lasting connections.
LEF has proudly participated in previous World Forum events, including in Vancouver and Panama.
In March 2025, the World Forum Foundation introduced a distinctive new event–the New Zealand Study Tour–designed specifically for leaders of multi-site ECE organizations. LEF was proud to send two representatives from our leadership team: Yanira Polanco and Dainna Fletcher.
)
One of the most striking takeaways for our team was the full integration of Māori culture into early learning–not as an add-on, but as a bicultural curriculum. In New Zealand, education is built around the partnership principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, with children from all backgrounds learning deeply about Māori culture alongside their own.
In contrast, Canada’s early years system is framed by pedagogical frameworks rather than a national curriculum, and Indigenous Peoples were not meaningfully involved in their creation. At LEF, we are working to shift this paradigm. Our growing partnerships with Indigenous communities and the development of land-based learning are steps in a shared journey toward equity, respect, Truth and Reconciliation.
We aim to carry these lessons forward across all our centres and we look forward to future opportunities with the World Forum network.
Highlights from Yanira And Dainna's Experience
Cultural Immersion on the Marae
We were formally welcomed at Tauhei Marae through a pōwhiri, a traditional Māori ceremony that included karanga (calls), whaikōrero (speeches), waiata (songs), and hongi (greeting by nose pressing). We shared kai (food), stories, and became part of the whānau (family).
Te Whāriki – A Unique Curriculum
New Zealand’s national early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki, stood out as bicultural, holistic, and relationship-based. It values local curriculum and play-based learning.
Inspiring Centre Visits
We visited innovative ECE centres such as BestStart, New Shoots, and Whānau Manaaki. Highlights included storytelling as pedagogy, integration of Māori language and customs, and strong connections to community.
Leadership & Innovation
Sessions with leaders like Wendy Lee (Educational Leadership Project), Peter Dixon (Storypark), and Dr. Jane Ewens (Evolve) offered insights into digital innovation, equity, and future-focused education leadership.
Relevance to Our Work with Indigenous Peoples
This journey deepened our commitment to equity, inclusion, and reconciliation. The Māori approach to early learning, centered in whanaungatanga (relationships), cultural identity, and collective care mirrors the principles we uphold in our work with Indigenous communities. It reinforced the importance of:
Honouring Indigenous knowledge and languages.
Embedding local culture in early learning environments.
Strengthening our partnerships with Indigenous communities.
Advocating for systems that are co-designed, culturally responsive.
This tour affirmed that to walk alongside Indigenous communities in meaningful ways, we must continue to learn, listen, and lead with humility and respect.
Ngā mihi nui (many thanks) to our hosts, guides, and all who contributed to this incredible learning experience. Let’s continue weaving strong, inclusive, and culturally grounded education.
Resources to learn more
Learn more about Te Whāriki: https://tewhariki.tahurangi.education.govt.nz/early-childhood-curriculum-home
Related Articles
