Te Tupu o Te Tōrea Early Learning Service
A service where tamariki | children learn, grow and connect with the land's rich history and future possibilities.
Te Tupu o te Tōrea is a carefully redesigned early learning service reflecting a strong bicultural foundation to enhance the learning and growth of tamariki. This space ensures that the needs of tamariki, whānau | family and kaiako | teachers are met while honouring the cultural and environmental history of the land.
Designed in collaboration with Smith Architects and Michael Steedman from the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Māori, this service features thoughtful design elements that connect it to the land on which it stands. The design elements will function to welcome tamariki and whānau throughout the day - with colours, materials, acoustics and a layout which makes the service a comforting learning space where everyone can feel welcome.
Te Tupu o te Tōrea is separated into two learning spaces. Te Manawa is the heart of the service and welcomes everyone in the morning and farewells them at the end of the day. The eldest 22 tamariki separate into Te Whanake learning space around 9am-3pm to engage in a program that caters to this older age group. The focused learning spaces with furniture, amenities, playgrounds, resourcing and routines are designed to connect with tamariki at their current development level and support and foster lifelong learning.
Licensed for 55 tamariki from birth - school | kura age.
Opening hours: 7.45am-5.30pm Monday to Friday
For more information contact:
Te Tupu o Te Tōrea Early Learning Service
12-16 Nicholls Lane, Parnell
City Campus
Phone: +64 9 302 0459
Email: tetupu@auckland.ac.nz
Our gifted name
Te Tupu o Te Tōrea is a name gifted by Michael Steedman, Kaiarataki, during the project's development. It was selected for many reasons, including its alignment with the Grafton service, Te Ako o Te Tui.
This service is located near the original Tāmaki coastline, where tōrea | oystercatchers would have been seen. These inquisitive birds probe their environment for kai | food.
Like tōrea, tamariki are encouraged to grow, or tupu. By being inquisitive, they can explore their surrounding and build relationships, much like the oystercatcher.
