Matariki and new beginnings were celebrated by tamariki (children) attending BestStart centres in the Bay of Plenty and Te Awamutu.

Area manager Nicola Ellery said the initiative aimed to bridge the gap between early childhood centres and local primary schools, supporting children as they transition into the next stage of their learning journey. “It was a symbol of new beginnings,” said Ellery.

A group of 36 children from six BestStart centres visited local primary schools in the Bay of Plenty and Te Awamutu to take part in the planting project.

“It was cool because the primary school children came in and helped as well,” said Ellery.

The planting took place on June 16-17, with a variety of kai planted – ranging from plum trees to broccoli. “Some wanted fruit trees, others wanted vegetables,” said Ellery.

The trees were provided through the Paper 4 Trees initiative, which rewards centres with trees in exchange for recycling paper and cardboard.

Ellery said the event was a valuable learning experience for both tamariki and staff, offering a chance to build stronger community ties and explore what plants need to grow.

“The children were saying to me: ‘Oh, you know, it’s a sunny day today, so we need sun’,” said Ellery.

BestStart plans to continue planting next year as part of its ongoing effort to strengthen connections between early childhood education and primary school, said Ellery.