Bug Hunts, Big Adventures and a New Nature Crew!

This term was an exciting one for Kids Greening Taupō, as Totara Point Best Start became the final Taupō Best Start centre to join our programme!

The tamariki have jumped into every adventure with huge enthusiasm, and one activity quickly became a favourite—bug hunting! Every log, leaf pile and patch of grass became a place to explore as they searched for wētā, spiders, beetles, worms and all sorts of tiny creatures. The best part? Their excitement didn't stop when our sessions ended. Bug hunting has become part of everyday learning, with children continuing to explore and share their discoveries long after our visits.

Their adventures didn't stop there. The children headed to Spa Park for their ngahere trips, where they were joined by the Wicked Weeders to mulch the Kids Greening Taupō 10-year anniversary planting. Working alongside community volunteers showed the tamariki that caring for the environment is something people of all ages can do together, and they loved being part of such an important project.

The tamariki have also been caring for their very own planting site at Spa Park. This year they returned to infill plant another 20 native trees, helping to create an even healthier future ngahere. As their trees continue to grow, they'll be able to visit year after year to see the difference they have made and watch the ngahere come to life.

Whether they were digging through leaf litter looking for creepy crawlies or helping grow a native ngahere, the tamariki have been building a real connection with nature. Watching their curiosity grow into confidence has been a highlight of the programme. We're so excited to officially welcome Totara Point Best Start to the Kids Greening Taupō whānau. We can't wait to see where their next nature adventure takes them!