With New Shoots Tauriko preparing to open its doors, we caught up with Centre Director Amber Pates ( previously our much-loved 2IC and Administrator at New Shoots The Lakes) to get to know the heart behind the role. From her favourite childhood book to her ideas for extending centre learning at home, Amber shares her passion for early childhood education, her journey into the sector, and what makes New Shoots Tauriko such a special place for tamariki and whānau.
What is your all time favourite children’s book?
My favourite book as a child was Wide Awake Jake by Helen Young. It’s a delightful story about a little boy who is struggling to fall asleep. He tries different methods suggested by his sisters, but nothing works. Eventually, he tells his mum he still can’t sleep. She advises him to yawn three times, which will take him to the Land of Yawn. There, he can meet the Yarmi of Yawn and ask how to get to sleep. If he meets any danger along the way, he simply needs to yawn again to escape.
The story ends with Jake meeting the Yarmi of Yawn and enjoying the mightiest feast of everything delicious you could imagine. What Jake doesn’t realise is that, through all of this, he is already fast asleep and dreaming. I love how this book shows the power of words and the way they can spark imagination. For me, that’s the true magic of storytelling.
What is your favourite type of play?
I am fascinated by small world play and love watching children create imaginative fantasy worlds. Often, this type of play allows them to reenact events from their own lives. It can also be a way for them to explore new ideas, thoughts, or theories.
Tell us your story about how you got into the early learning sector?
If you asked me when I was 5 years old what I wanted to be when I grew up, it was a Kindergarten teacher. It took me a few different career moves to circle back to that idea, but deep down it’s always been something I wanted to do. As soon as I made the move and started studying it unleashed a burning passion. I love what I do and feel so honoured to be involved in the lives of our tamariki.
What is one thing that parents could do to encourage children learning at home?
Involve children in everything. Talk to them about what you are doing and let them be part of your daily rituals. For example, my two littles love getting involved in baking. Through this, we explore maths by measuring ingredients and comparing half cups to quarter cups. They are also introduced to literacy by watching me turn pages and read recipes. In addition, we explore science by discussing the ingredients and how they react together.
There is so much learning that happens through these natural, everyday experiences. This learning builds a strong foundation for all their future development.
What is your favourite rainy day activity for under 5s?
Definitely a dance party! There’s nothing better than turning off the lights or opening up the sleep room, adding some disco or sensory lights, and grooving to funky music. It’s also a great way for children to burn energy. Most importantly, children connect with music so naturally and intuitively.
What makes New Shoots Tauriko stand out from the very beginning?
We are very lucky to have such a beautiful building with a strong structural base and a rich history. The renovation has transformed it, giving the space a warm, homely feel. Combined with the gorgeous high ceilings, it truly is a masterpiece.
Outside, an array of colourful plants creates a vibrant and inviting environment. This visual beauty will, I’m sure, excite and inspire many little minds with its artistic feel. Our foundational leaders have poured thought and love into every detail.
My team of teachers are all heart-led. We are excited to welcome whānau and tamariki into the centre and begin building a culture of kindness together.
What does intentional teaching look like in the early stages of opening a centre?
In the early stages, intentional teaching will be all about getting to know our children and their families. We want to understand their “backpack” of knowledge, experiences, and culture, and use this to set the scene for their learning to unfold.
We have a wonderful collection of thoughtful, open-ended resources. These allow children to create, explore, and shape their own learning journeys. As Kaiako, our role is to build strong relationships and create a sense of belonging. This way, children feel safe and confident to explore.
With the centre opening just around the corner, what can whānau expect at the Open Day?
We are hoping for a really fun morning where families and tamariki can look around and get a sense of who we are. We will have face painting, bubbles, Mr Whippy and a sausage sizzle. It’s going to be a great day out for the whole whānau, we look forward to meeting you and showing you around.
Come along to our open day on Saturday 23rd August, from 9:30am–1pm
Bring the whānau for a fun-filled morning as you explore our beautifully renovated centre, meet our passionate team, and enjoy face painting, a sausage sizzle, and more.
Read more about New Shoots Children’s Centre Tauriko here
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