Pictured: Facilitators Tuhoro Paki and Jessica Hita presenting at Kura-ā-iwi National Conference 2025.

Are you an ECE kaimahi wanting to strengthen your confidence when supporting tamariki whaitakiwātanga (autistic children) and their whānau?

Kanorau is delivering a series of regional workshops across Muriwhenua and Te Tai Tokerau to support early learning services to strengthen their understanding of takiwātanga (autism) and inclusive practice in everyday teaching.

These workshops are designed for early childhood educators within the Whangārei-South region who want practical tools, deeper understanding, and culturally grounded approaches for supporting tamariki who experience the world differently.

Grounded in te ao Māori values and strengths-based practice, the workshop explores how educators can create environments where tamariki whaitakiwātanga feel safe, understood, and able to thrive.

Participants will explore:

• What takiwātanga (autism) can look like for tamariki in early learning environments;

• How behaviour can be understood as communication;

• Practical strategies for supporting sensory needs, communication, and emotional regulation;

• Ways to strengthen relationships with whānau and work collaboratively around support;

• How to build inclusive environments that support all tamariki; and

• The workshop blends practical strategies, reflection on teaching practice, and culturally grounded perspectives to help educators grow confidence in inclusive teaching.

In addition to the workshops, a limited number of in-centre visits will be available in each region, providing tailored 1:1 support for teaching teams who would like guidance implementing strategies in their own learning environment.

All workshops and in-centre visits are fully funded through the Ministry of Education’s Strengthening Early Learning Opportunities (SELO) programme.

Dates and location

• When: 9.30-3pm: Wednesday, 20 May 2026

• Where: 39 The Centre, Waipu 0510, Waipu Celtic Barn

REGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOP BELOW

1:1 In-Centre Visits (Optional Add-On) Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Centres have the option to book a 1:1 in-centre visit with a Kanorau Kaiārahi.

These visits are designed to help your team apply the workshop learning directly within your own environment, with practical guidance tailored to your centre and tamariki.

Each visit is 90 minutes and takes place at your centre.

During the visit, the Kaiārahi may support your team to:

• Reflect on your current learning environment and teaching practices

• Identify practical strategies to support tamariki whaitakiwātanga

• Strengthen inclusive approaches for communication, sensory needs, and emotional regulation

• Provide guidance and whakaaro for kaiako and leadership

In each region we will offer 6 in-centre visits, with three available session times.

Places are strictly limited to six centres per region and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. as a reminder the visits are all fully funded through the SELO program.

If your centre would like to secure a visit, please contact us directly to register your interest.

FAQS

• What will the workshops cover?

Each workshop will be tailored to those attending and built based on the registrations. As an idea, these workshops can support you to:

• Deepen your understanding of takiwātanga through a Māori lens;

• Reflect critically on current practice and expectations;

• Understand behaviour as communication;

• Build inclusive environments that respond to tamariki, rather than trying to change them; and

• Strengthen culturally grounded partnerships with whānau.

• Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is designed for Early Childhood Education (ECE) kaimahi who are wanting to strengthen their understanding of takiwātanga (autism) and grow culturally grounded inclusive practice within their centre.

• How many people can attend?

Spaces are limited in each region. Registrations are allocated strictly on a first in, first served basis. We recommend registering early to avoid disappointment. Please only register if you are able to commit to the dates.

• What are the in-centre visits?

The purpose of the visit is to help your team apply the learning from the workshop within your own environment, with practical guidance specific to your centre and tamariki. This may include discussing strategies to support tamariki whaitakiwātanga, reflecting on your learning environment, and providing guidance for kaiako around inclusive practice.

• Are in-centre visits guaranteed?

No. In-centre visits are strictly limited to six centres per region and are allocated on a first in, first served basis.

Centres must attend the workshop to be eligible.

• Is there a cost to attend?

No. All workshops are funded through SELO by Ministry of Education.

If you have any questions or would like to register your centre for an in-centre visit please contact below