Wana Tamariki Trust

28/10/2026

Supporting things that are important to our tamariki and whaanau are important to us at Wana Tamariki. Today the tamariki created lanterns in recognition of the Myanmar Buddhist Lighting Festival, an occasion the whaanau of one of the tamariki celebrates.

Myanmar Buddhist Lighting Festival
Thadingyut (Lighting Festival)

Thadingyut is the Festival of Lights, celebrated in October or November to mark the end of the Buddhist Lent. During this time, houses and streets are decorated with colorful lanterns, candles, and lights to welcome Buddha's return from heaven. It is also a special time for expressing gratitude, where children and younger family members visit parents, elders, and teachers to show respect, ask for forgiveness, and receive blessings.
Here in New Zealand, there are cultural and religious ceremonies held at local Buddhist monasteries as well as rented community halls. These events are organised by the entire Myanmar community, welcoming people of all backgrounds and faiths.

26/10/2026

Whaanau feedback is so important to make sure we are on the right track with the mahi we do day to day. We love the partnerships we develop when working with our whaanau and to hear the impact of what we do is incredibly rewarding for us.

"Wana Tamariki has always exceeded our expectations and gone beyond: We have received so many helpful suggestions, ideas and recommendations from the team along the way. They have always been proactive in thinking about what could support our child's development and make things easier for her and for us as a family."

23/09/2026

We regularly seek feedback from the whaanau we work with to see if they think we're on the right track and that we are listening to what they say. We really appreciate the time they take to do this for us and it's a great way to be accountable to those who we serve. Thank you!

"We have been given such wonderful care and support that the whole journey has felt like a walk through a flower garden. There have certainly been challenges along the way, but knowing that we have such a supportive team around M has made everything feel much more manageable. One of the things that has worked particularly well for our whānau is the excellent communication between the WT team and M's daycare teachers. It is so reassuring to know that everyone is kept up to date with her development, progress and any areas where she may need extra support. We also really value the regular goal-setting discussions and check ins. Having the opportunity to bring together the different professionals involved in M's care, along with our family’s perspective, means that everyone understands where she is at and what we can work towards next. The additional support, including OT, speech therapy, physiotherapy and the other services, has been absolutely amazing. It feels like we have the whole team of people who genuinely care about M, understand her individual needs and want to see her reach her potential. Most importantly, we feel heard, supported and included as parents. We never feel like we are navigating things alone and that has made an enormous difference to our whānau." 🫶

15/09/2026

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori is this week, and this year's theme is Ake, Ake, Ake – A Forever Language. 🌿

For our tamariki, language is never just language. So much of the mahi we do alongside them is about finding their voice — a word, a sign, a gesture, whatever way works for them — which is exactly why te reo Māori belongs in that right from the beginning, in the words we use every day, in our waiata and karakia, and in the way we greet each other at the door or on the phone.

Tamariki pick up language the way they pick up everything, through play, repetition and the people who love them, so the best thing any of us can do this week is kōrero alongside them — a word here and there, a waiata in the car, whaanau and team both having a go.

Kia kaha te reo Māori! 💛

16/07/2026

Wheelie Awesome August is coming! Would love for you to share your Wheelie photos with us!

19/05/2026

The mornings are getting chillier, winter is coming! We have some great options of Jolly Soles socks on our website - perfect for keeping all sizes of tootsies warm ♨️

Socks are the universal accessory!  From mums and dads, kids to grandparents, neighbours to workmates and even strangers... Everyone wears socks! Jolly Soles fundraising socks are bursting with f

29/04/2026

Rachel spoke at last years Leadership and Laughs breakfast for the New Zealand Foundation for Conductive Education. There was not a dry eye in the house. Thank you to Rachel for sharing the story of Samuel and your whaanau and the impact Conductive Education has made for you.

15/02/2026

We are looking for our next Education Support Worker Extraordinaire! Here's the link for our ad - please share and get in contact if you want any more information about this key position in our service. The successful person will be working with a fabulous team and some great tamariki and whaanau.

Support tamariki with disabilities to reach their potential. Join our supportive and collaborative team as an Education Support Worker.

02/02/2026

We got our new t-shirts last week and Gemma and Amelia - our dynamic duo of Occupational Therapists - are twinning today. Don't they look fabulous? Thanks Blake at Apparel NZ - Corporate Workwear Sportswear

26/01/2026

Exciting news Tauranga! Melinda, our very experienced and talented Senior Conductor, is now providing Conductive Education in Tauranga! She can come to your home and support your child there or will also provide hydrotherapy at a local pool. Email Vicki at [email protected] to let us know if you are keen and we will get you more details.