At Giggles Te Puke Early Learning Centre, growth is a living philosophy, much like a thriving māra kai (food garden). Founder Shona Ua-Marsh has cultivated a space where tamariki (children) learn and grow alongside each other, fostering a sense of community that mirrors a flourishing food forest.
Shona’s journey is one of deep connection and purposeful growth. Rooted in her whakapapa, she draws strength from her heritage and a commitment to lifelong learning. She began her formal studies later in life and is now pursuing a Master’s degree. This dedication to personal growth is her way of giving back to the community, proving that the more she learns, the more she can share.
The center’s Whānau Centre model embodies this interconnectedness. After the Covid-19 pandemic, Shona brought her centers together so children of all ages could learn together, forming tuakana-teina relationships. This natural, family-like environment is a powerful learning tool, teaching children whanaungatanga (deep relationships) and kotahitanga (unity).
This philosophy extends to Shona’s business, Whatu+Co, which creates educational resources to connect children with te ao Māori. One such tool is Te Whare o te Auahatanga, a resource for creative learning. . Just as a food forest provides a sustainable source of food and knowledge, this whare offers children a space to explore their culture through art and stories. Shona’s work is about cultivating not only healthy minds but also a strong, culturally-grounded community for the future.
For more on Shona’s journey, read the full article at https://focusmagazine.co.nz/he-tangata-he-whanau-he-tikanga-the-journey-of-shona-ua-marsh/. To learn more about community initiatives, visit www.growtepuke.com.