What is Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand?
Montessori Aotearoa NZ is an Incorporated Society of members consisting of early learning services (privately owned and community based), schools, organisations and individual members who work together to provide and promote Montessori education in New Zealand. Montessori Aotearoa was established in 1998 and is governed by a voluntary Board and managed by a Chief Executive and Account and Administration Officer, in consultation with members. Through our membership we advocate for our kaiako (teachers), centres and schools who provide education to thousands of infants, toddlers, tamariki and rangatahi. Our members are drawn from a diverse range of community-based, privately owned, homebased, Individual and Organisation members.
Our Logo
The logo is the primary visual element that defines the brand – MONTESSORI AOTEAROA NZ
It says who we are. The logo consists of three different elements.
- The spiral takes an inspiration from the koru which is often used in Māori art as a symbol of creation.
Its circular shape conveys the idea of movement, and its inward coil suggests a return to the point of origin. - The spiral design subtly suggests the outline of Aotearoa, with the slight rightwards tilt and the lower part being larger. This helps to connect it back to the heritage of our old logo.
- The interlocking spirals create a strong bond with one another with the larger spiral indicating the lifting up and nurturing of the smaller one – tuakana-teina. The tuakana–teina relationship is an integral part of traditional Māori society where an older or more expert tuakana (brother, sister or cousin) helps and guides a younger or less expert teina (originally a younger sibling or cousin of the same gender).
Finally the font. The letters are mainly consist of arcs of circles joined together with straight lines with the soft edges of the letters are to giving it a unique expression with a human, organic structure.
Our Mission, Vision & Principles /
Te Pae Tata, Te Pae Tāwhiti, Ngā Arataki Whakapono
MANZ Mission – Te Pae Tata
Montessori makes the difference
Our mission is to support and influence our community to deliver excellent Montessori programmes that enable the holistic development of infants, children/tamariki and adolescents/rangatahi.
Vision for MANZ – Te Pae Tāwhiti
Making Montessori Matter in Aotearoa New Zealand / He Ahakoa Tonu, Ko Montessori Ki Aotearoa
We envision Montessori education becoming a well-known, highly respected and informed choice in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Kia tutuki te mātauranga a Montessori mō tana rongonui, te ngākau whakaute, me te kōwhiritanga ki roto i Aotearoa.
MANZ Guiding Principles – Ngā Arataki Whakapono
- Creating an environment to foster a love of learning by enhancing freedom with responsibility, valuing creativity and appreciating individuality.
- Nurturing the human spirit by respecting self, others and the environment through connection, communication and collaboration.
- Educating for peace by embracing diversity, celebrating the joy of discovery and practicing honesty and humility.
