1. Glynne Mackey – University of Canterbury, Christchurch, NZ. OMEP 65 th World Congress July 2013 ‘

2. Empowerment Allows child to learn and grow; to be active in gaining knowledge that leads to decision-making and individual and/or collaborative action. Empowerment of child and family through democratic processes. Holistic development Children grow in an holistic way within meaningful relationships and experiences Family and community Sharing information; participation and collaboration; understanding parental expectations and understandings Relationships (with people, places and things) An ethic of care; peacefulness; respect; balance of power ; responsive and reciprocal

3. Nature kindergartens  Mangere Bridge – children helping on a farm (mangerebridgekindergarten.blogspot.com )  Ngahere Project – a unique NZ bush experience (Kelly & White, 2012)  Fiordland Kindergarten – a kindergarten on the boundary of a World Heritage Park (www.ska.co.nz) Enviroschools  nation-wide programme for a whole school/centre approach with strong links to the community

4. Christchurch – about 12,000 recorded shakes since September 4th 2010. Sustainability more focused on community; importance of place and relationships; care & empathy Opportunities to rethink and plan the physical environment – more natural features and gardens; more bicultural construction

5. Graduating teacher standards - professional knowledge, professional practice, professional values and relationships LINKS TO: Key tenets of ECEfS – the child as a right holder: meaningful dialogue and engagement with children: representing and appreciating diverse contributions: and democratic values and principles of participation (Samuelsson and Kaga, 2008) Teacher education programmes are now including courses that address issues on environment, sustainability and social justice Teacher Education Networks – meet, share, discuss, reflect.

6.  Kelly, J., & White, J. (2012). Pedagogy beyond the gate. The Ngahere Project. Early Childhood Folio, 16(2), 5-11.  Ministry of Education (1996). Te Whāriki: Early childhood curriculum. Wellington: Learning Media.  Pramling Samuelsson, I., & Kaga, Y. (2008). The contribution of early childhood education to a sustainable society. Paris: UNESCO.  mangerebridgekindergarten.blogspot.com  www.taurangakindergarten.org www.taurangakindergarten.org  www.kidsfirts.co.nz (Canterbury Kindergarten Association) www.kidsfirts.co.nz