Lily and Junyi- Changing the world, one karakia at a time

When Lily, our Support Office HR Lead, reflects on her son Junyi's journey through kindergarten, she sees more than a successful transition to school. She sees what is possible when tamariki are immersed in a learning environment where language, culture, and identity are truly valued.

Of Chinese heritage, Junyi has grown up speaking multiple languages, with te reo Māori becoming his third language through his kindergarten experience. Supported by his whānau and kaiako, he developed the confidence to not only speak te reo Māori, but to lead with it.

Throughout kindergarten, Junyi regularly led karakia alongside his peers. Most memorably, he confidently opened our Association Awards Dinner in front of kaiako, educational leaders, whānau and a local school kapa haka group. At just five years old, he demonstrated the confidence and cultural competence that flourish when bicultural practice is lived every day.

That confidence continued into school. On his very first day, Junyi stepped forward to lead the morning proceedings, carrying with him the leadership, identity and sense of belonging nurtured throughout his early learning journey.

His journey also reflects the leadership of his Mum, Lily. Within our Support Office, Lily has modelled her own commitment to bicultural practice by confidently leading karakia, sharing her pepeha, and embracing te ao Māori with authenticity and respect. She demonstrates that bicultural practice is not about being an expert, it is about recognising the significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, honouring te ao Māori, and having the courage to lead by example. Together, Lily and Junyi remind us that when adults model the values they hope to instil, children don't simply follow, they flourish.

Junyi's story is more than an inspiring success story, it is a challenge to all of us. If a five-year-old can confidently stand in his identity, embrace te reo Māori as his third language, and lead others with courage, what does that ask of us as adults and educators?

His journey reminds us that bicultural practice is not an aspiration or a compliance exercise. It is transformational. When we create environments where every child can belong, lead and thrive, the impact reaches far beyond the kindergarten gates.

Ngā mihi nui ki a kōrua, e Lily rāua ko Junyi. He tauira kōrua mō te māia, te manaaki me te rangatiratanga. Ka mau te wehi!