The children at the Urban Kids Early Learning Centre have had a fabulous time this week celebrating Matariki – Maori New Year.

Head Teacher Nicola Ellery says Matariki celebrates new beginnings and in light of this the children planted native trees down Jude Place in the Tauranga suburb of Brookfield.

Pre-school children from Urban Kids Early Learning Centre plant trees to celebrate new beginnings and the Maori New Year.

'These trees were gifted to us from transpacific as a result of the centres conscious effort to recycle.

'Our teachers and children work together to reduce or reuse and recycle as much as possible. Planting the trees demonstrates respect to the land we live on and allows the children to have hands on experience with nature, thus expanding their understanding about the world around them,” says Nicola.

'One of the things we try to do is create an awareness of conservation and culture. We've also been making stars as Matariki is the constellation that signifies the start of a new life cycle.

Nicola says it is the time of year when Moari traditionally prepare the land for new growth.