Early childhood education wasn’t the initial career choice for Kate Knight, who started in hospitality and then joined the police force.
Seeing young people get into trouble made Kate think that, perhaps, if they had a better start in life, they’d do better.
“So I channeled my energy and went to teachers college, and here I am,” says Kate.
“I wanted to start with the youngest tamariki, where I can make a real difference.”
With eight years teaching experience under her belt and knowledge of bush programmes, Kate now runs the nature discovery programme ‘Nui Explorers’, at Invercargill’s Active Explorers – an early learning centre.
Ten children, aged four-and-a-half, go with Kate to Queens Park every Wednesday morning, where they immerse themselves in nature and the endless learning opportunities this offers.
The children explore a range of activities – from climbing trees and bark chip ‘mountains’ to learning about pests and the changing seasons. It’s about risky play, problem solving, building resilience, and nurturing nature.
“It’s important to strengthen their relationship to the land and nature, as they will one day become the kaitiaki of it,” says Kate.
One boy took his dad to the park to show him everything from their class adventures, walking around for three-and-a-half hours. “I’m really proud, but I’m also really sorry,” she laughs.
