Play’n’Learn refreshed Te Kōhanga Reo o Nga Pihi O Te Purapura Pai with custom furniture, defined learning zones, and culturally aligned design elements to improve flow, supervision, and tamariki-led exploration.
Te Kōhanga Reo o Toku Mapihi Maurea
Te Kōhanga Reo o Tōku Mapihi Maurea partnered with Play’n’Learn to design and deliver a learning environment grounded in kaupapa, identity, and daily teaching practice. The focus was on creating calm, high-quality spaces where tamariki can learn at their own pace, supported by furniture that enables consistent kaiako interactions.
A key driver was embedding Maoritanga into the environment through functional design, rather than surface-level theming. The concept aligned with Play’n’Learn’s philosophy-first REACH design process, ensuring cultural narratives and learning intent were built into the layout and furniture itself.
Project scope included:
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Spatial design and learning zone planning
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Custom furniture manufacture (birch plywood)
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Educational resources
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Delivery, installation, and set-up
The completed fitout features structured learning zones with child-led accessibility, supported by custom pieces designed specifically for the kōhanga. These included a wharenui-style retreat space, curved divider units representing the Waikato Awa, and cultural wall panels referencing Taupiri Maunga and Matariki.
Cultural design elements integrated into the fitout:
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Wharenui feature space to strengthen belonging and immersion
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Waikato Awa-inspired curved dividers to support flow and retreat
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Taupiri Maunga and Matariki panels as constant whakapapa reference points
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Rūma Moe features including sound-dampening “clouds” representing Ranginui
The result is a cohesive environment where culture, function, and learning are integrated, supporting both tamariki wellbeing and kaiako practice in a space that reflects the kōhanga’s identity.
