We live in a complex world, marked by rapid technological transformation that creates new opportunities, transforming societies and social structures, while also presenting a number of ethical, social and psychological challenges. From a tertiary teaching point of view in Aotearoa New Zealand, early childhood education (ECE) sits at the intersection of these global shifts. This volume seeks to reveal and critically examine several pressing issues currently unfolding within the ECE sector, foregrounding voices, perspectives and concerns central to our community of practice. Conceived by ECE teaching staff at Unitec in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, prior to its amalgamation with MIT in 2026, this book was developed as a locally focused and conversational resource for practical ECE teaching and learning. It addresses a wide range of contemporary issues: advocacy for children’s rights and the value of high‑quality education in a world affected by war, pandemics, political upheaval and rapid technological growth. Chapters explore United Nations and governmental policy, the importance of play, Treaty-based principles, bicultural and multicultural curriculum development, professional learning, mentoring and leadership, and reflective practice in ECE. Contemporary policy contexts are increasingly driven by accountability, standardisation and measurable outcomes. Such discourses often narrow educational priorities in ways that overlook relational, cultural and psychosocial dimensions of early learning. This volume offers a re‑examination of what quality in ECE might mean, and advocates for educational approaches that extend beyond market-driven imperatives.
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https://doi.org/10.55457/book.105
Editors: Lata Rana, Pauline Bishop, Galina Stebletsova and Rangituohu Nathan
Contents:
1. Signposts for Children’s Wellbeing: Using the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to advocate for children’s rights in the early years / Amanda D’Souza, Sarah Te One and Jacqui Southey
2. Comparison of the 1996 and 2017 Versions of Te Whāriki, the Tiriti-based Early Childhood Curriculum: Gains and losses / Chris Jenkin
3. Ko Ngā Kete Manaakitanga: Hei huarahi mā tātou, ā, he anga whakamua / Rangituohu Nathan and Siobhan Nathan
4. The Many Faces of Play: Play after the war zone / Galina Stebletsova and Barbara Scanlan
5. A Conversation on Mentoring / Lee-Anne Turton and Katie Farrimond, with Sue Emerson
6. Navigating Teaching and Learning During Covid-19: Implications for future practice / Lata Rana, Yvonne Culbreath and Michelle Johnson
7. Voices of Reflection / Pauline Bishop and Tahera Afrin, with Asinate Waqavou, Rae Yuan, Wenya Li and Luseane Cains
8. Working Effectively in Teaching Teams in Early Childhood Education / Veronica Griffiths, Erin Hall, Fleur Hohaia-Rollinson, Jenny Malcolm, Kerry Purdue, Jackie Solomon and Donna Williamson-Garner
9. Soso‘o le Fau ma le Fau / Connect the Fibre with Another Fibre: Supporting transitions to school for Pacific children / Ruta McKenzie, Glenda Albon and Sarah Te One
ISBN: 978-1-99-118346-0
Date of publication: 4 November 2026