“Toitū te taiao, toitū te kaitiaki.” If the natural world endures, the guardians endure.

In the beginning of creation in Māori mythology, Ranginui the Sky Father and Papatūānuku the Earth Mother were held tightly together, wrapped in darkness, until their children pushed them apart and let te ao mārama — the world of light — come into being. From this separation came the natural realms we live within today: the forests, oceans, winds, seasons, and all living things, each cared for by powerful guardians known as kaitiaki. These stories remind us that everything in te taiao is connected through whakapapa, and that we all have a responsibility to protect and respect the world around us.

At Tae Eke Aotearoa, we bring these teachings to life through authentically designed educational resources that nurture learning through hands-on exploration, creativity, and meaningful play. Our collection includes Kaitiaki floor puzzles, image tray puzzles, story time boards, wooden blocks, capes, medals, mobiles, and posters — each one created to spark imagination, build connection, and help tamariki learn through storytelling, play, and discovery. Through every piece, we aim to grow confidence, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of Māori knowledge in a way that feels fun, visual, and truly personal.