Across Aotearoa, classrooms are buzzing with energy, confidence, and kindness thanks to Kiwi Can – a life skills and values programme delivered weekly to every child in participating schools. Led by trained Kiwi Can leaders, the programme equips tamariki with the tools they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Principals consistently report remarkable changes: truancy and bullying are decreasing, while positive interactions and teamwork are on the rise. With Kiwi Can now empowering children in 100 schools nationwide, the ripple effect is undeniable.
Kiwi Can is more than a programme; it’s a movement. By embedding values like respect, resilience, and teamwork into weekly lessons, it helps shape a generation of young New Zealanders who are confident, compassionate, and ready to face life’s challenges.
The results speak for themselves: fewer behavioural issues, stronger peer relationships, and classrooms filled with positivity. And with every new school that joins, the impact grows.
A Masterclass in Teaching: Kiwi Can in Action
Visiting Kiwi Can in Hamilton offered a glimpse into the programme’s magic. Matua Terry, who has dedicated nearly 16 years to the Graeme Dingle Foundation, delivered a session that was nothing short of inspiring. His rapport with the students was palpable – every child engaged, every voice heard.
From the opening call-and-response to the closing reflections, the energy was electric. The focus that day was resilience, and one phrase echoed through the room:
“Kiwi Can says, I am strong, I am resilient, I bounce back and carry on.”
Simple yet powerful, these words give children a practical mantra to lean on in difficult moments. It’s not just theory – it’s a mindset they can carry into everyday life.
Transformation at Pukekohe North School
In just 11 weeks, Pukekohe North School has witnessed a dramatic shift in student behaviour. Classrooms that once struggled with conflict are now filled with happy, confident Kiwi kids who aren’t afraid to share ideas, support one another, and celebrate each other’s successes.
Principal Jim Stafford-Bush describes the change:
“What we’re seeing now, in just 11 weeks, we’ve got beautiful traction where our kids are starting to work together, to play in the playground properly, to negotiate and communicate rather than resorting to physical violence to solve all their problems.”
This transformation highlights the power of consistent, values-based learning – and the importance of giving children practical strategies to navigate challenges. See the video below to experience a little of a Kiwi Can lesson for yourself.
