Understanding Our Starting Point
So the question "Where should we spend our time planning and preparing?" invites us to reflect on which stage we, our communities, teams, or whānau are currently in.
Understanding Our Starting Point
Shaped By Many Factors
This is an important consideration, because we don't all enter Te Kore from the same place. Our starting point is shaped by many factors: our age, lived experience, access to resources, and the support of those around us.
Recognising What Is Needed
Understanding our unique position within Te Kore helps us recognise what is needed most, whether it's establishing foundations, building connection, or enabling growth.
First things first
Importantly, each level of the hierarchy builds on the one before it. If needs at a more fundamental level are unmet, it's difficult, sometimes impossible to fully engage with the levels above. For example, if we don’t feel safe or connected, aspirational goals around creativity or contribution may feel out of reach.
At the same time, it's vital to acknowledge that we all carry dreams, aspirations, and the desire to grow, regardless of our current circumstances. Recognising the realities of our stage isn’t about limiting ambition, but about understanding what needs support so that growth becomes possible and sustainable.
This reflection invites us to consider: Where are we currently operating from? And what might we need to strengthen before we can move confidently forward?
Maslow's Hierarchy as a Practical Lens
Self-Actualisation
Realising potential
Esteem Needs
Achievement and recognition
Belonging Needs
Connection and community
Safety Needs
Security and stability
Physiological Needs
Basic survival needs
To help navigate this space, we can draw from Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as a practical lens. Maslow's model offers a layered understanding of what people need in order to thrive. It begins with basic physiological needs and moves towards self-actualisation. When paired with Te Kore, it helps us see that planning isn't just about tasks and timelines, it's about shaping conditions where potential can be realised, step by step.
A Layered Approach to Planning
Foundations (Physiological / Safety Needs → Te Kore)
💭 Planning here means making the invisible visible—designing systems and structures that allow potential to emerge.
  • Are the basic systems in place? (Timetables, access to resources, communication clarity)
  • Are staff and learners safe, connected, and supported to engage?
  • Do we have clarity of expectations, or are we lost in the void?
Building Belonging & Connection
Belonging & Connection (Relational Needs → Te Pō)
💭 Planning here is about culture-building: who we are together and how we create safe, meaningful learning environments.
Community Building
Have we created a sense of community in our classrooms and teams?
Recognition
Are people heard, seen, and respected?
Authenticity
Do the systems we build allow space for people to bring their whole selves?
Enabling Growth & Expression
Growth & Expression
(Esteem & Self-Actualisation → Te Ao Mārama)
Excellence
Are we enabling learners and kaiako to pursue excellence and creativity?
Challenge
Are people challenged, with the right support?
Reflection
Are we making time to reflect, iterate, and improve?
💭 Planning here focuses on refining the craft—elevating learning experiences, aligning to deeper purpose.
Where Are You in Your Planning and Preparation?
🧭 A reflection tool based on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs