Unique Learning Opportunities

When you enter our school reception area in Te Wharau Nikau, you will be greeted by a wagging tail and a very friendly black Labrador Retriever.  Introducing our school dog Nikau – named after our school.

In our school, Nikau is an ever present school community member.  Our tamariki love spending time with Nikau, playing ball with him, and reading to him in our Whare Pukapuka [library].

What are the benefits of a dog in school for children?

• Dogs in schools provide both physical and emotional health benefits for students.  
• Having a dog present promotes a positive mood and provides significant anti-stress effects on the body. 
• In fact, the simple act of petting a dog has the effect of lowering blood pressure and heart rate. 
• Sometimes, just being in contact with a dog calms children down when they’re upset and helps keep their anxiety at bay. 
• Reducing feelings of anxiety and depression enables children to focus on learning.
• Perhaps the greatest benefit of dogs in school is the effect on students’ social-emotional development. 
• Loving and lovable, dogs are friendly companions and good listeners who make no judgements. 
• Children bond easily with a gentle dog like Nikau, helping them feel more connected and confident. This leads to a reduction in negative behavior and aggression.
• Interacting with a dog builds a special bond and relationship.
• These relationships build trust and trustworthiness in children and help them develop a greater capacity for empathy.

What are the benefits for Nikau?

• Nikau was trained as a guide dog therefore he is very well socialised, very obedient and was raised to be around people all the time.  
• At school, Nikau gets to socialise with new people and play with many different children.  
• He enjoys more daily activity throughout the school day when the children walk him or play with him on the field.