This groundbreaking book explores the interactions of three powerful concepts in early childhood education (ECE): early childhood settings as sites for democracy, belonging as a human need and basis for participation, and relationships with land. Through exemplars of pioneering practice, it renews thinking about democracy and broadens understanding of belonging in culturally diverse societies.

Drawing from three research projects undertaken with teachers as collaborators in 11 early childhood settings, the book showcases examples grounded in Aotearoa New Zealand's renowned bicultural curriculum, Te Whariki. It demonstrates how participatory design methodologies can reimagine the theory-practice nexus and privilege diverse voices often marginalized in traditional research settings. Woven throughout are "glimpses of hope" that illustrate new possibilities for pedagogical practice in the country's bicultural context. In a time marked by significant societal shifts and neoliberal pressures, the authors argue that layering and interweaving these three concepts enables the creation of innovative approaches to policy thinking and practice that challenge existing frameworks and advocate for public, democratic ECE systems.

This essential resource will interest postgraduate students, researchers, teachers, student teachers, early childhood managers and policy makers. It offers valuable insights for advanced students and practitioners of early childhood education seeking to understand democratic practice and belonging in diverse cultural contexts around the globe.

Linda Mitchell is Retired Professor and Honorary Fellow at Te Whare Wananga o Waikato, University of Waikato, in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Raella Kahuroa (Ngati Kahungungu) is a lecturer and researcher in early childhood education at Te Whare Wananga o Waikato, University of Waikato, in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Amanda Bateman is Professor of Early Years at Birmingham City University, England, having worked at Te Whare Wananga o Waikato, University of Waikato, in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Bronwen Cowie is Emeritus Professor at Te Whare Wananga o Waikato, University of Waikato, in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Olivera Kamenarac is Senior Lecturer in Education at Southern Cross University, Australia, after working at Te Whare Wananga, University of Waikato, in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Elaine Khoo is Associate Professor at the Institute of Education at Massey University, New Zealand, after working at Te Whare Wananga, University of Waikato, in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Hoana McMillan (Ngai Te Rangi, Ngati Porou, Ngati Kahungunu) is a lecturer and kaupapa Maori researcher at Te Whare Wananga o Waikato, University of Waikato, in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Lesley Rameka (Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Tukorehe) has recently retired from her roles as a Senior Research Fellow and kaupapa Maori researcher at Te Whare Wananga o Waikato, University of Waikato, in Aotearoa New Zealand.