This paper considers ‘democracy’ with reference to education in the (neo)colonial context of Aotearoa (New Zealand). It discusses impacts of the western project of colonisation, arguing for the need to counter damaging hegemonic discourses such as white supremacy and racism that have underpinned and fuelled its operation. It identifies neoliberalism as a key contributor to the current erosion of democracies and the climate and ecological crises. It posits that education is a prime site for changing this narrative via pathways for (...) restoration. It highlights the potential of early childhood education for offering democratising, ecologically sustaining practices by fostering dispositions of care, concern, empathy and kaitiakitanga.Footnote1. (shrink)