Kaiako in Aotearoa New Zealand inquire into innovative practice in meaningful ways. This mixed-methods study explored the use of curriculum innovation and key factors that shape kaiako self-belief, relationships, and teaching contexts. Phase 1 utilised a national quantitative survey of early childhood education (ECE) kaiako from a range of teacher-led ECE settings. Phase 2 employed qualitative case-study methodology in six settings, using interviews and a focus group. The research showed that ECE kaiako use innovation to work in collaboration with tamariki, whanau, their colleagues, and the wider community in transformative ways to make learning fun and challenging, as well as for their own personal and professional growth.