Our People

Caitlin Goodall, Centre Manager
Kia ora, ko Caitlin toku ingoa. I am a qualified and fully certificated Early Childhood Educator. I am a born and bred West Coaster and I have been teaching for 6 years now. This incredible journey as a teacher has lead me teach in communities across the South Island as well as some time in Australia.
I believe that early childhood education is a place for every child to have opportunities to dream, create, flourish and grow. I love being part of the Active Explorers Hokitika team, sharing knowledge, having fun, learning alongside others and sharing in the joy of seeing our most precious taonga, our tamariki learn and grow.
more

Caitlin Wilson, Administrator
Kia ora my names Caitlin. A bit about me, I have lived in Hokitika most of my life, I spent some time exploring the big city in Christchurch but I missed the beautiful West Coast rain too much and found myself back in Hokitika. My son, who is now 5, went to Active Explorers before moving on to St Marys School. I missed the lovely staff at the kindergarten so much I decided to come and be part of the team!

Barbara Turner, Fully Certificated Teacher
Kia ora I’m Barb, I currently live in Mawhera (Greymouth). I enjoy living on the West Coast and walking our rugged West Coast beaches and tracks with our two dogs, I enjoy photography, the arts, music, gardening and enjoy the company of friends and family. I am a mother of 3 beautiful adult children and a nan to my first grandson. My partner is a local Jade Carver and jack of all trades.
more

Andries Bester, Fully Certificated Teacher
My wife, Jeanette, and I recently moved from the Waikato, that we called our home for twelve years, to the beautiful Kokatahi Valley. We immigrated from South Africa where I was a farmer and a teacher, and farming is still a favourite hobby.
I enjoy the outdoors, tramping, my four grandkids in Golden Bay, and connecting with people. I love the early childhood age and to discover alongside them – watching them learn while they are engaged in the freedom of play.
more

Veronica Tompsett, Teacher in Training
Kia ora, my name is Veronica. I have a two year old son and in our spare time we like to play outdoors, go on adventures and make the most of family time. I am currently studying towards gaining my Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education through Te Rito Maioha.
moreHera (Poppy) Parker, Teacher (uncertificated)
Kia Ora whānau.
My name is Poppy and I am one of the Kaiako here at Active Explorers. I have three tamariki, Lincoln, Presley and Ripley. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my whanau and friends, reading and taking my tamariki out exploring. Our favourite places to explore is anywhere with water and of course they love the park!

Samara Dufell, Teacher (uncertificated)
Kia ora whanau and friends, my name is Samara. I grew up on the West Coast in Greymouth (Mawhera), I’m very lucky to still call it my home. I am a proud mother to a gorgeous 3 year old called Amarni-Lee, and I feel very privileged to have her attend the centre with me. In my spare time I love to get outdoors and enjoy crafts and whanau time.
moreDelphia Mitchell, Teacher (uncertificated)
Kia ora, my name is Delphia. I grew up in Hokitika and have been here for my whole life. I have four grown children. I have spent a large portion of my life working with the elderly. In my spare time I enjoy potting new plants and caring for them. I love working at Active Explorers because I get to spend time with tamariki, getting to know them and watching them grow.
Nadia Davidson, Teacher (uncertificated)
Kia ora, I’m Nadia. I have four beautiful children and we have made Hokitika our home as a family over the past few years. I love going being surrounded by nature as we are here in Hokitika and in my spare time I enjoy being at the beach, lake or adventuring on bush walks. I love Active Explorers Hokitika because I enjoy working in a great team and being part of every child’s individual learning journey.

Amy Lee Mahuika, Teacher (uncertificated)
Kia ora, my name is Amylee. I am lucky enough to have lived in Hokitika all my life. I come from a large family me being the eldest. In my spare time I love travelling and spending time with my family. I enjoy working in Early Childhood Education because I have a passion for supporting children to learn and develop to their full potential and being involved in their learning journey before they step in to primary school.