Our People

Shirley-Anne Taiaroa , Centre Manager
What inspired you to pursue a career in early childhood education?
My journey as a teacher began when I relieved at a Kohanga Reo back in the 90’s. Back then I was a trained receptionist and that was all I knew at the time. From then until now, working with children has always been my destiny.
more
Jing Li, Team Leader for toddlers
Hi, I’m Jing,
I graduated from the University of Waikato in 2012 with a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (ECE). I am a fully registered teacher.
more
Catherine Fenwick , Team Leader for babies
What inspired you to pursue a career in ECE?
Having grown up in a family that have been heavily involved in education it was a natural progression for me to follow in their footsteps. However, I am the first of my family to actively seek a career in Early Childhood Education. Something that I know was the right decision for me.
more
Moureen Ali, Classroom Teacher for toddlers
My journey as a teacher began after my daughter had turned 1.5 years old and seeing her achieving her milestones made me want to come into the early childhood sector and study to gain more knowledge as to how I might be able to help her achieve her goals as a toddler.
more

Jignasha Joshi, Classroom Teacher for preschoolers
Kia Ora, Namaste, my name is Jignasha and I graduated from Victoria University, Wellington in 2010 with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood education). My other degree, Master of Arts and Bachelor of Education, was gained overseas. I have been an ECE teacher at Active Explorers since 2011 and I have been proud to be part of the growth and development as a centre.
more
Shinsuke (Shin) Yoshimura, Classroom Teacher for preschoolers
Education has always been my greatest passion for more than 12 years after starting my bachelor's degree in teaching. In my teaching career, I have been working with children in early years (from 0- to 8-year-old).
more
Priti Sanghavi, Classroom Teacher for toddlers
Kia ora and namaste, my name is Priti. I have been living in New Zealand for 17 years. I have studied certificate of ece level 6 and have been working as an ece teacher for 11 years.
more
Harsha Taunk, Classroom Teacher for infants
What inspired you to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education ?
After having spent a lot of years as a sales person for a retail business working from my head, I was looking for a change in career which was more heart focusedand which would give me more sense of satisfaction. I have always loved children and since my kids are now grown up, I was longing for an opportunity to be with children. Hence, I thought ECE would be an excellent career to fulfil my passion.
more
Farzana Firdose, Classroom Teacher for toddlers
I'm Farzana Firdose. I'm originally from India and have been living in New Zealand for the last 11 years. I began my career in Early Childhood Education since 2018 as a reliever and then as a part-time teacher. I have a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from India.
more
Csilla Fristaczki, Cook
Kia ora, I am Csilla and I have been cooking for the Active Explorers whānau for the past few years. My two children have attended the centre since they were babies, therefore Active Explorers became our second home, and technically my job was to cook for my very large family:)
more
Eliana Elia-Tavaita'i, Team Leader for preschoolers
My name is Eliana Elia-Tavaita'i however everyone calls me E or Whaea E, I am born and raised in Aotearoa, my parents are from Aitutaki and Rarotonga, Islands within the Cook Islands.
I hold a Diploma and a Bachelor Degree in ECE and I am fully registered. I have spent the last 13 years teaching and now am expanding my leadership capabilities.
more