Our People

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love every minute of every day. It is the most rewarding job ever and now that I have become a centre manager, I feel empowered to instil that passion for working with children in teachers.  

What is your personal ECE philosophy?

I bring with me a wealth of music, love of teaching and cultural identity. My teaching practice involves creating stimulating and fun environments, as well as fostering confidence and independence within children. I am also a trained Montessori teacher, so combining philosophies has been part of my lifelong mission.  The similarities, and possibilities, are amazing… Kaupapa Maori, Montessori philosophy and Te Whariki all woven together to create a mat of learning for children. 

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, specialising in Montessori Philosophy

I endeavour to provide children with the very best start in life, while offering parents/whanau peace of mind that their children are experiencing quality care and education in a well-resourced space, with a vibrant, passionate teaching team.

I have an amazing partner, three daughters who attend Epsom Girls’ Grammar School and ANI, two cats named Mimi and Marlo, and a younger sister who lives in San Diego with her family.

In my spare time, I enjoy running, reading, and gardening. I usually block time for gardening with my daughters and Mimi over the weekend and it makes me feel relaxed to be nurturing my green friends.

Ngā mihi,

Jing

I have always been drawn to children of an early developmental age and when I had the opportunity to study ECE at the University of Auckland. I had the joy and experience of observing that rich content of learning through exploration and play on a personal level with tamariki of all ranges of age within that context of practicums.

Fast forward to this present day and I could not imagine pursuing a career in any other field. Early Childhood Education is home for me.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

For me, what I truly enjoy most about my role as a Kaiako is the connections I make with both tamariki their family and whanau, and through that, working side by side in the learning and development of their tamaiti.

There is nothing I love more than seeing a tamariki coming in for the first time and watching them go through the stages of exploration. Observing throughout their journey growing in both confidence, knowledge, and communication. Talking to families and whanau and listening to them share in the surprising developments that they have noticed about their tamaiti. For me in this role there is nothing more enjoyable than seeing the positive growth of a tamaiti and watching them move on to explore the next stage of their learning development.

What is your personal ECE philosophy?

My philosophy is deeply rooted in giving all tamariki, family and whanau respect and through that establishing a credible and trusting relationship with any tamaiti. This however all begins with allowing all tamariki to experience an enriched environment in which they feel safe to explore and to develop their own sense of worth and belonging.

Working side by side with tamariki and sharing in positive interactions is valuable in understanding each tamaiti development. By recognizing this, I feel I can provide an environment where a tamaiti will feel empowered, respected, and loved.

Relevant Qualification

Bachelor of Education (Teaching)

I did my certificate level 4 and then spent another year doing Diploma level 5. During this time, I used to work as a Relieving Teacher in the then called Lollipops, St Lukes. After I completed level 5, I decided to go to the University to get my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (Teaching).

I enjoy being with tamariki and every day for me is different and very rewarding. I get to see and experience different cultures, values, their funds of knowledge which each individual child brings with them and seeing their happiness and smiles just makes my day every day.

I believe that children learn best through experiential learning and play. I view myself to be open-minded as I provide children with the time and space that they need to work on their dispositions and working theories. As an early childhood teacher, I am strongly committed to Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum document and value a holistic approach to my teaching and learning through play and child-centeredness. My goal of “Kōrero I roto I te reo Māori anake” “Speaking Māori fluently” enhances my teaching philosophy and aims to fulfil my strong commitment towards the bicultural aspect of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Relevant Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Teaching)
• Diploma in Early Childhood Education - Level 5 (Teaching)
• Certificate in Early Childhood Education - Level 4

I have had a strong passion of supporting children to reach their full potential. This stemmed from my diverse educational roles in New Zealand and overseas, mainly in special education. I believe learning happens when it is through children’s personal interests in positively challenging, multi-literate and bicultural environments, and within authentic reciprocal relationships. My personal philosophy for teaching and learning values the importance of respect, relationships, and joy. 

 Relevant Qualifications:

• Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood education)
• Bachelor of Education
• Master of Arts in English

In the meanwhile, I have pursued my academic interests, especially in the transition from preschool to school, and completed my postgraduate degrees at the University of Auckland.

 It is absolutely fortunate for me to be part of this wonderful community; I do my utmost to contribute to its well-being and further growth through early childhood education. With children, I love dancing, music, and outdoor activities!

 Relevant Qualifications:

• Master of Education
• Postgraduate Diploma in Education
• Bachelor of Teaching

I am very passionate about supporting children to develop at their best potential level in nurturing, stimulating and fun-loving environment. I believe that every child is unique, and the environment and the curriculum can enable them to develop their sense of identity, confidence, enjoyment and skills.

 In my leisure time I love listening to music. I love travelling and be with the nature. I also enjoy reading books.

 I have been married for 23 years now and blessed with two children who are the major reason for my happiness. I like to spemd quality time with them.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

 I love my work as it involves being around children. The innocent smile and the unconditional love that emanates from them, fills my heart with joy and happiness.

 What is your personal philosophy?

 A quote that I think in compass my personal philosophy is children are not vessels to be filled but lamps to be lit…..

I have always had a passion for Early Childhood. I love supporting and encouraging tamariki minds in their early years.  Building strong relationships with them is important to me. Seeing tamariki develop to their full potential, watching them grow makes it worthwhile to be part of their lives.

I look forward to spending time with tamariki and Whanau.

Food and hospitality are the ways I express love and respect for the people around me, small or big. Food safety and hygiene are my passion, and I enjoy designing healthy menus. I have a Level 5 Diploma in Professional Cookery.

I have four children, three young sons aged 16, 17, and 18 years old, and my 3 year old princess who reminds me everyday why I love to do this job. I have always enjoyed being around children and find it very rewarding being a part of their learning and development. It is a great privilege for me to work with and care for your little ones, look forward to meeting you and your whanau.

Kia Manuia