falu
Centre Owner/ Manager

Falu

Namaste, Kia Ora My name is Falguni  (Falu).

I have a Masters degree in early  childhood. I am a proud mum of two  daughters. I believe that learning is a lifelong journey, and we never stop,  therefore why not learn from our tamariki who are expert learners. I believe in “Tuakana – Teina” relationships in which learners become teachers and teachers become learners. I thrive on the opportunity to learn and teach alongside the brilliant tamariki of Kaha Kids. I have been teaching from 2002 and now have this great opportunity to own a centre which aligns my philosophy. 

Sahara
Centre Cook

Sahara

Kia Ora! My name is Sahara, and I’m an 18-year-old girl who has just finished Year 13. I have a European and Samoan background and come from a large family that keeps me busy, especially with all the kids and babies around. As the eldest daughter and granddaughter, I’ve always felt a natural connection to working with children, which has fueled my passion for it. I live on a farm in Muriwai with my parents, my two younger sisters, my partner, two Rottweiler dogs, and various farm animals, which has helped me develop a love for animals and the outdoors. My family is deeply involved in music; we all play instruments and enjoy singing together. I have also been active in sports, playing in top premier netball and serving as captain in my final year of high school, as well as competing in waka ama. I’m excited about the opportunity to build strong and trusting relationships with the tamariki and their whanau as I continue my journey in working with children.

christyl
Pre-School Teacher

Christyl

Kia Ora! Mabuhay! I am Christyl.

Philippines  is my hometown rich in biodiversity, unique  cuisine, and friendly locals. I recently  relocated to New Zealand, and I’m excited to  be in this beautiful, multicultural nation with  such diverse population and unspoiled natural  beauty. With a curriculum for kids and an  education, teaching in this lovely country is  a dream come true. I am a committed  educator who believes that every child can  learn.

I believe that all children are special  and require a teacher who will attend to their  needs in a setting that is both secure and  stimulating where they can explore and  discover at their own meaningful ways.

Maria
Pre-School Teacher

Maria

Mabuhay! I am Maria.

I am from the Philippines,  a country that has diverse culture and local  traditions and is known for being hospitable. I  am a nature lover person.  

I am a Master Teacher in my previous school  and have been teaching for almost 16 years. My  experiences helped me to become a more  efficient and effective teacher. I believe  that through play, children learn valuable  skills that support their social, physical, and 

cognitive development. I hope to use my  holistic teaching approach and innovative  skills to benefit the learners of Kaha Kids  Centre. 

 

Elise
Head Teacher - Nursery

Elise

Kia Ora my name is Elise,

I am a qualified and fully registered early childhood teacher. I have been working alongside children for the last fifteen years. I live in Huapai with my husband and our two young boys who both join me at Pipis. My passion lies in inclusive education, I value individual differences in children and strive to provide equitable learning opportunities and care that meets their individual needs. I believe in a calm and respectful practice and just giving our little ones the love for learning. I whole heartedly value the process not the product! I am truly honoured to be a part of each children’s learning journey here at Pipis and look forward to getting to know you all better

Lola
Teacher - Nursery

Lola

I am proudly South African and immigrated to New Zealand 14 years ago with my husband and two daughters who were 8 and 3 at the time. I have been teaching for 13 years and absolutely love my profession. My family is my everything. I love to travel and back packed around Europe when I was 24, visiting about seven countries including, London, Greece, Turkey, Spain, Germany, France, and Holland. Since then, I’ve been to America and Australia and plan to travel lots more in the future. I love seeing new places and meeting new people. I am very outgoing and have a large circle of friends. I enjoy long beach walks, camping, movies, music, family gatherings and I love to dance! My passion is children and I love love love babies. I believe the early years set the foundation for lifelong learning and that the experiences children have during their early childhood shapes their brain and their capacity to learn, to get along with others, and to respond to daily stresses and challenges. I love a playful, nurturing setting that is filled with love, respect and numerous opportunities for growth and development, where caring, trusting relationships can be built.

Kim.
Teacher - Nursery

Kim

Kia Ora my name is Kim

I am a mother of three and a grandmother to six. I have worked here at Precious Pipis for eighteen years in both Preschool and Nursery. I take great pride in the bonds I develop with our tamariki that you trust into our care. I love being a part of their development, helping them to strive with confidence in being able to anything they want by providing a safe and encouraging environment when children can explore and learn through play.

Kurtney
Teacher - Nursery

Kurtney

Mangangdang Araw!

My name is Kurtney. I am from the Philippines, a country renowned for its diverse cultures and natural beauty. Teaching in New Zealand is my lifelong dream because of its innate beauty of nature and how New Zealand’s education system is highly regarded and known for its quality and innovation. Even after over four years of teaching, I am convinced that education is the key to young students’ success. As a teacher, I want to empower students to identify their inner talents and capabilities and learn what motivates them. I’m responsible for creating a stimulating learning atmosphere that inspires students to believe in their own judgements and builds their self confidence so they may reach their maximum potential I am looking forward to learning and growing with you all.

Caitlyn image
Teacher - Nursery

Caitlyn

Kia Ora,
My name is Caitlyn! I am a German/Maori born and raised in west Auckland. I have one son who I absolutely adore. I enjoy spending quality time with my friends and family, traveling and cars. I have been working in ECE specifically in a nursery room for many years. I have a huge passion/love for children and enjoy watching them learn new things, develop milestones, grow and get messy. I look forward to meeting you and to grow strong bonds with your whānau and tamariki.

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Teacher - PRESCHOOL

Cass

Kia Ora,
My name is Cass! Kia'ora my name is Cass, I am a mom of 3 children. 2 school aged boys and 1 girl named River who will be attending Kaha Kids alongside me. I have been teaching for 13 years. I have a passion for nature and the outdoors and are encouraged by providing children with real life experiences. I look forward to getting to know you and your children. Arohanui

Maelene photo
Head Teacher - Preschool

Maelene

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Teacher - Preschool

Monika

Kia Ora

My name is Maelene. I completed my Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) in 2010 and have been teaching ever since. I recently made the decision to go back to study and have just finished my Postgraduate Diploma Specialist Teaching (Early Intervention).

As well as being a teacher, i am also a mum to a very active five-year-old boy and a wife. We share our house with two very spoilt ginger cats called Brno and Max and our loud cockatiel, Tino.

I am looking forward to getting to know you all, so please do not hesitate to come over and say hi. 

 

 

 

 

Kia Ora Koutou/ Namaste ji

My name is Monika Rani. I am from Punjab, in the Northwest part of India. I have recently completed my Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education. I am a proud mother of two children. I love to spend time with children, and for me, the best part of children is watching them grow with activities, fun, and adventures. I believe in positivity, being positive makes me closer to children and understanding their needs and interests. I try new ways for children to support their learning and development as every child learns uniquely.

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