Leetal holds a Graduate Diploma in Teaching ECE and is fully certified. Leetal is one of our longest standing Pīwaka teachers, having taught in our babies’ room for over 8 years. Leetal is passionate about teaching with aroha and does her best to ensure that your young ones develop Trust and a sense of Belonging in their new home. Leetal has two young children of her own, and is such a wealth of knowledge for all you new mothers.
Read MoreAlex holds a Graduate Diploma Teaching (ECE) and originally from China. Alex has 6 years NZ of experience in Early Childhood Education across different age groups, building meaningful relationships with tamariki and whānau has become one of her favourite parts of teaching.
Outside of teaching, Alex is a proud mama to a 14-month-old daughter, Tilly, who is currently in the Te Henga room. Her family also includes a lovely greyhound named Obi. He is named after Obi-Wan as he was adopted on Star Wars Day!
In her free time, you’ll often find her going on walks with her family, drawing, travelling, or learning different languages.
Selena holds a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood) and is a fully registered teacher with extensive experience in the early childhood sector since 2000. She took a brief hiatus to raise her two boys, but her passion for early childhood education has always been at the core of her career. Selena is dedicated to fostering developmental growth and providing quality learning experiences for young children. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, including her husband, two boys, and twin sister.
Selena oversees the curriculum at Pīwaka supporting the Team Leaders and spends 3 days a week in Kakamatua room.
Read MoreSimon holds a B Ed Early Childhood and is a fully registered teacher. Simon grew up in Whāngarei. He enjoys spending his weekends going to the beach or spending time with family and friends. Having fun is a priority in ECE and Simon makes sure that the children always have a smile on their face and have something new to share with their whānau after a day full of learning and playing.
Read MoreAria holds a Bachelor of Education from AUT and was born and raised in West Auckland, where she feels strongly connected to her community. In her spare time, she enjoys music and walking her dog along the beach. Aria is a passionate kaiako with six years of experience, mainly working with children over two. Aria loves creating fun, engaging experiences that support tamariki to learn and grow. She values building a warm, nurturing, and safe environment where tamariki can freely express themselves, while fostering calm and respectful relationships with whānau and the Pīwaka team
Read MorePenny is currently studying towards her Bachelor of Education ECE at Unitec. She is a passionate kaiako with one and a half of experience working with both pēpi and older tamariki. Penny has a strong love for music, and enjoys engaging children through singing songs and waiata. Penny values the importance of care moments, such as bottle feeding and supporting tamariki to sleep, seeing these as meaningful opportunities to build secure, trusting relationships. and believes all tamariki are entitled to respect and autonomy. She is committed to fostering calm, responsive, and respectful interactions among me, tamariki, whānau, and the Piwaka team.
Read MorePaige loves working with children and being part of their learning journey. She enjoys creating fun, engaging experiences and helping tamariki feel happy and secure. In her free time, she likes to dance and play netball. Paige brings creativity and energy into the classroom every day.
Read MoreBrittany holds a bachelor of Education and has a real passion for working with young tamariki and love being part of their learning journeys as they grow and explore the world around them.
Brittany is a proud mum of 3, which has given her a deep appreciation for how special the early years are. She believes in creating a warm, nurturing learning environment where every child feels safe, valued, and encouraged to be themselves. Brittany is really looking forward to getting to know all the tamariki and their whānau!
Read MoreRinosa moved to New Zealand from Sri Lanka around a year ago. Rinosa lives with her teenage children and husband. In her spare time she enjoy watching movies, cooking and spending time with her family. Rinosa was a teacher aid back home in Sri Lanka helping 4-5 year old children.
Rinosa is excited to be part of the Kakamatua teaching team and the Piwaka whanau. She is hoping to help your tamariki developing their language skills and being able to work with one another.
This is the first time she has worked with this age group and is willing to build on her confidence skills, being able to communicate and getting to know your children.
Read MoreAina is a permanent teacher in Te Henga after relieving at Pīwaka for over four years, mainly in Huia room. Coming from a big family with six siblings, she values strong relationships and caring for others. Aina is also a proud aunty to her energetic nephews and beautiful niece, and enjoys spending quality time with them. In her free time, she loves hiking with friends, reading, and exploring new places. Passionate about supporting tamariki in their learning and development, Aina has also decided to study Early Childhood Education through NZTC to complete her degree in ECE and continue growing in her teaching journey.
Read MorePam holds Bachelor of Teaching ECE and is a fully registered teacher with over 10 years of experience. As a kaiako draws on her Tongan heritage to inform her practice, fostering an environment grounded in kindness, respect, and meaningful engagement. She values strong partnerships with whānau and is committed to supporting, nurturing, and celebrating the unique strengths of every child.
Outside of her professional role, Pam works in collaboration with Oranga Tamariki as a respite caregiver, supporting children in foster care with additional needs. Pam is also currently learning New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), a journey she is deeply passionate about.
Maddy joined us in April 2024 and holds a Bachelor of Education Degree (Early Childhood) from India. Maddy has a bubbly personality who is passionate about early childhood education. She enjoys children's company and always strive to create an environment where children's learning and development are ensured. Children are unique and have their own way of learning and growing.
Read MoreLiz holds a B Ed Early Education and is a fully registered kaiako with over 7 years experience in ECE. Liz is passionate about fostering a learning environment where each child is seen as a unique driver of their own learning. Liz believes that all tamariki are born with a natural curiosity and fascination with the world around them. As a kaiako, my role is to support and guide them, ensuring they learn at their own pace within a warm, secure, and welcoming environment that encourages exploration and growth. Liz strives to create opportunities that help our tamariki to thrive and engage with the world in ways that are meaningful to them. In her downtime, Liz loves spending time with her aiga and friends, going for walks, hikes, brunching, and simply relaxing.
Read MoreAlice holds a Graduate Diploma Teaching ECE and is a fully registered teacher, graduating in 2022
Originally from Taiwan, Alice has lived in NZ since 2011 and has developed a deep passion for supporting tamariki’s early learning and development. Alice is excited to explore the unique nature and potential of tamariki in Muriwai Room and to grow and learn alongside them!
Read MoreEsther is a gentle compassionate teacher with over 5 years working with children. Esther loves playing instruments, helping her family whenever she can and spending time with her nieces and nephews.
Read MoreKilisi holds a B Ed Early Childhood and is fully certified. Kilisi has been in the Te Henga room for over 6 years and loves working with this age group. She is an active member of her church and the Tongan community.
Read MoreMarnie completed her Bachelor of Education specialising in ECE and is fully certificated. Marnie has a teenage daughter and has a keen interest in sport, especially hockey. She enjoys the outdoors and looks to transfer these interests in her everyday teaching practice.
Read MoreJanelle holds a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) and is a fully registered teacher with seven years of experience in early childhood education. As a kaiako, Janelle is passionate about supporting children to become confident and competent individuals, creating meaningful relationships that nurture their learning, wellbeing, and sense of belonging. She values strong partnerships with whānau and is committed to supporting and celebrating the aspirations, strengths, and individuality of every child.
Outside of her professional role, Janelle enjoys spending time in nature, particularly walking through the Waitākere Ranges, and spending time with whānau and friends.
Fazina holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from Unitec Institute of Technology, which she completed in 2023, where she was awarded the Senior Scholar Award. She is also a fully registered teacher. Fazina has a Master’s degree from Auckland University of Technology and received the Dean’s Award for her outstanding achievement.
Fazina loves being part of Pīwaka and is the Pīwaka Group Coordinator. She lives locally in New Lynn with her daughter and mother. In her spare time, Fazina enjoys travelling with her daughter and reading. Fazina is from Fiji,
Read MoreEbony is currently in the final year of completing a Bachelor’s degree in ECE and recently welcomed her daughter, Amara, who joined us in the Huia room. Having lived in West Auckland for most of her life, Ebony values the strong culture and sense of community the area offers. She enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends and is passionate about creating a safe, caring, and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow.
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