Alex Li
Alex 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.
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Selena Newman
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.
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Rinosa Saleem
Rinosa 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.
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Pam Suliafu
Pam 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.
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Liz Schmidt
Liz 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.
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Van Singh
Van started teaching in Kakamatua in 2022. She has a background in psychology and began studying education a few years ago however due to personal reasons has put her studies on hold.
Van was born in Fiji and moved to Auckland when she was just a year old and has lived in West Auckland ever since.
Van enjoys travelling, going out to different restaurants, exploring nature and spending time with her closest friends and family.
Van absolutely adores the Kakamatua room, and is passionate about all things nutrition and hāuora. She is grateful to be able to teach and work with children. It is such a rewarding experience for her.
Leave footprints of love and kindness on every step on your journey.
-Winnie the Pooh
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