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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Simon Baker
Simon 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.
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Marnie Hughes
Marnie 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.
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Fazina Asad
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,
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Ebony Sheppard
Ebony 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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Sanjeewani Pallage
Sanjeewani holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Diploma in pedagogical teaching from Sri Lanka.
Sanjeewani has been teaching for more than 10 years, mainly primary school in Sri Lanka. We welcomed her to Pīwaka in December ’23 and are introducing her to Te Whariki.
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