Priyanka Poulton
Priyanka holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Laws. Originally from Dunedin, she recently relocated to Auckland. Her passion for early childhood education began while studying Developmental Psychology at university. Priyanka understands that the first 1,000 days of a child’s life have a profound impact on their development, which is why she’s so excited to be working at Pīwaka. Priyanka enjoys dancing and Pilates as a way to recharge. She also makes regular trips to Sydney to spend quality time with her whānau.
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Ashna Deo
Ashna holds Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) and Post Grad Diploma in Education and is a fully registered teacher having worked in the sector for over 10 years. Ashna is from the beautiful Island of Fiji and moved to Aotearoa New Zealand when she was 15 and is now proud to call New Zealand her home.
Ashna lives in Henderson Valley with her husband and cat Pumba. She enjoys spending time with her family, baking, cooking, painting and gardening in her spare time.
Ashna’s passion for teaching and learning started when she was taking care of her younger brothers. Ashna believes in creating a great sense of belonging for herself, the tamariki and their whānau, by building respectful and reciprocal relationships.
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Aina Talavou
Aina joins Te Henga as a permanent teacher, having relieved at Pīwaka for over 3 years mainly in the younger room. Aina has 6 siblings and is the middle child. She is also an aunty to three cheeky and enthusiastic nephews and one beautiful niece. In her free time she plays with her nephews and niece and cares for them while their parents would have a day to themselves, or you would find her hiking with her best friends at a random place or reading.
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Pam Suliafu
Pam holds Bachelor of Teaching ECE and is a fully registered teacher with over 9 years of experience. As a kaiako Pam values working in partnership with whānau to support and nurture the uniqueness of all children.
In her free time Pam collaborates with Oranga Tamariki as a respite caregiver, focusing on assisting children in foster care with additional needs.
Pam is currently on a journey to learn NZSL and absolutely loves it.
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Maddy Kaushal
Maddy joined us in April 2024 as a reliever 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. Maddy is in Muriwai room Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
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Tethika Gamage
Tethika joins the Kakamatua team having just graduated from high school and is quickly learning the ropes of Early Childhood teaching. Tethika’s mum also teaches in Muriwai Room Originally from Sri Lanka, from a family of 4; my mum, dad and younger sister. Learning how tamariki express, and process emotion is my interest, which is why I am hoping to complete a BSc in Psychology by next year and hopefully specialise in child psychology further on.
In her free time Tethika loves to read fiction or compose poetry, She thinks it’s important to stay imaginative and curious.
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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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Alice Chu
Alice 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!
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Amber Le-Pine Williams
Amber has a Bachelor of Education from Auckland University. Amber is born and raised in Waitakere and loves her community. Amber has been working with children for over 8 year and in ECE for 5 years. Amber loves listening to children speak and values their opinion, she believes children are some of the best teachers and remind us to enjoy the little things. Amber enjoys teaching gardening and science and has a passion for sustainability. Amber is a proud mum of 3 and feels privileged to be caring for your tamariki.
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Jing Wen
Jing holds a Graduate Diploma ECE and is provisionally registered. Jing has a deep love for tamariki because each one is like an angel, unique and different. Respect and trust are at the core of her philosophy.
Jing has an eight-year-old daughter, and has been living in New Zealand for five years. They love this country—the scenery is beautiful, and the people are incredibly kind and friendly.
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