Amber Le-Pine Williams

Amber has a Bachelor of Education from Auckland University and is fully certified. 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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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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Piha RoomPhil Houghton
Stacey Heavey

Stacey holds a Bachelor of Teaching ECE and is a fully certificated teacher. Stacey believes in empowering and uplifting the mana of each child as they are considered taonga. She is passionate about working alongside infants, and respectful care is a huge part of her teaching philosophy and teaching practice. Stacey honored to have her three tamariki with her here at Pīwaka, where they are secure in their identity, culture and unique ways of learning.

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Stevie Wall

Stevie holds a B Ed Early Childhood and is a fully certified teacher. Stevie has been part of the Piwaka whānau since 2018, proudly calling the Muriwai room her home ever since. Outside of mahi, I’m a wife and a mum to my energetic two‑year‑old son, Micah, who keeps me learning, laughing, and constantly inspired.
My teaching is guided by the principles of Te Whāriki, especially whanaungatanga and creating a warm, welcoming sense of belonging. Building genuine, trusting relationships is at the heart of everything I do. I love taking the time to really get to know each child and their whānau — their stories, strengths, cultures, and aspirations so we can work together in a way that feels meaningful and empowering. Through this partnership‑focused approach, Stevie aims to uplift each child’s mana, nurture their confidence, and support them to shine in their own unique learning journey.

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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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Steph Edwards

Steph started working in Piwaka in January 2024 before joining the Huia Team in July 2024. Steph has been a nanny for 6 years with the same family and an Education Worker for 3 years working in centres in West Auckland. In her spare time Steph enjoys fishing and hanging out with her cat and partner.

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Heleana McNair Burns

Heleana started working in Piwaka in July 2023 as a reliever before joining the Huia Team in January 2024. Heleana has two and a half years previous experience working with infants. Her goal as a Kaiako is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where tamariki are able to always have a sense of well-being and belonging.

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Huia RoomPhil Houghton
Pei-Pei Wang

Pei-Pei is a highly experienced teacher, having taught infants and toddlers since 2011, when she moved here from Taiwan. She believes each child is a ‘unique seed’ and as a kaiako she waters them with love, respect, care, trust and playfulness. She is also a mother of two daughters. Pei-Pei enjoys watching movies and swimming in her free time.

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Huia RoomPhil Houghton