Nau mai, haere mai ki Te Whare Kawakawa.
The native kawakawa plant has been used for centuries by Māori for its medicinal properties to support a healthy body and mind. It symbolises our connection with Papatūānuku and te taiao (nature) and how it nurtures our health and well-being; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Te Whare Kawakawa offers a supportive and responsive environment that supports the individual learning journey of tamariki ages 3 1/2 to 5 years.
Whanaungatanga is at the centre of what we do as kaiako. Through our relationships with tamariki and whānau, we are nurturing the sense of belonging of the tamaiti while supporting their holistic development. Te Whāriki (our New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum) guides our individual planning for tamariki which is also shaped by the needs, interests, and dispositions of the tamaiti, their voice, and the aspirations from their whānau.
Here in Te Whare Kawakawa, our daily programme is shaped by the individual planning, the strengths and interests of the teaching team, and the needs of our local community. We aim to support all tamariki with a responsive environment that encourages play and learning which fosters the development of self-worth, identity, confidence, self-regulation, health and well-being. With a large community garden, we nurture the understanding around te taiao and our role as kaitiaki of our natural environment. We also develop our learning around the role of kaitiaki by engaging in sustainable practices like composting and taking care of the pātaka kai.
Our Teaching Teams are an important part of our centre as they offer consistency for tamariki and support whanaungatanga and manaakitanga between kaiako, the tamaiti and their whānau. By focusing on nurturing these relationships, kaiako are supporting whakamana; empowering tamariki to reach their full potential.
Below is the Teaching Team for Te Whare Kawakawa; click their names to find out more about them.
Hi, I’m Mike and I am the team leader in the Totara Room.
I have been teaching in Early Childhood since 1997. I am married and have five children. I am a dedicated, energetic and passionate teacher and the focus of my teaching is that it has to be fun! Lots of laughter, nonsense, and happiness. Story-telling and drama are very important to me and I enjoy delivering stories through many different fun ways.
Kia ora, my name is Ruby.
I graduated from Teachers College in 2024 and have a Bachelor of ECE Teaching. I am married with two children, one teenager and one primary aged. I love spending time with my family and having lots of fun with the children at work.
Kia ora, my name is Nicky.
I am a registered kaiako with a Diploma in Early Childhood Education. I am married with two children who once have attended this centre. I have been supporting and caring for children for over 20 years and have been teaching here at Surrey Park for over 10 years. I enjoy music, classic cars, and spending time with family and friends.
Tena koutou, ko Zana toku ingoa, no Waihopai ahau. I have been teaching since 2010 and have a Degree in Primary Teaching (Bilingual) as well as a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education.
I have two tamariki, Manny and Harris who keep me busy at home. I enjoy coming to mahi and I don’t like missing out on all of the fun! I like doing anything creative with the children, music, learning about other cultures, singing waiata and gardening.
Kia ora my name is Nicky. (aka Nicky Bob)
I am married to Andrew and have two children, Sam and Zeke. I have a Diploma in Teaching ECE, and I have been at Surrey Park since 1993. Working with tamariki and their whanau is my passion. I love coming to work and doing what I love. I also have a passion for gardening and home DIY. Whenever the sun is out I’m in my garden.
Namaskara(Hello)
I’m Shalet from South of India (Mangalore). I have a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce. I am married to Vivan and have 2 beautiful girls Melissa and Melina. Before moving to Invercargill, I worked as an ECE reliever in Dunedin. I enjoy cooking, travelling, gardening and watching movies. Children are truly amazing and it’s a joy to see them play, learn and have fun in everything they do. As a Mum I know how precious these preschool years are and I am happy to be a part of the Surrey Park Early Learning Centre team.
My Name is Krystal. I am a qualified Early Childhood kaiako/teacher with 7 years experience working in Early Childhood across all age groups.
I’m very excited to be joining Te whare Kawakawa. I am looking forward to getting to know you all. I am very friendly and chatty and have passion in building strong relationships wioth Tamariki, Whanau and the community.
I have a beautiful daughter who is almost 20 months old and is in the Waihopai room. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with whanau and friends, walking and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.
