A bunch of loving, trusting wonderful humans! Our team includes our staff, our governance board and our fundraising committee

I have been working in ECE since 2011 and started working as a home based educator which enabled me to work and be at home for my children. In 2019 I came to Te Akonga as a student and never left as this place feels just right for me and we have a very good team of amazing teachers. I am now a qualified and certified teacher with a Bachelor Degree in ECE. 

I am passionate about creating a warm, welcoming home-like learning environment that promotes secure, respectful, and reciprocal relationships in which children feel loved. To offer an inclusive and play based curriculum in which I can support learning opportunities that are relevant, meaningful, and engaging to children. 

I have been married for 23 years and have two children, a son, and a daughter.  We have a variety of animals in and around the house and I love being outside to enjoy all nature has to offer. Hence my love for the outdoors and leading the Monday Envirokidz programme. 

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I hold bachelor’s degree in ECE and a Diploma in Primary School Education at the United College of Education in Zimbabwe - where I am from. I believe that children everywhere develop in similar ways and according to the
universal stages of development; that they are not passive learners but social
actors who make important contributions to their development.

I love my job, especially here at Te Akonga where there is real inclusiveness and embracing of cultural diversity. I also love being part of this amazing family.

Kia ora, I’m Jo and I am a qualified, certificated teacher with a Bachelor Degree in ECE. I first came to Te Akonga in 2014 as a student teacher and knew it was a place where I wanted to stay, due to the inclusive philosophy and the caring, welcoming environment.

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I fully believe in respectful care for all children, and take my inspiration from the early childhood literature of Wallis, Gerber and Pikler. As a teacher I strive to provide each child with a secure and loving place to spend their time. If that is achieved then learning and fun will follow. 

I look forward to meeting your beautiful children and forming solid relationships with your whānau.

I'm a teacher in training here at Te Akonga. I'm currently studying through Te Rito o Maioha, to become a qualified ECE teacher. I first arrived at Te Akonga as an Education Support Worker before joining the team. Before heading into this journey of becoming an ECE teacher, I knew nothing but my own motherly instincts as I am the proud mother of three beautiful, talented tamariki. It is through Te Akonga that I have grown to love my place within the centre and also the community. I'm ever so grateful to be working alongside beautiful, kind hearted women whom I have learnt a lot from over these past years. I love how our centre is strong in whanaungatanga, kotahitanga and manaakitanga. No reira, tena koutou katoa.

Kia ora, my journey here at Te Akonga started in 2019 as a parent where with my eldest daughter joined Koru followed by my youngest daughter joining Pitau . Over that time I began my degree in early childhood teaching and thought what better way to begin my teaching career than with the amazing kaiako and tamariki at Te Akonga. I started as a reliever, left to have my youngest child, then returned where my son joined Pitau and I became a permanent kaiako in Koru. I now hold my diploma and bachelors degree in early childhood education, and cherish working alongside the Te Akonga whānau. I enjoy finding new ways to support and engage tamariki in a variety of learning experiences. Group learning experiences is a major focus within my teaching where tamariki are encouraged to work alongside one another, developing a variety of social skills. I strongly believe in inclusive and equitable opportunities for all tamariki and whānau which is why Te Akonga is the place for me and my whānau.

In 2009 my husband and I chose to make New Zealand our home. We became parents and I learnt that children can be our greatest teachers if we are open and available to them. My son's kindergarten experience led me to a career change, and I completed my Bachelors degree in Education (ECE).

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Studying education in Aotearoa gave me understanding and ultimately a deep respect for Te Ao Māori, which now underpins my views and values as a Kaiako. Understanding the interconnectivity of all living things brings new meaning to respectful and reciprocal relationships. I am proudly committed to practice and citizenship that honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

I view children as complete and powerful beings within their cultural context, unfolding like a koru in their own time and rhythm. I work alongside children to stimulate their innate curiosity and drive to explore, investigate, question and test their theories, challenge themselves and connect their learning experiences to make sense of the world around them.

I believe curiosity fosters inquiry and life-long learning.

I place high value on whānau relationships, as it is only when we connect and work together to provide continuity and a home-away-from home environment that tamariki truly thrive.

I have been part of the Te Akonga whānau for many years, firstly as a parent when my two younger children came through our centre, then as a reliever, an education support worker, as a staff member in both Koru and Pitau and I am now part of the Pitau team full time.

I thoroughly enjoy working with our tamariki and helping them to flourish within our environment whilst being part of an amazing team.

Working in early childhood has always been a big passion of mine and I can remember my grandparents telling me when I was much younger that they could see me having a career just like I have now.  I have a love for nature and animals, and have recently discovered that I enjoy photography, especially capturing shots of our tamariki in action.

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I started working at Te Akonga as a reliever in 2020 and in 2022 moved into a permanent as part of the wonderful Koru team.  During my time at Te Akonga I have learnt so much and have been able to create beautiful bonds with the tamariki.

I strongly believe that every child deserves equal learning opportunities and this is reflected in everything Te Akonga is about.

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Kia Ora, I am a mother of two beautiful girls, through which I discovered my passion for teaching.  I began my teaching career in 2014 and hold a higher certificate in Early Childhood Development.  I believe that every child deserves respect and gentle care in a loving environment where they will be supported to reach their full potential and grow into independent individuals.

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I started my journey at Te Akonga as a reliever in September 2019 and am privileged to have became a full time member of the Koru team, where I am able to work alongside a great group of teachers.

I started my journey at Te Akonga as a parent. I have 2 daughters that both attend Te Akonga and they love coming every day. It fills me with such Aroha watching my children thrive here.

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I have always wanted to work with children since I was young and it is my dream to become a fully qualified ECE Teacher in the near future. Other than working my dream job I have a true passion for sports and love a good old dance party.

When a position became available in 2022 for the role of Kitchen & Laundry Assistant I jumped at the chance of joining such an amazing team. In 2023 a further opportunity presented itself to move into a role that would see me working alongside the Pitau Team in a permanent teaching role. I have loved every day in this role and the Te Akonga family have given me so much love and support in all areas of my life. I love working on and building relationships with all of our tamariki, whānau and staff.

My personal information is coming soon..........................