Kia Ora!  

My name is Meg, and I have recently graduated from EIT with a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood). I am lucky to call Hawke’s Bay home and have a strong passion for Surf Life Saving at Ocean Beach, which I have been a part of for almost 13 years. I also love to take advantage of all the beautiful hikes we have here and spending time with my -tdog Albie! 

For me, respectful practice is at the forefront of everything I do. I believe that children deserve to learn within a calm, unhurried environment where their development unfolds naturally, and their curiosities and unique dispositions are celebrated. Emmi Piklers approach to infant care is one which resonates with me and has helped create my personal philosophy for teaching.  

I feel incredibly privileged that I have the opportunity to begin my teaching career here at Awhina and look forward to meeting you all and being a part of your child’s learning journey! 

Kia ora Āwhina whānau!

I am Beccy, born and raised in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay - I grew up in the beautiful outdoors, hunting and fishing with my whānau and to me family is everything.  This heavily influences my teaching practice, to me relationships with children and their whānau is the foundation to a successful learning journey.   

I completed my Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) in 2015 and I feel so lucky to be here at Āwhina and love getting to know you and supporting your children.

My partner and I have recently purchased our first home in Greenmeadows, farm kids have moved to town.

I love to keep fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle, have a strong love for the outdoors and enjoy hunting, fishing, tramping and cooking for my family.

Kia Ora Whanau!

My name is Lucie, born & bred in Hawkes Bay. I have been teaching in primary schools for the last 10 years. I have taught in Auckland & in the UK but most recently with new entrants in Hastings at Frimley School. I have also recently completed my Steiner teaching certificate at Taruna.

I am so excited to be moving into the early years and being part of the magic and fun that this age group brings - and what a beautiful setting to be doing that in, at Āwhina.

Tēnā koutou, my name is Bella.

I am a first-year EIT (Eastern Institute of Technology) student studying for a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. I am 22 years old and live in Havelock North. I grew up on a farm in the beautiful high country of Taihape. Working on the farm with my Dad was one of the many highlights of my childhood, and I still love being out there when I go home in my spare time; I also enjoy going for walks with my friends and being with my wonderful family.

I was a full-time ECE Teacher in Christchurch last year, and being there made me realise how passionate I am about early childhood education and the importance of supporting every childs unique learning journey to encourage them to become these amazing learners. I am very grateful to be a part of the Āwhina whānau and excited to share my learning journey with all our amazing Tamariki and whānau

Kia Ora!

My name is Skye, and I am the cook at Āwhina. I have 5 years’ experience working in an ECE setting and since becoming a part of Āwhina whānau, I have discovered my passion for cooking. Providing our tamariki with delicious, nutritious food to fuel their growing bodies and minds brings me great joy.

I have lived in Hawke’s Bay my entire life and I absolutely love being a part of our amazing community. At home, my husband and I have five kids and our fur baby Kallo. In my spare time I enjoy exploring our local bush and beaches with my family.

I am super excited to be a part of the Āwhina whānau and look forward to sharing this journey with all our wonderful tamariki and whānau.

Kamusta!

I am Elyssa, the newest addition to the Āwhina family. I was born in the Philippines but spent my early childhood in the United States. My family moved back to the Philippines where I lived for nine years in a Chinese-Filipino environment before moving to New Zealand in 2016. My cultural identity is mixed, and — like our children — I am continuously learning about our world in Aotearoa.

Due to my background in psychology and child development, I greatly prioritise the socio-emotional development of our tamariki. The support and tools we teach them in childhood will be invaluable to them as they grow and must inevitably experience all aspects of human life. My belief in such is complemented by my desire for them to enjoy learning in a lighthearted and fun environment. You might notice this when you see me on the front lines playing with our children, teasing them, and acting silly.