The Team:

Maureen (Nursery Head Teacher - Certificated Kaiako):

Kia Ora, 

My name is Maureen and I am a fully registered Kaiako working in the Kiwi Kids nursery as of January 2022. A little bit about myself, I was born in the Netherlands but brought up in the Kapiti Coast and relocated to Christchurch.

I have a bachelor's degree double majoring in Education and Psychology, and in 2021 completed my graduate diploma in teaching and learning (early childhood).

Before entering the field of education, I studied tourism and flight attending, which instilled a passion in me for gaining new experiences and meeting new people.

I believe that learning is a lifelong journey filled with new experiences and opportunities for growth. Tamariki should be active participants of their own learning and treated as valued individuals in a safe and secure environment.

It is important to me that all tamariki and whānau feel a sense of belonging in the centre and that their aspirations are interwoven into daily practice. I believe, therefore, that it is my responsibility as an educator to provide a collaborative space where learning is inclusive and accessible, diversity of thought is treasured, and cultural learning experiences are valued and promoted.

I look forward to working with all the tamariki and whānau at Kiwi Kids and can't wait to see what lies ahead.

Courtney  (Junior Preschool Head Teacher - Certificated Kaiako):

Kia Ora,

My name is Courtney, and I have been working here at Kiwi Kids Preschool since January 2012 within the Junior Preschool. I am the Head Teacher of our class and 2IC for the centre. In 2015 I completed further studies and upgraded to a Bachelor of Teaching and Leadership (ECE).

My passion is working with toddler aged children, I believe that by knowing and understanding each child and their different needs, this allows me to help their interests, ideas and beliefs. It is important to me that all children are treated as individuals, valued and respected.

I believe all children should feel safe, comfortable and secure while also feeling a sense of belonging while being in our care. I believe that my role is to be a voice for the children, making sure they are heard, valued, understood and protected. I have a real passion for providing the children with arts, crafts, science, nature and messy play as this gives them the opportunity to explore, gain new knowledge and make sense of the world around them.

I believe that the children learn though doing, being involved and learning is based around the process and not the final product. I love watching children explore, make new friendships, challenge themselves and enjoy their day while being here at Kiwi Kids.

I also have a huge passion for mentorship and working alongside such wonderful teachers and supporting them in their growth, knowledge, inspiration and confidence. This is something I take great joy in and together we are always learning.

Tania (Big Preschool Head Teacher Harakeke- Certificated Kaiako): 

Kia Ora,

My name is Tania; I am a mum to two girls and a grandmother. Over the last twenty years I have worked across a variety of Early Childhood Centres and a range of philosophies, including Montessori, throughout the motu due to relocating several times with my husband’s job. Now permanently settled in Christchurch I joined Kiwi Kids in January 2026. 

I completed my Early Childhood Teaching qualification through Open Polytechnic, raising my two daughters whilst studying distance. My teaching practice is grounded in play-based learning, supporting each child’s development, interest and individual strengths. Also important to me is ensuring children are set up and supported well for entering the big milestone of transitioning to school.

I believe nga tamariki learn best when they feel safe and respected within a calm, nurturing and fun learning environment. I value and actively seek to build strong and trusting relationships with tamariki and whānau. I also enjoy supporting our tamariki in visiting people in our local community and experiencing new experiences.

I enjoy mentoring and collaborating with other teachers and I am always reflecting on how we can grow and improve our practice together.

I feel privileged to be a part of each and every child’s learning journey.

Domonique (Junior Preschool - Certificated Kaiako):

Kia Ora, my name is Domonique. I am a mother of two, having both a girl  and a boy. I studied at the University of Canterbury and graduated with my teaching degree in 2017. I have since worked as a reliever and for two preschools before coming to Kiwi Kids in March 2022.

I really enjoy trying to work out the different working theories tamariki have and seeing how they use their theories in practice. I believe in the philosophies of Magda Gerber and letting children move and develop in their own ways and in their own time, allowing children to learn through play and gentle example.

I am originally from Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and have links to Nga Puhi. I have lived in many different parts of Aotearoa, however, have called Ōtautahi (Christchurch) home for the last of 16 years.

I enjoy learning about different Māori myths from around Aotearoa and how they link to the area they are from. In my spare time, I enjoy knitting/ crocheting, snowboarding, and going out with family to one of the lovely parks around Christchurch.

I look forward to meeting everyone and getting to know you and your tamariki.

Robyn (Junior Preschool - Certificated Kaiako): 

Kia Ora, 

My name is Robyn, and originally from Waiharakeke (Blenheim), I made Ōtautahi (Christchurch) my home too many years ago to remember. I have raised my now adult children, here, and am proud of the city we call home.

I have my Bachelor of Education (ECE) and am a fully registered teacher. After dedicating 12 years to one centre, I wanted to broaden my own personal growth as a Kaiako, and experience a 'different' way, arriving here at Kiwi Kids in November 2023and I love being part of the Kiwi Kids whānau.

 In my own time I enjoy listening to music, watching the odd movie and getting out and about.

Most of all, I treasure the relationships I have, and spending time with family and friends. Please feel free to introduce yourself if you see me, we look forward to getting to know you and your tamariki better.

Prema (Nursery - Non Certificated Kaiako):

Kia Ora,

My name is Prema, and I am delighted to be part of the Kiwi Kids Preschool journey, which began for me as a student teacher at Kiwi Kids in 2016. Since then I have had the privilege of working with both over-2s and under-2s age groups.

Over time, I have discovered that I enjoy working with the babies in the nursery more, where I find great joy in nurturing and supporting them through their early stages of development. I am originally from the beautiful country, Nepal. Now I call Christchurch my second home, where I live with my wonderful husband and our two gorgeous daughters.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending quality moments with my family, connecting with loved ones overseas through video calls, doing art and crafts, socializing with friends, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

I am passionate about working with young children as they explore the world around them, build their confidence, and develop their unique personalities.

My goal is to create a warm, nurturing and fun learning environment where they can learn and develop for future challenges. I look forward to getting to know you and your tamariki as we work together to support their growth and development. 

Leah (Nursery - Certificated Kaiako):

Kia Ora,

I’m Leah. I’m originally from China, and now I call Christchurch home. Before moving into early childhood education, I was an art teacher for young children, and that’s where my passion for working with tamariki really began. I studied ECE at NZ Tertiary College, starting at Kiwi Kids as student teacher in March 2024, then moving into relieving for the centre and finally moving into a permanent full-time position in the Pikopiko (nursery) room. It’s such a joy to be part of the Kiwi Kids whānau and support our little ones as they grow and thrive.

I value connection with people, nature and our everyday surroundings. I believe each child is unique, full of potential, and deeply shaped by the people and environment around them. Respecting and responding to their individual needs is something I always hold close to my heart. I also appreciate our diversity here. I love celebrating different cultures and languages, and I believe it helps create a warm, inclusive environment where everyone can feel a sense of belonging.

Outside work, I enjoy spending time with family and exploring nature when possible. I also find joy in the small, everyday moments, a shared smile, a discovery during play, or a quiet moment throughout the day.

Such little things always bring me the biggest smiles. I’d love to get to know you and your whānau more. Please feel free to stop by and chat anytime. I'm always here and happy to help.

Jenny (Big Preschool Toe Toe & Harakeke - Certificated Kaiako):

Kia Ora! 

My name is Jenny Li, and a mother of two daughters. I am from China and have been living in New Zealand for about 20 years. I was inspired to join early childhood education by my two daughters having learnt, taught and grown with my daughters. Through that time I also fallen deeply in love with this country of picturesque landscapes and beaches as well as its lovely inclusive, caring and united people.

I started work for Kiwi Kids preschool May 2024 and I value that young children have opportunity for play based learning. It is important to help kids to open their imaginations and creativity from play.  I think children are the future of the New Zealand’s diverse society. As an early childhood teacher, I believe that supporting children to build a lifelong learning foundation will aid them to be competent and confident in the future. I will continue to nurture children with respect, care, and love to build a trusting relationship with them that support their positive learning and development.

Kat (Nursery - Teacher in Training):

Kia Ora, 

My name is Kat, and I am delighted to have been a part of the Kiwi Kids team since March 2022. I made the move to Christchurch, New Zealand in 2021 alongside my husband.

Having previously worked as an early year’s educator for more than a decade in England and hold a substantial background in engaging with children aged 3 months to 5 years.

I began studying for my bachelor's degree in Early Years Education in July 2024, which has been a significant step towards deepening my understanding of early childhood education within Aotearoa.

I find joy in my role, where I am dedicated to supporting every child's growth and development according to their distinct abilities and needs.

I look forward to working alongside you, the tamariki, and whānau here at Kiwi Kids. If you have any questions, please feel free to come and ask me. Thank you

Betty (Big Preschool Toe Toe - Certificated Kaiako):

Kia Ora,

My name is Betty, and am a graduate in Early Childhood Education holding an ECE teaching degree  from the  University of Canterbury. I began my teaching journey with Kiwi Kids in June 2024 and have loved being here ever since.

I love being a preschool teacher and am also a mother of two—a son and a daughter. I really enjoy working with children. I find early childhood education to be incredibly meaningful because it allows me to be part of a child’s growth and learning journey.

It’s so rewarding to see children discover new things, build confidence, and become more independent. In preschool, I strive to create a warm and fun environment where children can learn through play and explore their potential.

Their smiles and progress motivate me every day, and they’ve also taught me to appreciate life in a simpler, more joyful way.

Eva (Big Preschool Harakeke - Certificated Kaiako):

Kia Ora Koutou,

My name is Eva (Fan) Shu, and I am a fully registered teacher based in the Harakeke Room.

I am passionate about fostering natural learning through the Reggio Emilia approach, which celebrates child-led exploration and creativity. Originally from Wuhan, China, I have lived in Christchurch for several years. Before moving to New Zealand, I gained more than 10 years of experience working with children in various roles. I completed my Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education at the University of Canterbury in 2023 and have been here at Kiwi Kids since January 2023.

I was delighted to find that Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, closely aligns with my own teaching philosophy. I believe that relationships form the foundation of learning, that every child is unique and full of potential, and that each child brings with them a rich inheritance of strengths, values, and stories from their families and the natural world.

My goal is to create an environment for all children that is loving, respectful, responsive, abundant, equitable, and deeply connected to nature. I feel privileged to work alongside the children, their whānau, and the wonderful team at Kiwi Kids. I look forward to getting to know you and your whānau!

Shelley (Support Kaiako - Certificated):

Kia Ora

My name is Shelley, and I have been part of the Kiwi Kids family since 2016.  I began my journey in the nursery and have since worked in all the rooms in the Preschool. Currently I'm employed as a permanent support Kaiako, working & supporting the teaching teams across several classrooms which gives me the perfect opportunity to get to know all the tamariki and whānau. I believe strongly in the Kiwi Kids values of fun, family and freedom and enjoy working in a program that encourages independence, communication and a sense of working together.  

I am a fully registered teacher and have my Bachelor of Teaching and Learning ECE. and when I'm not working, I love animals, to craft, read and spend time with family and friends.  I also have a passion for travel and have been lucky enough to have visited some amazing countries in the world. These

experiences have given me the opportunity to learn from and value others and to collect some wonderful memories.

Jade (Big Preschool Toe Toe - Certificated Kaiako):

Kia Ora,

My name is Jade, I have been teaching since 2016. I started my journey here at Kiwi kids as a student in 2015 and I loved Kiwi Kids so much that I joined the Junior Preschool team alongside Courtney.

In 2021 I left kiwi kids and gained experience in working in a mixed age setting and with Children with diverse needs.

Over this period, I also developed my leadership skills and played a role in mentoring and leading a classroom of teachers.

I was excited to re-join the Kiwi Kids team in 2024 with this new knowledge and experience in my Kete, as this is where my heart is.

Violetta (Big Preschool Harakeke - Non-Certificated Kaiako):

Kia Ora,

My name is Violetta and I grew up in Victoria Australia on a small town country farm. I have an adventurous spirit for travel which took me through Europe and then I came to New Zealand. This is where I met my husband and settled in Christchurch to have our three children, who are now all grown up. I am now also a Nonna to my Granddaughter. I also have two cats at home - Pebbles and Nala , who bring me lots of joy.

My passion to work with children inspired me to train in Early Childhood when I lived in Cairns, Australia.

I have been working at Kiwi Kids since 2008 and run our transition to school program in Harakeke for children aged 4 and a half and upwards. I am passionate about quality transitions and work to ensure children are as ready for school as much as they can be i also love gardening both at home and here at Kiwi Kids with the children, where we often grow produce and share with our wider community on a regular basis.

Julia (Support - Teacher in Training):

Kia ora,

My name is Julia, and I am originally from Chile. I studied Health and Safety Management at university and gained four years of experience working in occupational safety before moving to New Zealand.

I have been living in New Zealand for nine years, and during this time I’ve worked in a variety of roles. Through my interest in cooking i came to work as a cook in preschools and found my passion for working with tamariki. Starting with Kiwi Kids  in March 2024 as a cook, I have now moved into a teacher in training role supporting the teaching teams across all classrooms, building my experience and knowledge of working with all age groups as I work and study. 

I am currently completing my Level 4 in Early Childhood Education and am committed to growing as an educator. I see children as capable, unique individuals who express their emotions and creativity in their own ways. I aim to create a safe, nurturing, and respectful environment where tamariki feel confident to explore, express themselves, and develop their skills naturally.

In my free time, I love cooking and spending time in nature, especially near the sea and mountains. I enjoy swimming, kayaking, and hiking, and most importantly, I treasure spending quality time with my family.

Ngā mihi,
Julia 

Kasie (Big Preschool Toe Toe - Certificated Kaiako):

Kia Ora,

My name is Kasie and I am one of the big preschool Kaiako in the Toe Toe room.

I started working at Kiwi kids in August 2024 and I’ve loved my time here. I graduated with my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education in July 2025 and am a provisionally certificated Kaiako and am  working towards my full teacher registration.

I grew up in Geraldine then spent 3 years at University of Otago, before moving to Christchurch. I have a passion for physical education and love to spend time outside.

You will often find me outside in the big preschool garden kicking the ball around, listening to music having a dance party, or playing group-oriented games. As a teacher, I aspire to provide practice, and facilitate an environment where kids get to be kids and are supported in enhancing their mana as they develop their individuality.

I appreciate the connections I get to make with each and every tamariki here at Kiwi kids, but also making those connections with whānau and providing support when I can means so much to me.