With more than 20 years of experience in the early childhood education sector as a qualified teacher and educational leader, I am passionate about creating learning environments where tamariki feel valued, empowered, and inspired to become confident, lifelong learners.
Building strong, genuine relationships with tamariki, whaanau, and kaiako is at the heart of my leadership and the philosophy at Morrinsville Kids. I am very proud to lead a team that is committed to providing a nurturing, inclusive, and high-quality learning environment where every child can flourish.
The Kiwi Room is our dedicated space for our youngest tamariki. We follow a natural development philosophy, encouraging and supporting infants and young toddlers to explore, move, and develop new physical skills at their own pace, in their own time. We believe that whanaungatanga (relationships) are the foundation for all learning.
When strong, trusting relationships are at the heart of our care, tamariki feel secure, encouraged, and supported by their kaiako as they confidently explore their environment and actively engage in meaningful play experiences.
I live on a small lifestyle block just outside Morrinsville with my husband and our four children.
I am passionate about my work because it allows me to partner with whaanau in supporting young children as they grow, learn, and discover the world around them. I have a particular interest in nurturing infants and toddlers during these important early years, helping to foster their development, curiosity, and sense of belonging.
Kia ora! I'm Emma, a Kiwi Room Kaiako. I live with my husband Mark and our two gorgeous girls, Addison and Willow, who keep me busy and smiling every day!
When I'm not at the centre, I love spending time with my whānau and friends. You'll often find me at the beach, enjoying a speedway meeting, or making fun memories with my nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Working with young children has been my dream since I was a little girl. I've always had a passion for helping tamariki learn, grow, and explore. One of my favourite things is setting up fun, hands-on experiences like messy play, painting, drawing, and water play. I love watching tamariki learn through play, use their imaginations, and grow in confidence as they discover new things. Seeing their excitement, wonder, and big smiles makes every day rewarding and reminds me why I love what I do so much.
I finished university in 2010 with a degree in ECE. I worked for three years before traveling abroad to the Uk where I was a nanny for four children.
I had my son Fergus in 2019 and have now returned to work in the Kiwi room two days a week. I love working in the Kiwi room alongside an amazing team and watching our tamariki learn.
I have been part of the team at Morrinsville Kids since joining as a student teacher in 2017. After becoming a fully qualified teacher in 2020, I continued my teaching journey in Te Rūma Kiwi, where I have worked ever since.
One of the things I love most about teaching is celebrating children’s learning and development. Whether it’s a big milestone or a small moment of discovery, it is so rewarding to see children recognise their achievements and share those special moments alongside them and their whaanau.
I grew up in a large extended family that heavily influenced my decision to work with children.
In high school I did my gateway (like a practicum) at Morrinsville Kids where grew to love the environment and cement my decision to work in early childhood.
I enjoy being outside exploring the natural environment and getting messy. I believe that relationships are key to providing a quality environment for children.
I have been part of the Morrinsville Kids team since 2021 and graduated with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education in 2024.
I enjoy music and art and love incorporating creativity into learning experiences. I am passionate about supporting tamariki as they grow, learn, and develop confidence in themselves. One of the most rewarding parts of my role here is building positive relationships with tamariki and their whaanau and having the privilege of watching so many tamaiti grow throughout their learning journey.
I feel grateful to be part of each tamaiti and their early learning experience and to help create a nurturing, fun, and supportive environment where they can thrive
We are fortunate to have two dedicated learning areas within our toddler space: the Pukeko Room, our main learning space, and the Kea Room. Across these spaces, tamariki are offered a wide range of learning experiences that support the development of social and self-help skills, early literacy and numeracy skills, as well as opportunities to explore and engage in a wide variety of sensory experiences.
I am originally from Slovakia and have been part of the Morrinsville Kids team since the centre first opened.
I believe that children learn and thrive when they feel safe, respected, valued, and loved. Building trusting relationships with children and their whānau is important to me, as these strong connections help children develop confidence, explore their interests, and reach their full potential.
I feel privileged to be part of each child’s learning journey and enjoy supporting them as they grow, learn, and discover the world around them.
I come from a background of tourism, retail and heavy machinery, but in 2020 found my passion supporting our younger generation explore the world, and completed my bachelor of Teaching in 2024.
I love getting creative with the children and often you will find me at the art table or busy reading storybooks.
I have a graduate diploma in teaching and learning (ECE) as well as a Bachelor of Arts majoring in education. I have over 6 years experience working exclusively with infants and toddlers. My passion is working with and alongside these young learners, watching them grow and challenge themselves within this learning environment. I pride myself in developing strong relationships with children and their whanau.
My name is Melanie but everyone calls me Mel and I am a Teacher in the Pukeko room here at Morrinsville Kids. I have been an early childhood educator for over 15 years and really enjoy seeing tamariki grow into competent and confident learners.
The environment in ECE can nurture the children’s curiosity and provide them the foundation for lifelong success as learners. I look forward to getting to know your child and as we go through this learning journey together.
I moved to New Zealand from Thailand in 2012 and have lived here for 14 years. My experience with children includes working as an au pair in the USA for two years (2006–2008). Before moving to New Zealand, I was also a teacher's aide at UWC Thailand International School in Phuket.
I now have more than 10 years of experience working in an ECE (Early Childhood Education) centre here in Morrinsville.
I started my ECE journey, here at Morrinsville kids in 2023, where I relieved across all rooms within the centre, which has helped shape my love for watching children grow and develop throughout their learning journeys.
I have my level 5 diploma in ECE and I am working toward my bachelor of teaching to become a fully qualified teacher.
The Tui Room is where our eldest tamariki develop the valuable skills, confidence, and independence they need as they prepare for their transition to primary school.
Our school transition programme is thoughtfully designed to support a smooth and positive journey from early childhood education to school. Through a play-based learning environment, our experienced and qualified teaching team focuses on building strong foundations across social, emotional, communication, and early learning skills, helping tamariki feel confident and capable as they take this next important step.
The Tui Room team are passionate about creating a strong pathway to school, supcorting each tamaiti to develop at their own pace while celebrating their growing independence, curiosity, and love of learning.
I am the Assistant Manager and Head Teacher of the over‑two‑year‑old spaces. I completed my Bachelor of Teaching at the University of Waikato in 1999 and have been working in the early childhood sector ever since.
I have two children who have now grown up and left the coop. From the age of five I knew I wanted to be a “kindy teacher”—I even tried to convince my mum of that on my very first day of school.
When I’m not at MKids, you’ll often find me travelling around to help teach meditation, going on bush walks, spending time with family, or reading..
I would describe myself as a calm, fun, and enthusiastic teacher who is passionate about building positive relationships with tamariki and their whānau.
I completed my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education in 2023 and have spent my life growing up in Morrinsville. I love creating fun engaging learning experiences that support children's interests, confidence, and development.
Through both my teaching journey and caring for my nieces, nephew, and younger cousins, I have gained valuable experience and a deep appreciation for the importance of nurturing and positive relationships. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, going to Whitianga and travelling the world. I look forward to getting to know you and your child and being part of their learning journey.
I grew up on a farm in Pukekohe, completed my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education in Hamilton in 2013, and now live in Morrinsville with my partner Ryan and two children.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending it with family and friends, supporting my children at their sports activities, and relaxing at home.
Here at Morrinsville Kids, I enjoy creating fun, positive relationships with tamariki and whānau. I enjoy supporting tamariki to learn new skills, take on challenges, and celebrate their achievements.
I look forward to meeting you all.
Family is incredibly important to me, and I love spending time with my brothers and catching up with my nieces and nephews whenever I can. Outside of work, I enjoy keeping active through going to the gym, exploring nature walks, and spending time at the beach.
I have been working in early childhood education for many years and completed my Diploma in Early Childhood Education in 2010, followed by my Bachelor of Education in 2017. I enjoy building positive relationships with children and their whānau and bring a caring, energetic, and supportive approach to my role each day.
I am passionate about creating a welcoming environment where children feel valued, confident, and supported in their learning and development.
I grew up in the Bay of Plenty and moved to Morrinsville with my family in 2014 and have been working at Morrinsville Kids since 2016 as the centre’s cook. I enjoy getting to meet all the tamariki in the different rooms when delivering meals or helping out in the rooms if needed. Having grown up on a dry stock farm I love the rural feeling of Morrinsville.