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.
Coming soon
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.
Hello, I’m Dapeal.
I’m the Dining Room Manager for the preschool and support the kaiako and tamariki in Te Whare Totara and Te Whare Kawakawa during their meal times.
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.
Hi, I’m Marcia.
Kia ora my name is Nicky.
I am married to Andrew and have two children, Sam and Zeke. My boys keep me very busy so I don’t have a lot of spare time. I have a Diploma in Teaching ECE, and I have been at Surrey Park since 1993. Working with children is something I enjoy and I look forward to coming to work every day.
Coming soon
