Kia ora, I'm Harriet

I am the team leader at Āwhina pepi. My philosophy is grounded in respectful care, nurturing strong and meaningful relationships with pēpi and whānau. I believe in creating a safe, supportive, and loving environment that feels like a home away from home. Where every child feels valued, secure, and empowered to grow and learn at their own pace.

Outside of my teaching role, I'm a wife and mum to three wonderful children. I love spending quality time with my whānau and understand deeply the trust families place in us as educators. I’m passionate about working alongside families to support each child’s unique journey.

Kia ora, my name is Denise, and I am so excited to be joining the Rockmybaby team. I have been working within early childhood education for about 25 years and I believe building positive and trusting relationships is at the heart of teaching. My passion is to make the centre that I teach at feel like a home away from home, with calm unhurried routines and beautiful homely touches, I am so looking forward to getting to know each of you and your tamariki. I live in Havelock with my partner and I have four children and four grandchildren. In my spare time I enjoy catching up with friends and spending time with my family. Please feel free to come and have a chat.

Aroha hui.

Kia ora koutou,

My name is Vanessa and I am in my last year of studying Early Childhood Education. Āwhina Pēpi is a beautiful centre with a homely environment, and I feel lucky to work here and gain so much new knowledge and perspectives.

I grew up here in Havelock North and have come back to complete my last year of study after being away for so long, so it is very nice to be back here in Havelock. I love getting to know each child, finding their special interests and allowing them to be themselves and thrive in who they are.

Coming soon…

Kia ora,

My name is Nicole. and I am the Cook/ECE support person at Awhina Pepi. I have 8 years of experience in early childcare and am passionate about creating a living and nurturing environment for our Tamariki.

Over the last six months I have completed a certificate in nutrition, where I have enhanced my skills in creating nourishing meals. which help to support healthy growth and development.

I am a proud mum of two wonderful kids, and wife to an amazing husband. Our little family keeps life full of joy, laughter, and plenty of adventures. Whether it’s cooking up a storm, exploring the outdoors, or just enjoying quality time together.

My name is Dhana and I am a Sri Lankan national. I am one of three members of my family. My husband is an electrical engineer employed by UNISON. We relocated to New Zealand in December 2023 and hold resident visas. My son attends HNI.

My passion is teaching, and I have ten years of experience in the field, including seven years of early childhood education and three years of Japanese language teaching.

I lived in Japan for six years, where I studied the Japanese language. I was a preschool sectional head at a school in Sri Lanka. I genuinely enjoy working with children.

In my free time, I enjoy dancing, listening to music, and gardening. I also appreciate travelling and trying various cuisines. I value my individuality.

As a teacher, my aim is to cultivate skilled and emotionally well-adjusted children who contribute to society.

To all the pepi, parents, whānau and practitioners at Awhina Pepi I would like to introduce myself.

Being at Āwhina has given me new insights into caring for little ones from a different perspective, one which truly gives respect to the child and his/her unique path of development.”

My name is Susan Bush. I graduated with Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa/ New Zealand Childcare Association Diploma of Teaching (ECE) in 2011 and I am a fully registered practitioner. I worked at Awhina Childcare in Havelock North for 15 years and am fully experienced from the Steiner perspective.

I live in Napier with my amazing partner Paul and we both have 10 grandchildren between us. It is a privilege to return to the Early Childhood sector at Awhina Pepi, as I followed my heart where I belong in my life-long journey.

As a caring role model, I bring my gifts of gesture through the doing and protecting the young child, allowing the child to learn. It allows the child opportunities to develop at their own pace through imitation of myself.

I value working as a part of a team to provide high quality and care that requires respect for the strength and skills the team has offered.

Thought establishes an environment in a safe, trustworthy, caring, nurturing, and inviting, through the festival, event, puppet plays, ritual, and rhythm and the four seasons.

My special interest includes motifs through the season as well as art and craft and creative imaginative plays with the children.

I am so happy to be back working with these little Pepi, “Where I belong”