Tènā koutou Katoa

My name is Jenny or Jen. I was born and raised here in Havelock North. I currently live in Hastings with my husband Scott , daughter Georgia (23) son Drew (15). Plus our dog Rocket and cat Clunk and many tropical fish. 

I enjoy reading, walking with my friends in the mornings and riding my e bike. I love to travel and feel especially connected to a good beach holiday. I’m also a cookbook collector! I love cooking and feeding my friends and whānau.

Family and friends are very important to me. This is why I teach from the heart. I believe each child should thrive in their ECE setting. I feel privileged to be part of their early learning years. 

I am really excited to be part of the team here at Āwhina Te Mata 

Kia Ora!

My name is Esther and I’m originally from Spain. I studied Bachelor of Teaching (Primary Education) back in my country where I worked in different schools for few years.

My adventure in New Zealand started twelve years ago when my partner and I decided to discover this amazing country. Since then, I have been working in different ECE centres as teacher, Head Teacher and Centre Manager. I believe that children deserve a loving, caring, supportive and safe environment to discover, explore and grow in. I ensure that this is at the heart of my daily practice.

I have two children (Liam and Olivia) who keep me busy most of the time! In my spare I love spending time with them both, exploring the outdoors, doing sport and traveling.

I look forward to meeting you all and working alongside your little ones!

Hi I'm Lisa, mother to three beautiful children and I  also get to share my love to my partners two  lovely children.
I had a love for cooking and food at an early age and trained as a chef when I left high school, working in restaurants, cafes pubs, wineries and a catering company for about 12 years until I decided to pursue my other passion, and completed a Naturopathy and Nutrition diploma.

While studying I was working at Weleda, an International Natural Medicine and body care company here in Havelock north for over 10 years.

I am passionate about good, wholesome nutritious food, that not only tastes good but  also nourishes the mind and body, and what a great chance to do this  with young children and  help to create positive foundations towards healthy, delicious food. Excited to include the children where possible, whether it's helping to peel vegetables,  roll out buns or to harvest from the herb and vegetable garden.

Kia ora koutou, 

My name is Josie and I began my ECE teaching journey in 2011. Using my degree, I have taught across Napier, Auckland and overseas in Abu Dhabi. I have loved all these experiences but nothing beats being home in Hawkes Bay! I have taught all ages of the early years and have also facilitated educational support groups for parents of new babies. 

My husband and I have three daughters who all have their own unique personalities! My youngest will attend Awhina with me, and my older two go to school in Taradale. On the weekends we love getting out and about in nature together.

I am really excited about being part of the new team here and establishing a warm environment for all the whānau who come in each day. I treasure the privilege it is for parents to entrust their pēpi into our care, and therefore am passionate about ensuring everything we do is based on respect and aroha. 

Kia Ora,

I have been a passionate kindergarten teacher for many years. I delight in caring for young children, encouraging them to explore the world around them in a safe and nurturing environment.

Teaching and nurturing children is a privilege and career that brings me great joy. I love to support children’s growth and learning while fostering a strong sense of trust and belonging. I particularly enjoy supporting the unique needs of each child. I love seeing a child’s progress, celebrating their growth and sharing this with whanau.

I am the mother of three lovely sons in their mid twenties and married to a fellow teacher. I love travelling, gardening and cooking delicious food for family and friends in my spare time. 

I am very excited to be part of the Āwhina Te Mata teaching team and look forward to meeting you all. 

Kia ora koutou katoa,

My name is Louise, and I live in Taradale with my husband and teenage son. We are a very outdoorsy family and love to get out among nature exploring our beautiful country, tramping, camping, and beaching. More recently our eldest daughter delighted us with our first grandchild and so of course baby love is also where we like to focus our time.

What a privilege it is to be joining the team at Āwhina Te Mata. I am so looking forward to getting to know you all and spending time with your beautiful tamariki.

Nga mihi nui,

Louise

Kia Ora everyone,

Ko Charlotte tōku ingoa. I am currently in my second year of studying a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) with New Zealand tertiary collage. Building strong relationships with tamariki and whānau is at the heart of my practice. I believe that once you create that safe and secure relationship it builds the foundation for children’s, learning, development and overall well-being.  In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my friends and whānau, taking my dog for walks, doing yoga and baking.

I am very excited to be a part of Āwhina Te Mata, and I look forward to sharing this new journey with all the amazing team, tamariki and whānau.

Arohanui, Charlotte 

I’m proud to be one of the kaiako here at Awhina Te Mata. 

I’ve grown up in Havelock North and feel privileged to now be supporting tamariki and their whānau in the very community that raised me. I’ve been working in early childhood education for over 7 years, and in 2022, I graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education). 

I’m passionate about forming strong, reciprocal relationships with tamariki and their whānau - relationships that are built on trust, respect, and genuine connection. I love being part of each child’s learning journey and supporting them to feel confident, capable, and valued.

In my spare time out of work I enjoy playing competitive squash, catching up with friends and family and spending time at the lake. 

I look forward to meeting you and your child/children. 

Arohanui Caitlin Gregory 

Kia Ora Whȃnau

My name is Lizzie and I gained my degree in early childhood education, covering the ages from birth to eight years old in 2008. I am qualified in Rudolf Steiner early childhood education and have spent many years teaching within this philosophy in both Childcare and Kindergarten.

After six months relief teaching at Āwhina Pēpi, I am very excited about being part of a new journey and joining the team at Te Mata Āwhina.

As a teacher, creating a beautiful and calm environment, where children feel relaxed and can enter into imaginary play and build strong relationships is important to me. I’m passionate about emergent literacy engaging with storybook reading and singing traditional songs and nursery rhymes with the children. I love to celebrate the natural seasons of the year creating a sense of wonder and joy for our children.

I’m a keen gardener and love to grow my own veggies. I’m always happy to have my gumboots on and take the children outside even on those rainy days.
I live in Havelock North with my husband and three school aged children.
I look forward to meeting you all and being part of your child’s early years journey.