Alea

Centre Lead

Kia ora, I’m Alea, the Centre Lead here at Pukeko Preschool. My journey at Pukekos started as Curriculum Lead, before moving into a Centre Lead role in early 2026. I work in our pepi room primarily, and over-see day-to-day centre operations.  My goal is that every child feels seen, valued and ready to explore at their own pace. I really enjoy making connections with our whanau and wider community. Outside of the centre, I have two school aged children who keep me plenty busy!

Laura

Team Leader/ Registered Kaiako

Over 2's

Kia ora whānau and tamariki of Pukeko Country Preschool, my name is Laura and I will be joining the Pukeko teaching team in the next few weeks. My husband, our son, and I live in the beautiful countryside of Paterangi, just five minutes out of Te Awamutu, and we absolutely love the peaceful, rural lifestyle. I’ve been a kaiako for over ten years and still feel just as passionate about nurturing and supporting the development of young children as I did when I first began. I love creating warm, welcoming, and inspiring environments where tamariki can thrive, explore, and grow into their unique selves. I’m especially excited that my son James will be joining me at Pukeko Country Preschool, which makes this new journey even more special for our whānau. Please don’t hesitate to say hello. I’m really looking forward to getting to know you all and being part of your child's learning journey. 

Lynette

Registered Kaiako

Over 2's 

Hi, my name is Lynette and I have been an early childhood teacher for many many years. I have two grown children and one very special granddaughter. I love spending time with my family, going for walks, reading books or being at the beach. My husband and I have recently moved up to the Hamilton area from the king country, to be closer to our family and I am also very excited about being part of the Pukeko’s family.

As a teacher I enjoy learning alongside children and their whanau to build connections and relationships, ensuring our tamariki feel safe and secure to learn and take safe risks through play.

Katie

Registered Kaiako

Over 2's 

Hello, my name is Katie. I have four precious children, Caleb, Willow, Beau, and Harley. We live locally in Tauwhare and my husband is a Real Estate Agent. I am excited to be returning to teaching after some years off to have my own babies.

I really enjoy gardening and am excited to get the “paddock to plate” philosophy up and running with the children through vegetable gardening and using our produce for baking and cooking. I am passionate about creating beautiful spaces for children to play and learn in.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with friends and family, camping, being in nature and gardening. 

I look forward to continuing to get to know you and your children more.

Ashlee

Registered Kaiako

Over 2's 

Kia ora, my name is Ashlee, and I am excited to be part of the team at Pukeko Preschool. I am a passionate kaiako who cares deeply about supporting children’s learning and development, and about building meaningful relationships with tamariki, whānau, and the wider community.

After spending some precious time at home with my second daughter, and with my eldest recently starting next door at Tauwhare School, it feels very special to return to teaching within my local community.

Outside of teaching, I love spending time with my family. We enjoy going caravaning, exploring new places, and getting out for bush walks together. Being in nature is something that is very important to me, and I believe the natural world provides rich opportunities for learning, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and resilience in children.

I am really looking forward to getting to know the children and families at Pukeko Preschool and becoming part of this special community.

Sarah

Registered Kaiako

Under 2's Room

Kia ora, my name is Sarah. I am the Lead Kaiako in the babies room. I am a fully registered and qualified early childhood teacher, with a passion for supporting pēpi in their early years of growth and development. I have experience working across a range of early learning environments and enjoy building strong, trusting relationships with both children and their whānau.

In the babies room, I focus on creating a calm, nurturing space where pēpi feel safe, secure, and confident to explore the world around them. I value responsive, respectful caregiving and take pride in working alongside pēpi as they discover, learn, and grow at their own pace.

I especially enjoy engaging in meaningful one-on-one interactions, supporting sensory play, and being part of those special early milestones.

I am excited to be working at Pūkeko Country Preschool and look forward to working in partnership with you and your whānau as we support your child’s learning journey together.

Maddie

Experienced Kaiako

Under 2's Room

Coming soon...!

Shelley

Experienced Kaiako

Over 2's

I have worked in childcare for many many years. I have been working at Pūkeko Preschool since June 2022. I was previously a reliever at Pūkeko’s, and now I am a full time teacher in the Over 2's.  I love to go on bush walks and be out in nature. I have 2 beautiful daughters who live in Hamilton. I am from Hamilton myself.  I enjoy watching your children grow and develop and being there for their achievements and growth. I have completed Level 2 through home based childcare and I have my first aid credentials.

Paula

Administrator and all round super-star!

Hi, my name is Paula and I am the administrator at Pukeko Country Preschool.  I have 3 children and 7 grandchildren.  My husband has his own painting company and we live locally in Tauwhare where I have lived for most of my life.

We have a small drystock farm which keeps us very busy, but it is a lifestyle we cherish and has enabled us to share with our children and grandchildren, with the special connection of it being where I grew up.

I love being a part of the Tauwhare community and after many years working at Tauwhare School I am pleased to now be a part of the Pukeko Preschool family as I get to mix my passion for children with my administrative knowledge.

Ashlee

Relief Kaiako & Teacher in Training

Kia Ora, 

My name is Ashlee, and I am currently studying The New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education ( level 5) through New Zealand Tertiary College. I am passionate about supporting tamariki to feel safe, valued, and confident. I have previously worked with tamariki aged 3-5 years old in a daycare. I enjoy seeing children learn and grow to prepare for school. I grew up in Morrinsville and in my spare time I enjoy spending time with family, reading, being outdoors, and fitness. I am excited to begin my journey to become an Early childcare teacher.