Jo

Operational Lead - Bachelor of Teaching - Primary Education

operational.lead@pukekopreschool.org.nz

Hi, my name is Jo. I have 4 beautiful children; Danika (step-daughter), Blake, Georgia and Aria. My partner works in the concreting industry. I grew up in Raglan and then moved into Hamilton when I was a teenager. I enjoy being with family and friends. Teaching has always been a dream of mine since I was a very young girl. I have been a teacher for over 12 years.

I joined Pūkeko Preschool in June 2022 to care for the babies. Since then I have become the Operational Lead. I am very excited to continue to work alongside our amazing teachers and to make a difference to the centre in many ways. I have a real passion for helping children learn. Every child has the right to express themselves and I love capturing their interests and incorporating them into learning through play.

Alea

Curriculum Lead - Bachelor of Teaching - Early Childhood Education

Kia ora, I’m Alea, the Curriculum Lead for Pukeko Preschool and based in our pēpi room. I’m a fully registered ECE kaiako, passionate about respectful relationships, especially with our youngest tamariki. My goal is that every pēpi feels seen, loved, 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

Registered Kaiako - Bachelor of Teaching - Early Childhood Education

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 Daniel, our son James, 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 - Bachelor of Teaching - Early Years

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 - Bachelor of Teaching - Early Childhood Education

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.

Shelley

Kaiako - Unqualified

Hello everyone!

A little bit about me, 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

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.

Jodi

Relief Kaiako - Bachelor or Teaching - Early Childhood Education

Kia Ora Pūkeko Whanau,

I'd like to introduce myself and tell you a little about me.  My name is Jodi.  I am married with two children of my own and an awesome stepson, this makes up our family of 5, along with the family dog, Izzy and cat, Tux.

We are a farming family situated in Ohaupo.  I became a teacher later in life after spending my years as a travel consultant.   I studied at the University of Waikato and received my Bachelor of Teaching ECE in 2016 and I have been a relief teacher ever since. 

I absolutely love being able to build relationships with tamariki and their whānau and helping to support their aspirations and goals for learning. 

Please feel free to ask me any questions or just come and say hi.

Yifang

Relief Kaiako - Graduate Diploma in Teaching - Early Childhood Education

Kia ora, ko Yifang ahau! Originally from China, my dad is a university professor in communication engineering, and my mom has over 30 years of experience as a kindergarten teacher. I'm a proud mom to a daughter who excels in tennis and drawing. I had a master's degree in economics from China and worked as a university lecturer. In New Zealand, I earned a master's degree in management and a postgraduate degree in early childhood education. I received my fully registered teacher certificate in New Zealand in May 2024. My daughter and I have lived in New Zealand for over five years and achieved many of our dreams here. After obtaining residency in 2022, New Zealand feels like our second home.

I am delighted to be a part of the team at Pūkeko Country Preschool. Nurturing relationships, a supportive environment, and inclusion are fundamental for tamariki and in my teaching. I aim to build professional, collaborative, and trusting relationships with whānau, colleagues, and tamariki. Through my work, I strive to help every child explore, learn, and grow joyfully in a safe, innovative, and open environment.

Nicola

Relief Kaiako

Hi, my name is Nicola.  I was born in NZ and moved to Australia when I was 18 and lived there for 23 years.  I had my two kid, Dylan and Tylisha, there.  In 2023 I made the move back to NZ to spend more time with family here and to get back into fishing and hunting, which I love doing.

I’m now very lucky to be part of the family here at Pūkeko Preschool.  I enjoy learning alongside the tamariki and their whānau at the centre.