I have been in Early Childhood Education for nearly 15 years, in various roles as a teacher, head teacher, and with the last 6 years as a Centre Manager on the Coast. During this time, I have been privileged to work alongside incredibly passionate and dedicated people who have inspired me daily. For the past 9 years, I have called the Coast home, building strong connections within our community. My approach to teaching and leadership is centered on fostering collaborative relationships and creating positive team culture that benefits the learning and care of our tamariki. I believe that when relationships are at the heart of teaching practice, incredible learning opportunities unfold.

I live with my wife Armelyn in Red Beach and have lived on the Hibiscus Coast for more than 20 years and been involved in Early Childhood Education for over 12 years. I am also involved in a number of other businesses but Early Childhood remains a true passion and the thing I enjoy most being involved in, mainly because of the wonderful people involved, the children and their whanau and the teachers.

Born and raised on the Hibiscus Coast, it feels like a dream come true to be a co-owner of a local Early Childhood centre that is only minutes away from our front door step. With over 6 years of experience in the ECE sector, I have worked in a variety of different roles, which has ranged from teaching in classrooms with babies and toddlers to supporting centres with their daily operational and marketing needs.

As a parent myself and someone who has always been interested in child development, I am deeply passionate about following respectful practices to approach the unique ages and stages that children go through in their early years of life. I love building relationships with our whole centre community and am always around for a chat if you need.

Talofa, my name is Siera. I have been living on the coast since 2017. I am married with two children and we have a Rhodesian ridgeback (dog) called Banksy. I love spending time with family and friends, as well as watching my children play and develop in their sporting interests.

I place relationships at the core of my teaching philosophy, believing that fostering strong, trusting, respectful, and reciprocal connections, is fundamental to effective learning. I am committed to providing enriching learning experiences for our tamariki, ensuring they feel valued and empowered. Additionally, I am passionate about developing my leadership skills to support, inspire, and empower my team, fostering a collaborative and growth-orientated environment.

Kia Ora, My name is Victoria Clark and I am a Registered ECE Teacher. I have experience teaching all ages in the ECE sector but found my passion in teaching infants in the Under 2’s space. My teaching practice is inspired by philosophers Reggio Emilia and RIE.

I know the importance of the environment being the third teacher in early childhood education. As a teacher, I seek to form close relationships where children feel secure, safe and are valuable members of our centre community. I believe that each child is an individual and as an educator, I will develop their holistic well-being through strong relationships and rich learning experiences. I desire to create a type of atmosphere where children can reach their full potential, where they can grow up with a lifelong love of learning and are confident and capable learners.

Hi, I’m Abby! I have worked in Early Childhood Education for the past 10 years and am a Mum of 3 little ones myself. I am deeply passionate about nurturing, caring for, and supporting the learning and development of our precious pēpi. I value creating a safe, warm, and engaging environment where children feel secure and supported to grow.

Hello, I’m Shenay, I’m a caring early childhood teacher and have been teaching since 2021. I love creating calm, nurturing spaces where children feel safe to explore, grow and learn. I am passionate about building special connections with children and families and being part of the very first important years of their life!

Kia Ora, my name is Grace and I'm a qualified early childhood teacher with a deep passion for understanding how infants learn and grow. My nurturing, calm, and respectful approach creates a supportive environment for children to thrive. I understand the importance of ensuring that children feel safe and secure in their environment. When they have that sense of security, it fosters strong learning and allows them to reach their full potential. Creating a nurturing atmosphere is essential for their growth and development. Living on the beautiful Hibiscus Coast, I share my home with my partner and our lovable English Staffy who enjoys coming along to cafes and running along our beaches.

Kia ora koutou,

I am Sharon and I have two beautiful daughters. I enjoy spending time with my whaanau, creating and having shared experiences whilst travelling around our picturesque country. I have been teaching in ECE since 2010. My teaching philosophy is based around Whakawhanaungatanga (relationships), Manaakitanga (respect and care), and Kotahitanga (Togetherness). I believe that each child is a unique individual, and it is my privilege to be part of their learning journey here at The Harbour Haven.

Hi, I’m Elizna! I’m a mum of two little explorers who also come along to The Harbour Haven with me.

My family and I love being outdoors fishing, adventuring, and soaking up the sunshine together. I have worked in both Primary School and Early Childhood Education and am now based in the Transition to School classroom with our 4+ year old children. I’m passionate about growing each child’s individual learning journey!

Hi, I’m Gayani, a passionate Early Childhood and Montessori educator with a Master’s degree in Education, Originally from Sri Lanka, I have been working in New Zealand’s early childhood sector, where I create enriching learning experiences for young children based on Te Whāriki and the Montessori philosophy.

With a strong foundation in child development and over fourteen years of experience, I focus on fostering curiosity, independence, and a love for learning in each child. I am a kind-hearted and friendly teacher, which is why children naturally feel comfortable around me. I believe that a nurturing and loving environment helps children develop confidence and a lifelong love for learning.

Kia Ora, I’m Lisa. I have been living on the Hibiscus Coast now for the past fourteen years and am a Gulf Harbour local myself. Although I have been in the industry for over thirteen years, I started late with my studies and am about to finish my second year of Bachelor of Teaching.I thrive on making good trusting relationships while also being able to have a laugh and making you feel like your tamariki has a safe and caring home away from home.

Kia ora, my name is Cindy. I am originally from South Korea and chose to settle in Aotearoa New Zealand. I am a proud parent of two children who keep me smiling and busy every day. I strive to create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment for children and whānau/family. I believe children reach their full potential when they feel loved, respected, and secure. My philosophy is grounded in Ako, valuing children as capable leaders of their own learning while recognising that I learn alongside them. By building trusting relationships with children and families, I aim to support each child’s needs, interests, and sense of belonging within our learning environment.

Kia ora, my name is Frankie. I have been working in early childhood education for six years and am passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where tamariki feel safe, valued, and empowered to explore the world around them. Building strong, respectful relationships with children and their whānau is at the heart of my teaching philosophy, as I believe that a deep sense of belonging lays the foundation for lifelong learning. Originally from the Coast, I have a strong connection to nature and love incorporating natural, play-based experiences into my teaching.

Kia Ora everyone,

My name is Stephanie. Originally from America, I made the move to New Zealand with my partner in 2022 and have been lucky enough to call the beautiful Hibiscus Coast my home ever since. In 2024 I started my journey into early childhood education and am excited to support tamariki as they learn, grow, and discover the world through free play based learning. I look forward to creating safe, caring, and positive relationships with both whānau and their tamariki while embracing and learning more about Kiwi culture along the way.

I was born and raised here in this beautiful country and have loved exploring it. I’m happiest when I’m outdoors, spending time with good friends, close whānau and my two dogs. I’ve always dreamed of becoming a teacher and now that I’m living that dream, I couldn’t be more passionate about my work. Supporting tamariki to grow, explore and discover their strengths is truly the heart of what I do.

My name is Renee! I’ll be starting my Bachelor of Teaching in 2026 and I’m really looking forward to learning and growing alongside the tamariki at The Harbour Haven. In my free time I enjoy gardening, baking, and spending time with my family. I’m passionate about creating a caring, supportive environment where children feel safe and free to explore.

Hi my name is Michelle. I love creating tasty, healthy meals that make kids smile (and maybe even ask for seconds!). As a mom myself, I understand how important it is for kids to enjoy nutritious food. Having traveled to over 20 countries, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to experience a variety of cultures and cuisines, which has inspired my passion for discovering amazing foods and keeping up with the latest food trends. You can bet I’ll be bringing a lot of fun and variety to the menu!