Our fantastic team of experienced and highly skilled teachers, led by Maree Wallace, Centre Manager.  Our teachers foster quality interactions with all tamariki, genuine care for our community, and ongoing professional development to support continuous improvement.  Together we make a passionate, well-balanced and Child-centred team who are committed to providing an environment packed full of exciting + fun learning experiences. 

Kia ora e te whānau! 

Ko Hikurangi te maunga,
Ko Waiapu te awa,
Ko Ngāti Porou te iwi.

Ko Tiana Tamihere ahau.

My journey at Awapuni Early Learners started in 2014 when I began my teaching placement here as a student. I had the privilege of becoming a permanent member of the team in 2016 and have been loving it here ever since. My inspiration to teach was because I had amazing teachers growing up -
I hope to be the same cool, kind and fun teacher for other children. Outside of teaching, I enjoy making art, baking, reading, and shopping for funky dresses to wear to Awapuni Early Learners!

Kia ora Whānau,

My name is Elise and I too am very excited to be joining the wonderful Kāiako, tamariki and whānau here at Awapuni Early Learners as a Qualified Teacher. I have been an Early Childhood Teacher since the start of 2019 upon finishing my degree at Victoria University in Wellington.

I am originally a Hawkes Bay girl however moved to Gisborne at the beginning of 2019 as this is where my partner is from. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time at the beach or with friends. My partner and I have just bought our very first home so my spare time will probably start looking a little bit different as we start to put our own spin on it with renovations and adjustments - but all part of the exciting journey!

I feel very lucky to have joined you all in this beautiful space and cannot wait to watch this journey unfold alongside you all.

Ngā mihi,
Elise

Kia ora, I'm Kata.

I was born and raised in a small town at the bottom of the South Island called Mataura.  I moved to Gizzy when I was 13, as this is where my parents are from.  I am a māmā of two; Te Rangi & Tiare-Rose.  I had just recently moved back home from Christchurch and then I was given the opportunity to work here at Awapuni Early Learners.  I also have my girl here with me.  I'm working in the under twos and love working alongside my team and our babies.

Kia ora, my name is Hazel.

I am the oldest of five children and have lived in Gisborne my entire life, so it is easy to see why I love the family atmosphere at Awapuni Early Learners. 

I am currently working in the Under 2 area where I thoroughly enjoyed creating strong relationships with our current babies and their whanau.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time at the beach with my dog Kemo, and being with my family and friends.

I feel extremely lucky to be a part of the warm, supportive, and rewarding environment that is here at Awapuni Early Learners

Kia ora, my name is Helena West.

I was born and raised in Gisborne. and I am the oldest of 7 children. I have been working in early childhood for almost three years and am currently in my second year of Bachelor of Teaching (ECE). ]

I feel so privileged to be working alongside the team here at Awapuni Early Learners. I love how every day is different and I feel lucky to have the opportunity to get to know all the tamariki and whanau

Hey, my name is Samantha.

I was born in Auckland and moved to Gisborne when I was 10 years of age. I am the eldest of two children and have always been very family-orientated. I love spending time with my younger cousins and being out on the farm with them as much as possible. 

Since a young age, I have always wanted to work with children and I am very grateful for Awapuni Early Learners giving me an opportunity to be a part of the team and supporting me through my journey of being an ece teacher. I cannot wait to see my improvement as I continue to grow during my time here at the centre. I have enjoyed every moment and have loved getting to know everyone. 

Kia ora tamariki and whānau here at Awapuni Early Learners.

I'm Jodie Clarke, and I'm very excited to have the privilege of joining this wonderful Centre as a Qualified teacher. My background in education stems over 7 years, and of that, I have primarily worked with infants and toddlers. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education, having completed this in 2017 through Waikato Institute of Technology.

A little bit about me; I am a Gizzy girl born and raised and love spending my free time at the beaches (surfing when it's not too big, ha), and of course with my friends and whanau. My fiancé and I are expecting our first pēpi at the beginning of April and are absolutely thrilled about this next chapter!

I look forward to building relationships with you all :)

Ngā mihi, Jodie.

Kia ora koutou,

My name is DJ Sowerby and I am studying for the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) through Te Rito Maioha. I will be a student teacher at Awapuni Early Learners on Monday and Tuesday, with the possibility of filling in as a reliever if the team requires it.

After working as a Vision and Hearing Technician (VHT) for the B4School Check Program at Hauora Tairawhiti for nearly ten years, I have decided to pursue my love of working with children and become an Early Childhood Educator. During my time as a VHT, I had numerous conversations about becoming an ECE Teacher with the staff at Awapuni Early Learners and I feel very privileged to have the centre as my home base this year.

Contributing positively to a child's development has become a core professional value and a joyful part of my personal life, particularly after the birth of my son two years ago. I look forward to learning from your tamariki and the wonderful staff at Awapuni Early Learners.

Nga mihi,
DJ