Our Kaiako
Dee is a fully qualified and registered ECE kaiako. She is an experienced educator and lecturer who is currently completing her PhD in Education. She is passionate about bringing research and practice together, building on localised curriculum to extend the learning of tamariki. Outside of Reo oriori, Dee enjoys nature walks and spending time with whānau.
Dee Cruse
Centre Director
Dedicated to fostering a sense of whanaungatanga and ensuring every tamaiti feels empowered to explore and learn.
Asrya
Centre Manager
Asrya is a fully qualified and registered ECE kaiako, with a background and qualifications across both primary and early childhood education, including previous centre management with Childspace. A keen traveller and wonderful storyteller, she brings a wealth of experiences, ideas and enthusiasm to share with our tamariki. As our Centre Manager, Asrya leads our team with warmth, energy and a love of learning.
Our Team
We are a dedicated group of educators and caregivers committed to providing a nurturing environment where every child feels at home and supported in their growth and development.
Collette
Lead Kaiako Poipoia
Colette is a fully qualified and registered ECE kaiako, with more than 35 years working with children, Collette brings an extraordinary depth of experience, warmth and knowledge to our pēpi. She has extensive educational leadership experience and holds a postgraduate qualification in ECE leadership. As our lead kaiako for our pēpi, Collette brings a caring, relational approach and a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing, responsive relationships in those precious earliest years.
Steph
Kaiako Penapenatia
Steph is a recently graduated ECE kaiako and provisionally registered ECE kaiako, who brings fresh energy, enthusiasm and new learning to our team. She loves sharing ideas from her study and putting her growing knowledge into practice alongside our tamariki. Steph’s positivity and willingness to learn make her a wonderful addition to our teaching team. Steph enjoys sewing and gardening, and brings these skills into the centre.
Emma
Emma is a fully qualified and registered ECE kaiako, with more than 20 years' experience working with young children, including many years in leadership roles. She brings a wealth of practical knowledge and experience to leading our Ready for School programme, helping our older tamariki build the confidence, independence and skills they need for their next big adventure. Emma also loves travelling, reading, walking, baking and photography, and shares these interests with the tamariki.
Kaiako Penapenatia
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Martin
Enrichment Programme Lead
Martin brings a fascinating mix of education, language and life experience to our team, having previously worked as an Early Intervention Teacher with the Ministry of Education. He is also an experienced editor, proofreader and manuscript assessor, with a genuine love of language, books and ideas. Martin leads our Enrichment Programme, creating opportunities for tamariki to wonder, investigate, think deeply and discover new interests.
Rosemary
Student Kaiako
Rosemary brings bright energy, warmth and a real enthusiasm for learning to our centre. Alongside her studies in political science and Māori studies, she has completed Te Pōkaitahi Reo and a Level 4 Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care. She is hardworking, organised and people-focused, and brings a growing knowledge of te reo Māori and a fresh perspective to her work with our tamariki.
Helen
Kaiako Penapenatia
Helen is one of those special people who quietly helps hold everything together. She has been part of the space for several years and is an incredibly caring, dependable and nurturing kaiako who knows our tamariki and community so well. Helen guides, supports and looks after everyone; children, whānau and colleagues alike.
Harley
Student kaiako - Poipoia
Harley is an enthusiastic kaiako with a Level 4 Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care and experience working with tamariki across a range of ages. She has a particular interest in inclusive education and supporting children who may need a little extra guidance to build their confidence and flourish. Harley brings a nurturing nature, positive energy and genuine enthusiasm for working alongside tamariki and whānau.
Melissa S
Kaiako
Melissa is a fully qualified and registered ECE kaiako with nearly two decades of experience working with young children. She is passionate about creating inviting, inclusive and play-based environments where tamariki have the freedom to explore, discover and grow, with Te Whāriki woven throughout her practice. Melissa brings experience, reliability and a wonderfully grounded approach to our teaching team.
Janine
Student kaiako - Penapenatia
Janine is in her third year of ECE study through UCOL and brings a gentle and thoughtful approach to her practice. Her connection with early childhood goes back a long way; she attended Playcentre as a child when Dee was there as a māmā! Janine builds calm, caring relationships with tamariki and is growing into a fantastic kaiako.
Melissa B
Student kaiako -Penapenatia
Melissa brings great energy, versatility and a strong work ethic to our team, along with previous experience caring for tamariki in an early childhood setting. She began her ECE degree in 2025 and is continuing to grow her knowledge and skills as a student kaiako. Melissa is friendly, practical and always ready to get involved; qualities that make her a valued part of our centre whānau.