Our People

Tena Koe, Having recently moved into the Selwyn District looking for a new adventure in our lives we are very pleased to be owning and managing Ako Rolleston and being part of such a connected community. I have been an Early Childhood kaiako for a number of years now and enjoyed many roles throughout this time, my passion is providing an environment for children where they can succeed and lead their learning journey at their pace, observing what makes them spark and providing opportunities for them to go where ever they choose.

Andrew has been a truck driver for a many years now and has been on the early childhood journey alongside myself over the years. So it makes sense that together we are now providing an environment where tamariki have the best possible opportunities, learn and thrive, develop a passion for learning and are curious about the world around them.

We look forward to including your whanau in our whanau and together giving your child an amazing early childhood experience.

Hi, I am Sara. I am currently studying to become an ECE teacher. I really enjoy working here at Ako and helping children discover new things and explore their environment. Prior to working here at Ako I became a qualified teacher aide and was working at a school in the junior classrooms. I look forward to seeing you and your children around the centre and getting to know you all.

Hi, my name is Alia and I am delighted to be part of an amazing growing team at Ako Rolleston. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and ten years of extensive experience working with young children both nationally, within New Zealand, and internationally, in the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia as a lead educator in Australian International Nursery and Jakarta.

I am truly blessed to be part of Ako Rolleston Early Learning Centre and am really looking forward to meeting you and your precious children and working in partnership with all of you to help your children learn, develop and grow.

Kia Ora, my name is Liv. I am currently studying towards a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education). I have a strong passion for children and have had experience with all ages. I value respectful relationships where children and whanau feel valued and supported in their individual learning journeys. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my family and friends. I look forward to getting to know you and your children.

My name is Anareta Kaunilagilagi (Ana), I have a bachelor in Primary Education and Certificate IV in preschool education and am in the process of attaining a post-graduate diploma in education – early childhood. I have experience in tertiary teaching within Fiji and the Pacific Islands before being a fully New Zealand qualified teacher in 2013. I am excited to be joining the amazing staff of Ako, and working along-side the children in their journey in learning, development and growth.

Kia Ora, my name is Wynette. I am blessed to be a part of the Ako whanau and love getting to know each beautiful family that join us. I have been working in early childhood education since 2016 and have since gained a bachelor of teaching (early childhood education). I strongly believe in viewing children as confident and competent members of our society and value children’s voice and beliefs. You will often find me getting covered in messy play alongside the children, exploring the many benefits of sensory activities. I look forward to becoming a part of your whanau’s journey in the ECE setting.

Kia ora Koutou,

My name is Sarah Kelly. I am delighted to be part of the team here at ‘Ako’. I really enjoy  getting to know all the tamariki, parents/caregivers and whanau that make up our learning community.

Originally from Ireland, I moved to New Zealand fourteen years ago. My husband and I have two children and are settled in Leeston. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and being involved in creative activities, such as pottery, and watching my kids play sport.

My background is in Social Science. For many years I worked alongside children and families in various community roles (e.g. youth worker, facilitator for parenting groups). A few years ago, I decided to retrain as an early childhood teacher. Within this role I really enjoy getting to know tamariki and supporting them to develop their interests.

Building strong relationships with all involved in centre life is central to my teaching practice. Working together provides the best learning outcomes for tamariki. Providing a calm learning environment is important for infants and toddlers as they get the most from learning opportunities when the environment is unrushed, and interactions are respectful. Overall, I believe in providing all tamariki with rich learning experiences and having fun in the process!

Kia ora! My name is Charlie.

I am originally from China, and I have worked and lived in New Zealand for a few years.

I was born and grew up in a teachers’ family. We deeply understand that education changes people’s life. Therefore, trying our best to help the others to grow and learn is part of our family’s mission.

I believe that childhood should be happy and pleasant for a child, because we have only one childhood and children would learn more effectively and better with a positive emotion. My goal is to help children learn and develop by providing a safe, creative, and happy environment to support and enhance their learning and abilities.

I also recognize that every child is different and unique. One of my goals is to set up different learning plans and activities for every child individually with my professional knowledge and experience. Therefore, they can learn and extend their knowledge from various activities.

I am also a life-long learner and love exploring new things. I love nature, animals, and outdoor activities.

Hi there,

My name is Hannah and I am a support teacher here at Ako Rolleston. I am originally from Australia and have spent the last five years in New Zealand. I love it here!

I am currently in the process of enrolling to study towards a Bachelor in Teaching (Primary) next year.

I strongly believe in a hands on, fun learning environment for children. I have found this creates a trusting relationship between children and myself.