NuRturing your most treasured possessions…
Our Guardians of Treasures aka Masters of Mischief
Our people are a small team of committed and caring teachers who value each child as an individual. Within our Waka Huia, teachers are partners with the children, nurturing each relationship and learning alongside them as they grow. They protect them in a way which builds trust, in order to feel safe to take risks and take on new learning through the opportunities the teachers set out in the environment. These partnerships ensure days full of rich learning experiences and lots of laughter.
The team’s expertise and experience ensures an environment which is safe and engaging for children to ‘do’, to ‘touch’, to ‘see’ and to ‘feel’, enabling them to learn through all of their senses. Waka Huia believe in a naturally flowing, environmentally sustainable curriculum and a comfortable environment for children where respectful, inclusive and reciprocal relationships are part of who we are and everything we do.
Hayley Smith
OWNER & OPERATOR
Hayley, proud owner and operator and THE Master of Mischief, has both a Bachelor of Art in Classics and a Diploma in Early Childhood Education. She is incredibly passionate about allowing each and every child (and teacher) to learn and grow in their own way and this absolutely shines through in her leadership at Waka Huia. As a warmhearted generous person, Hayley has collected quite a number of (furry) friends at home including, but absolutely not limited to, 2 dogs, a cat, many many chickens… not to mention her two ever-growing boys, all of which keep her constantly entertained.
Hayden walker
DIRECTOR OF CHAOS
The other (better…?) half of Waka Huia is Hayley’s partner, Hayden. Gifted the name Waka Huia (treasure box) by his Nana and coming from a strong whānau background, this is where the name of the centre originated. Hayden, being a big kid himself, has always found it easy to connect with children and young people. Together, Hayden and Hayley have developed a clear vision behind Waka Huia Childcare and this philosophy is clearly echoed in everything Hayden does around the centre.
KRISSY WRIGHT
TEACHER
Krissy has worked with tamariki for 10 years and has recently completed her degree in Early Childhood Education, ka pai Krissy! With a firm belief that tamariki are treasures who possess a wealth of incredible knowledge, Krissy supports them in leading their own learning. Her favourite part of teaching is all the wonderful things she gets to learn alongside the tamariki especially exploring the natural world, languages, arts, crafts, and stories.
Joanne McCormick
TEACHER
Having over 20 years of experience under her belt, Jo is not only a registered teacher, but also brings a huge understanding of supporting the learning process in the preschool environment with her. Jo’s passion with teaching originates from valuing the natural environment around us, as a tool for supporting and learning (nature pedagogy).
Helen Ridley
TEACHER
With a teaching style based on warmth, involvement and collaboration, Helen ensures she respects each child’s unique perspective, allowing them to develop at their own pace. Her personal experience with neuro-diversity, brings amazing knowledge and skills to the Waka Huia family, by way of a deep understanding of diversity and always encouraging inclusiveness. Helen passionately believes in the value of early childhood education.
EMMA Anderton
RELIEVER
Emma is passionate about creating lifelong learners and supporting them to reach their full potential. Boasting a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary), she believes that tamariki have an unlimited capacity to learn and loves working alongside them to identity and develop their passions and strengths. Emma loves music and dancing and is passionate about including the use te reo Māori within all areas of the curriculum.