Head Team Leader

I have been working in the early childhood sector since 2010, and I’ve recently completed my Bachelor of Teaching (ECE). Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with all age groups, but I have a particular passion for working with pēpi (babies).

I believe every child deserves the time, space, and support to grow and develop at their own pace. I’m deeply committed to nurturing tamariki as they begin their learning journey, creating a calm and caring environment where they feel safe, respected, and valued.

Tenia Room

Ko Wikitoria tōku ingoa.

Nō Tokoroa me Motukaraka tōku whānau, engari i tipu ake au ki Taupō.

Neke atu i te tekau tau ahau i uru ki roto i te rangai Kōhungahunga, mē tāku haerenga whakaako i timata i te Kōhanga Reo.

Ko te mea e tino whakanuia ana e au hei kaiako ko te whakawhānaungatanga ki ngā tamariki me ngā whānau whanui i runga i te pono me te tauutuutu e taea ai e au te whakarāto wheako akoranga e whai ana te mahia o ngā tamariki.

I tino whakapono ahau ki te whānaungatanga ko te whakawhāiti o te whānau te mea nui ki ngā tamariki katoa e ako ana hei akiaki a rātou ki te whai oranga i roto i o tātou taiao ako ia tā rātou tino āheitanga.

Nō reira tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.

Te Puna Room

I am a fully registered teacher currently working at Rockmybaby® Napier Centre, and I feel proud to call Napier home.

My teaching journey began over 40 years ago, and I’ve had the privilege of inspiring learners across all ages — from university students to our youngest tamariki in early childhood education. Teaching has always been my passion, and I continue to find great joy in both sharing knowledge and learning alongside children.

I hold a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Education from universities in India, and I completed my Early Childhood Education qualification through New Zealand Tertiary College in Auckland.

My wife and I are blessed with two wonderful children — a son and a daughter — who now have families of their own here in Aotearoa. I enjoy exploring new ideas in education, honouring traditional wisdom, and have a growing interest in learning te reo Māori.

Ngā mihi nui,
Mohanan

Tenia Room

I have over five years of experience in early childhood education, and I’ve also had the privilege of working with school-aged tamariki right through to high school.

I believe tamariki are taonga — treasures — and should be nurtured with care, respect, and aroha. I’m passionate about supporting their learning journeys in ways that stimulate their physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing, while celebrating their unique individuality.

I’m also a proud mum to one handsome boy, who fills my spare time with cuddles, laughter, and plenty of puddle jumping! Outside of work, I enjoy exploring local beaches and parks with him and spending time with whānau and friends

Te Puna Room

My name is Donna and I have been teaching in a support role at a local kindergarten for the past  17 years as a Kaiāwhina (education support worker). My passion is working alongside Tamariki supporting with extra needs, behaviour modelling, fostering language development & seeing each tamaiti as unique.

I look forward to meeting you all and being a part of your child’s learning journey! 

Cook/Van Driver and support

Kia orāna tatou kātoatoa

E te āroa

Ko Ina taku ingoa

Ko Enoka taku Tāne

E Etu ra tamariki

E Rima Tamaiti

E Rua Tamaine

E Taingarima Mokopuna

Ko Kuki Airani taku Enua

Ko Arorangi

Ko Araura taku pukuatu

Ko Tongariro toku maunga 

Ko Taupo-nui-a-tia toku awa

Ko korohe toku marae 

Ko Ngati Tuwharetoa toku Iwi

Ko Turangi ahau

Ko Ahuriri e noho ana

Ko Teresa Brooking  toku ingoa. 

Tena koutou Katoa 

Kia ora, My name is Teresa. I am a married mum nan and kui of 6 children,  13 mokopuna, and 1 mokomoko. 

My passion in life is to watch my whanau succeed in everything they dream. My expectations for my whanau, I would hope would be from the whakaaro,  whakapapa,  and knowledge that has been passed down from not only myself but from generations before. 

He aha te mea nui o te ao

He tangata,  he tangata,  he tangata 

What is the most important thing in the world?

It is the people, it is the people.

Kia ora,

I have worked in early childhood education for over 20 years and am excited to be a part of the Awhina Pepi team. I value the calm and unhurried pace of Awhina and enjoy supporting tamariki Kia ora, I’m Bernice Baumann.

I have worked in early childhood education for over 20 years and am currently employed at Pēpi as a reliever. I value the calm and unhurried pace of the centre and enjoy supporting tamariki to learn and grow, by following their natural rhythms and interests within a beautiful, nurturing environment.

Outside of work, I enjoy exploring Hawke’s Bay, walking with friends, and attending the many events the region has to offer. I also love spending time with my adult daughter, who lives in Wellington.

I look forward to getting to know you and your child.

Ngā mihi nui,

Bernice

Kia Ora, my name is Nicola and I am from Omahu Marae.

I worked as a primary school teacher for 15 years in Auckland before moving back to the Hawkes Bay, where I grew up. I have worked at a variety of early childhood centres in both Napier and Hastings for the past six years.

Early childhood is a time of exciting change, growth and development. I believe children develop best in an environment that is loving, emphatic, calm, fun and nurturing. My role is to help and encourage children in each stage of development. I enjoy using the arts and the outdoors as way to connect with children. I believe play gives children the opportunity to solve their own problems, regulate emotions, see from other’s perspective and get along with others.

I look forward to getting to know you and your whānau.