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.

Team Leader Te Puna Room

Tenā koutou katoa

Ko Rochelle Skipper tōku ingoa

I am of Māori and Scottish decent and my whānau whakapapa to Waimarama and South Otago.

I come from a family of educators who have influenced my passion for supporting tamariki as they develop their understanding of who they are and the world around them. 

I have a strong interest in human development and the way the early years of a child’s life can influence them and shape their lives. 

I completed my teacher training in 2010 and have since worked in Wellington and Australia before moving home and working here in Hawkes Bay.

I love working alongside our tamariki here and supporting them to grow through a philosophy based on manaakitanga and whanaungatanga.

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

Bio to come…