Ngā Kaiako

Rūma Teina Kaiako

Kia ora,
My name is Tia Shelford.
I am very grateful that I get to learn, teach and watch your beautiful tamariki grow.

I myself come from a nice, BIG blended whanau with seven siblings and one on the way shortly to make eight and I wouldn’t change it for the world!!!

I love being at the beach that is where you will find me all summer. Everything about the water makes me happy, swimming, fishing, diving and all of the kai moana that comes from it too.

Qualified Rūma Tuakana Kaiako

Kia ora my name is Bron and I have been teaching here at He Waka Eke Noa Early Learning Centre for over 20 years. I take great joy in exploring the world alongside your tamariki.

In my spare time I love to get out and walk my kuri Shay and ride my motorbike.

Qualified Reliever

Kia ora,
My name is Emily Benge, I live at Whangarei heads with my husband Sam and three boys Maya (18), Jonjo (16) and Arlo (10).

In my own time I love to garden, cook, practice yoga and enjoy the beautiful nature on my doorstep with my whanau and friends.

Over the last 10 years my husband and I have developed a children’s music project called Little Ripples (www.littleripples.co.nz), dreamed up admist our family life and inspired by our journey through parenthood. Teaching, writing and making music is a big part of who I am.

I worked at He Waka Eke Noa full time until recently when I got an amazing opportunity to grow my skills in play based learning.
However, you will see me around from time to time as I relieve during the holidays.

Rūma Tuakana Kaiako

Kia ora I’m Lily

I am enjoying exploring the world of early childhood alongside your tamariki. In the next few months I look forward to beginning my study with Bodhi Ltd.

I adore working with tamariki, supporting them in strengthening their mauri, wairua and mana as they grow into capable and confident life long learners.

Qualified Rūma Tuakana & Kaiwhakahaere – Centre Manager

Kia ora Koutou,
Ko Bucknell toku whanau
Ko Bex taku ingoa
Ko Stephen Yeates toku tane
Tokorua a maua tamariki
ko a maua tamariki ko Isla me Brooklyn

I’m Rebecca, but please call me Bex.

I have lived here in Whangārei all my life, grew up in Parua Bay, and spent most of my childhood on the shores of Pataua. I now reside in Maungakaramea on our lovely slice of paradise with my husband Stephen and my two tamariki, Isla and Brooklyn. We are lucky enough to have the support of my Mum and her partner there as well.

I love being at the beach, in the garden, and in the kitchen. I am passionate about health and well-being and love to tinker around getting creative.

I am lucky enough to have been part of the team here at He Waka Eke Noa ELC/Forum North Childcare Centre for 12 years. I am enjoying leading this waka and navigating the ever-changing waters that are early childhood education. Together as a team, we endeavour to hold a space that is safe and empowering for you and your tamariki.

Kaiwhakahaere / Administrator

Kia ora I am Annette,
I have been the administrator here at He Waka Eke Noa Early Learning Centre since May 2023. I am enjoying working alongside the HWEN whanau and helping to ensure you have everything you need.

I live in Pahia where My Husband Quin and I run the Breakwater Motel. We have three children Peyton (10), Harper (9) and Jackson (6). Our favourite place to spend time together is in Kororareka (Russell).

Rūma Tuakana

Kia ora,
My name is Cassidy, I have been working here at HWEN since February 2022. The past six months I have been on Maternity Leave with my Pēpi Zion. I am looking forward to returning with him.

I enjoy learning and growing alongside your tamariki.

I come from a big, beautiful whanau and enjoy spending time with my friends.

Rūma Tuakana - ESW Support

Kia ora!
My name is Sharrin and I work two days per week as an ESW support kaiako. I have been affiliated with He Waka Eke Noa ELC for over 15 years now and really enjoy working alongside our tamati/tamariki who are differently abled.

In my spare time I love to spend time with my grandchildren.

Support Staff

Kia ora, My name is Layla.

I just graduated with my BA in psychology at the university and am doing some relieving while I complete my graduate diploma in teaching through the university of Auckland.

I enjoy relieving at He Waka Eke Noa ELC between study.

In my spare time I love to be at the beach and hanging out with my whanau.

Kaiako Rūma Tuakana and Rūma Teina