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 Rūma Pihi & Kaiwhakahaere – Assistant Manager

Tena koe,
Ko Ngatihine toku hapu,
Ko Ngapuhi me Taranaki oku iwi,
Ko Otiria toku marae,
Ko Ngatokimatawhaorua toku waka,
E noho ana ahau ki Whangārei,
Ko Parihaka te maunga,
Ko Hatea te awa,
Ko Rebbeca Joyce ahau

Kia ora,

I’m Becky I have been part of the He Waka Eke Noa Whanau since April 2023. I am the assistant manager alongside Bex and enjoy working with and leading the Rūma Pihi team.

I have been in the ECE sector for over 10 years now and am a lover of people of all ages. I enjoy adding my flare and personality to our beautiful space!

In my free time I love hanging out with my dog Petal and catching up with my family.

I love getting to know you all and feel privileged to help guide your tamariki through their early learning journey!

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 Kaneisha,
I have been working here at HWEN since December 2024. I hold a Diploma in Ballet and a Diploma in Jazz and am looking forward to working towards my Bachelor of ECE in 2026.

I live in Parihaka, love a little stroll down to work in the sunshine. I love the beach, music, dance and spontaneous trips away exploring the country. I am looking forward to getting to know you all better as time goes on and enjoy learning and growing alongside your tamariki.

Kaitao/Chef

Kia ora,

I’m Siobhan, my son Nikau and I have been part of the He Waka Eke Noa waka since May 2024. My career has been based around food and have been lucky enough to work alongside some amazing people in Australia and NZ.

I am lucky enough to live in the beautiful Whangarei Heads with my partner Fletch, our two sons Taika and Nikau and my Mum Jenny.

I love to create beautiful wholesome kai for the tamariki here!

Rūma Tuakana - Relief Kaiako

Ruma Pihi Kaiako

Kia ora,

I’m Te Arai, I have been part of the He Waka Eke Noa whānau since August last year and have a passion for working with pepi.

I live in the beautiful Kokopu with my whanau and love to spend my free time going on walks with my dog Jax, and with my whanau, friends and extended whanau at Calvary Chapel.

I am in my third and final year of study towards my Bachelor of ECE Education. I look forward to learning and growing alongside your tamariki!

Qualified Rūma Tuakana Kaiako

Ko Hikurangi te maunga,
Ko Te Raparapa te awa,
Ko Rangimarie te whare nui,
Ko Matawaia te Marae,
Ko St. Augustine tetahi o ngā waka,
Ko Captain Ninis tetahi o oku tupuna,
Ko Ngatihine, ko Ngatipākeha ngā Hapu
Ko Ngati Ra, Ko Ngapuhi ngā Iwi,
He tangata whenua ahau,
Ko Pania toku ingoa.

Kia ora!!

I am Pania, I joined the He Waka Eke Noa Whanau since July 2024 working Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I have been in the ECE sector in many different roles for over 19 years now.

I am a life coach and first light flower essence practitioner and enjoy doing this on a Monday and Tuesday.

I am from Matawaia and grew up emersed in Te Ao Māori, I love to speak te reo Māori and celebrate my culture daily!  I love to inspire the tamariki to express themselves through waiata and te kanikani and enjoy being a light in their day!