OUR TEAM
Meet the people your child will know each day.
Relationships come first at our centre. Our teachers take time to get to know each child, and the little things that help them feel settled.
Over time, those small moments build something important: children know who will be there for them, and parents know the people they are leaving their child with.
A familiar, long-standing team
Care that understands family life
Different languages in everyday life
A familiar team.
Many of our teachers have been part of the centre for years. Alongside our permanent teaching team, our in-house relievers already know the centre, its routines and the children in their care. When cover is needed, children are still greeted by someone familiar.
Care that understand family life.
Most of our educators are parents themselves. They understand that trusting someone else with your child is a big step, and that the small things matter: a calm welcome, a thoughtful handover, and someone who notices when your child needs a little more reassurance.
Our care is grounded in professional experience and in an understanding of family life. We work alongside each whānau so children feel safe, known and comfortable here.
Different voices around the room.
Our teaching team brings different languages, cultures and family experiences into everyday life at our centre. Children may hear familiar greetings, songs and words from home, while getting to know the people and families around them.
MEET OUR TEAM
The people behind the familiar faces.
Get to know the teachers, leaders and everyday caregivers your child will see each day.
Grace
Centre Manager · ROCC & ROLC
At ROCC since 2009 · 20+ years in ECE
Grace is passionate about creating environments where children feel confident, competent and deeply valued.
In their own words
Ni hao, I am Grace, the manager of ROCC and ROLC. I started here in 2009. With over 20 years of experience in ECE, I believe every child is unique, and I enjoy learning alongside them as we co-construct ideas and explore new possibilities together.
I am committed to supporting children’s social competence through meaningful conversations, respectful interactions and collaborative learning. At our centre, we nurture a warm family culture built on respect, understanding and partnership. We treasure the diversity of our community, and cultural celebrations are an important part of our curriculum, strengthening identity and belonging for every child and family.
Hannah
Assistant Centre Manager · ROCC & ROLC
9 years at ROCC · 20+ years in ECE
Hannah is grateful to be part of a community that puts tamariki at the heart of all it does.
In their own words
Kia ora and welcome to our centres! My name is Hannah, and I am the Assistant Centre Manager at ROCC and ROLC. I have spent the last two decades serving tamariki and their whānau.
I recently completed my MEdL in leadership in the early learning sector. I love music, nature, spending time with my own whānau and reading. I look forward to meeting you and your tamariki soon!
Fui
Preschool Head Teacher
20+ years at ROCC
Fuifui is passionate about supporting and guiding tamariki through their early learning journey.
In their own words
Talofa lava and kia ora, I am Fuifui Elekana, the Team Leader at our preschool. I have a passion for supporting and guiding our tamariki through their early learning journey, helping them to thrive, build relationships and partner with their parents and community.
I also enjoy learning alongside neurodiverse tamariki and supporting their parents and whānau. Ngā mihi.
Yiting
Preschool teacher
At ROCC & ROLC since 2022
Yiting values supporting children to be themselves and feel comfortable expressing who they are.
In their own words
My name is Yiting Xiang, and I currently work at ROLC. I have been working in the centres since I was a student and learned here how to become a qualified teacher.
I want to create a safe and caring environment where children can explore their interests, build confidence and grow in their own unique ways.
Roneta
Preschool teacher
9+ years across ROCC & ROLC
Roneta loves singing, dancing and using music to engage children in learning and play.
In their own words
Kumusta! My name is Roneta. One of my strengths is music, and I love singing, dancing and using music to engage children in learning and play.
I love working in this centre because it feels like a family.
Geetanjali (Geetu)
Preschool teacher
At ROCC since 2024
Geetu is a caring teacher who enjoys learning and playing alongside children.
In their own words
Kia ora! My name is Geetanjali, also known as Geetu. I am a caring and friendly teacher who enjoys learning and playing alongside children.
I love creating a safe, happy and welcoming environment where children feel valued and supported.
May
toddler room teacher
At ROCC since 2024
May values creating a respectful, unhurried and nurturing environment where children feel safe and confident to explore, build relationships and learn through play.
In their own words
With a passion for music, I enjoy singing Māori waiata with tamariki and playing the ukulele to bring joy and connection.
Richelle
Toddler Room teacher
9 years at ROCC · 20 years in ECE
Richelle is a kind, caring, bubbly and fun teacher who loves creating a warm and positive environment for children.
In their own words
Working with children has always been my passion. You can never start a day off in a bad mood when you are greeted by so many happy faces who welcome you in the mornings.
I love this centre because it is child-led and has a heart of its own.
I would say I’m a kind, caring, bubbly and fun childcare teacher who loves creating a warm and positive environment for children. I am an artistic and creative teacher who enjoys planning fun, engaging activities that encourage children to explore, learn and express themselves.
I love building strong relationships with children and helping them feel happy, confident and supported.
Jenny
Toddler Room teacher
20+ years at ROCC
Jenny enjoys watching and observing children’s interests, then supporting their physical and emotional needs and beyond.
In their own words
I have worked at ROCC for more than 20 years as a teacher. I value the reciprocal relationship between families, children and colleagues.
Mary
Baby Room teacher
At ROCC since 2022
Mary supports babies with kindness and empathy, nurturing their wellbeing and encouraging creativity.
In their own words
I initially joined ROCC as a relieving teacher while studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts, then became a permanent teacher after graduating.
I hope that each child grows to be caring towards others and the environment, while advocating creativity in whatever form that takes for each child.
Angela
Baby Room teacher
At ROCC since 2024
Angela is a caring, responsible and patient teacher who values building strong relationships with tamariki and supporting their individual needs.
In their own words
With experience working with under-2s, I am attentive to children’s cues and behaviours, especially when they cannot yet express their needs through words.
As a mum of two, I bring patience, empathy and genuine care to creating a warm, respectful and nurturing environment where children feel safe, confident and supported to learn and grow.
Winnie
Centre cook
At ROCC since 2025
Winnie is our Centre Cook, a qualified chef with over eight years of experience and a love of bringing people together through food.
In their own words
My name is Yiting Xiang, and I currently work at ROLC. I have been working in the centres since I was a student and learned here how to become a qualified teacher.
I want to create a safe and caring environment where children can explore their interests, build confidence and grow in their own unique ways.
In-house reliever team
Familiar people, when cover is needed.
Our in-house reliever teachers are already part of us. They know the centre, its routines and the children, helping each day continue with familiar care.
Helen
In-house reliever teacher
At ROCC since 2025
Helen is studying towards a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and values responsive, relationship-based teaching that helps children feel safe, capable and known.
In their own words
Kia ora, my name is Helen Sok. I am currently studying towards a Bachelor
of Early Childhood Education at Manukau Institute of Technology. I began my
practicum placement at ROCC in February 2025 and have been working here as
a casual reliever since March 2025.
My time at this centre has given me valuable opportunities to connect
educational theory with teaching practice in a real early childhood setting.
I value relationship-based teaching and believe respectful, responsive and
reciprocal relationships are central to children’s learning, wellbeing and
development.
I am committed to creating thoughtful learning environments where children
feel supported to grow as confident, capable and lifelong learners.
Sharon
In-house reliever teacher
At ROCC since 2024
Sharon brings a calm, caring presence to the centre and enjoys building meaningful relationships with children, families and the teaching team.
In their own words
Working as a reliever teacher at ROCC for the past two and a half years has
been a truly rewarding experience. I have appreciated being part of such a
welcoming, professional and supportive team, where teachers and colleagues
are always willing to share their knowledge and help one another.
The most meaningful part of my role is working with the children and their
families. I enjoy building genuine relationships, supporting children through
their everyday learning, and seeing their confidence and development grow
over time.
As this was my first job in New Zealand, my time at this centre has been
especially meaningful. It has helped me build confidence, understand the
local early childhood education environment, and grow both personally and
professionally.