The Team

Ann Hunt

Manager

Kia ora, my name is Ann. I first started here 28 years ago as a parent and have seen my five sons all attend kindergarten here. As I now have grandchildren, it is a delight to see how young children learn and grow. I am so impressed with how the teachers interact and educate the children – I never realised there was so much involved, they do a great job. Parenting preschoolers is hard work and I would love to encourage you in this important task. I look forward to walking with you on this journey of life with your preschooler.

• Worked at this kindergarten for 7 1/2 years

Shin Park

Teacher | Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching

Hi, I’m Teacher Shin. I am originally from South Korea with a background in secondary teaching. I fell in love with this kindergarten in 2006 when I sent my daughter here and we experienced amazing education and support. I have enjoyed the privilege of working as a teacher here since 2014. I am passionate about helping children develop an appreciation in art, music, dance and outside play.

• Worked at this kindergarten for 6 1/2 years
• Other languages spoken: Korean

Trina Spemann

Teacher | Bachelor of Education (Primary)

Kia Ora, my name is Trina. I am a wife and a mother of four. I had the privilege of all of my children attending this kindy and have been involved as a mother, teacher aide and now a teacher here, over the last 14 years.
I believe that every child is a gift from God and has an unique place and purpose, and it is my privilege to help them begin to discover and grow into that person. I am excited to be working here with the amazing staff, the children and their families. Ka kite ano.

• Worked at this kindergarten for 5 years

Karyn Coutinho

Teacher | Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood & Primary)

Hello, my name is Karyn. I have been teaching for over 25 years. I live locally and have worked here since January 2010.
Building reciprocal relationships with children and their families based on trust is important to me. I am passionate about literacy and maths from an early age, and believe that children form a good foundation for learning through meaningful play.

• Worked at this kindergarten for 12 1/2 years
• Other languages spoken: Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi

Rosa Ke

Teacher | Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood & Primary)

Kia ora, my name is Rosa. I have been at this kindy since 2010. I believe that a good solid foundation for learning in the early years has a great impact in children’s later life. I am passionate about learning and seeing children grow in their love for learning. I also like to build reciprocal relationships with children and whānau as together we help children discover their God-given gifts.

• Worked at this kindergarten 9 years
• Other languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese

Maria Lole

Teacher | Bachelor of Education ECE

Talofa, my name is Maria. I am of Samoan descent and have been working at this kindy since 2017. I started teaching early childhood in 2013.
I believe that children are made in the image of God. I love planting seeds to help children discover who they are as learners and who God has made them to be.
No two days are the same and I look forward to being a part of your child’s learning journey here.

• Worked at this kindergarten for 3 years
• Other languages spoken: Samoan

Ruth Mailata

Administrator

Kia Ora Kindy Whānau

I am very thankful I can come back to kindy after a year’s maternity leave. I now have a 3 year old boy, Tanielu and a 1 year boy, Solomon. Life has become busy for my husband Elu and I but we are so grateful that God has a plan for us and that was to adopt our two sons from Samoa.

I am the middle child of 5 with 2 older sisters and 2 younger brothers. My mum is Māori and my father is Lebanese.

I love being around children and admire God’s creation. I pray the Lord will continue to bless our kindy teachers as well as our kindy families.