Our People | Meet the Kaiako Team at Ako Rangiora ECE

Meet the team

We would like to introduce you to a team of qualified or teachers in training, experienced and enthusiastic kaiako, who have a passion for lifelong learning. We strive for empowerment, a culture of diversity and excellence to guide a pathway of learning for Tamariki.

Rachael and Andrew Fearn

Owner/Manager

Bachelor in Teaching ECE, Diploma in Business Management, Member of the Early Childhood Advisory Committee (ECAC)

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Rachael and Andrew Fearn

Owner/Manager

Bachelor in Teaching ECE, Diploma in Business Management, Member of the Early Childhood Advisory Committee (ECAC)

First aid

Kia Ora, Andrew and I are very please to introduce ourselves as the owners of Ako Rangiora. I have been an Early Childhood kaiako for more than 20 years now and enjoyed many roles throughout this time, my passion is providing an environment for children where they can succeed and lead their learning journey at their pace, observing what makes them spark and providing opportunities for them to thrive in all aspects of life.

I have a strong interest in advocacy for children and am enjoying being a member on the Early Childhood Advisory Committee (ECAC) through the Office of Early Childhood Education (OECE). https://oece.nz/about-us/ecac/

Andrew has been a truck driver for many years now and has been on the early childhood journey alongside myself over the years. So, it makes sense that together we provide an environment where tamariki have the best possible opportunities, learn and thrive, develop a passion for learning and are curious about the world around them.

We look forward to including your whanau in our whanau and together giving your child an amazing early childhood experience.

Kia Ora te Whānau

Ko Aoraki te maunga

Ko Pareora te awa

No Roretana au inaianei

Ko Andrew taku hoa tāne

Ko Zane taku tama

Ko Rachael taku ingoa

No reira, tēnā koutou katoa

Justine

Preschool Room Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching

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Justine

Preschool Room Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching

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Sharon

Preschool room Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching ECE

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Sharon

Preschool room Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching ECE

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Sean

Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching ECE

Sean

Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching ECE

Kia ora,
My name is Sean, I am a part time kaiako at Ako Rangiora. I am originally from Manchester in the UK but moved to Rangiora with my family in 2004. After spending time working in the Environmental Management sector I decided to follow my sister in becoming a qualified ECE teacher, graduating from an ECE Graduate Diploma in 2017.

I believe in a child-led learning environment where their emerging interests are encouraged and developed. I also focus on social coaching and promoting a calm environment where tamariki can navigate friendships and their own emotions.

Ngā mihi,

Sean

Preschool Room Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching ECE

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Rachel

Preschool Room Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching ECE

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Amber

Nursery Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching

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Amber

Nursery Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching

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Kia ora my name is Amber, I am one of the nursery kaiako at Ako Rangiora. I live in Woodend with my husband and our teenage daughter. We also have two adult sons and a granddaughter.

I recently graduated with my Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood Education. My approach to teaching is based on creating nurturing and inspiring learning environments where tamariki feel

safe and motivated to explore. I love working with all age groups of tamariki but I am particularly passionate about working with infants and toddlers and building strong relationships that empower them to be confident learners.

Nursery Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching ECE

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Zoe

Nursery Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching ECE

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Kia Ora,
My name is Zoe and I have been teaching in ECE for over 10 years now. Early on in my career I found my passion for working with infants and toddlers and have been loving it ever since. This age is such an incredible time in a child’s development and it is an honour to teach and build relationships with pēpi and their whānau.

I have lived in Napier most of my life before moving to Rangiora in 2018 with my husband Dean who is a Rangiora local. I love being a part of this community and look forward welcoming you into our nursery space.
Ngā mihi,
Zoë

Preschool Room Kaiako

Studying towards a Bachelor in Teaching ECE

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Leanne

Preschool Room Kaiako

Studying towards a Bachelor in Teaching ECE

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Kia ora,

I’m Leanne and I’m the kaiako for the Pīwakawaka group. Originally from Durban, South Africa, I moved to New Zealand a few years ago with my husband, Steve, and our now teenage daughter Kylee. I’m passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where your tamariki feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. I love all things science, baking, and designing inviting pockets of play for children to explore.