Kia Ora! We are Sheree and Rob, the proud owners of Kowhai Kids Early Learning Centre in Albany. We have been actively involved as owners of family oriented, community focussed childcare centres since 2002.

We have 3 adult children whom we have watched learn and develop at childcare and through their school years and grow into wonderful, independent individuals. As a family we enjoy outdoor activities, bike riding, skiing, surf lifesaving, walks and time with family and friends.

The first childcare centre we owned was in Glenfield.  Our eldest daughter was 7 months old and our philosophy was everything needed to be good enough for our own child to be good enough for the children of our families.  This benchmark has not changed and is reflected in the environment we have created with our team at Kowhai Kids.

We are passionate about quality care and learning for all tamariki.  We embrace and celebrate the diversity of the families and teachers within our centre.  We invite you to contact the centre and see for yourself the wonderful indoor and outdoor environment, our amazing team/kaiako and the fabulous resources we have for your child at Kowhai Kids.

Our Team

Chloe

Centre Manager

I live just out of Kaukapakapa on a small farm with my husband, three children (who all attend Waitoki Primary School), four cows, three cats and two dogs! In our spare time we love going on adventures - to the beach and exploring the country.

I have been a teacher for over 17 years, and as a mother myself, I know how important it is to find a centre that is a home away from home and one that is engaged with the family and the child’s learning journey.

Having worked across the sector in a number of different centres from large to small, I have to say, I absolutely love being part of a small privately owned centre which really feels like a family.

I believe in setting children up for a love of lifelong learning and those foundations start in the early years. As a passionate teacher myself I love being able to lead a team of teachers and ensure that we are providing the ‘best of the best’ care and education for our tamariki and future leaders of New Zealand.

Chen

Head Teacher Tui 

Kia Ora, my name is Chen. I am originally from China and came to New Zealand in 2012 and decided to became a teacher. I am also a mother, and our little family of four - me, my husband and our two children - live in Albany.

In my spare time, I like to head outdoors with my children to create fun experiences, explore nature and learn. I love meeting people and enjoy building relationships. Being an ECE teacher in New Zealand, I appreciate every opportunity I have including learning from my young tamariki and embracing New Zealand’s multiculturalism.

I have been an Early Childhood Teacher for the last eight years. As my experience of working with children grew, so did my passion for early childcare. Kowhai Kids provides a fun environment that not only provides opportunities for the children to learn, but also lets me learn more about children.

I always feel it is a huge privilege to be a part of a child's learning and development journey. I treasure the opportunities of supporting children's growth that I get from the tamariki in my care. It is exciting to nurture our future generation.

Jo

Head Teacher Kereru

I have a huge passion for being a teacher and have years of experience with our young learners. I have always lived around the North Shore and am now raising my three beautiful children Kaydn, Grayson and our newest little addition Harper.

We all have a passion for animals in our household and love taking our two dogs for adventures outdoors, beaches are definitely our favourite place to be.

Gardening and indoor plants are one of my relaxing hobbies - bringing this into the classroom is always a favourite experience I can incorporate into our everyday learning experiences.

Harriet

Head Teacher Fantails

My name is Harriet. I graduated with a degree in teaching specialising in early childhood in 2011. I am a mum of two children both of whom have attended Kowhai Kids.

I moved from the UK with my family when I was 13 years old and live in Stillwater with my husband and two children. I enjoy seeing my family and friends in my spare time, going to the beach and enjoy exploring different cafes.

It is my passion to lead a team to a high standard and to make sure the room runs smoothly, but also to make sure we laugh and have fun together.

I have always been passionate about working with children and their families. making a difference in their young lives. I love the trusting relationship I can build with the children and their families. I enjoy watching children explore with sensory play, getting messy and allowing them to get creative and use their imaginations.