A group of children and a woman sitting outside on a blanket, reading a colorful children's book, with green plants and a wooden fence in the background.

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Experienced Teachers Who Know Each Child

At Havelock North Village Kids, our people are at the heart of who we are.

Our teaching team creates the calm, familiar environment children experience each day. Through consistent care, strong relationships, and thoughtful teaching practice, our teachers help children feel safe, settled, and confident to learn through play.

A STABLE, CARING TEAM AT THE HEART OF VILLAGE KIDS

A classroom scene with a woman and a young girl sitting on a blue sofa, looking at a book together. The girl is wearing a beige shirt with a cartoon character on it. There are other children and educational posters on the wall behind them.

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Experience children can feel

A stable teaching team gives children confidence.

When children are surrounded by familiar adults who know them well, they can relax into their day, try new things, and build independence at their own pace. Our teachers take the time to understand each child’s personality, routines, interests, culture, and stage of development, so learning can be supported in a way that feels natural and meaningful.

This consistency also helps families feel more connected. Parents and caregivers know who is caring for their child, who to talk to, and how their child is settling, learning, and growing.

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Teaching through care, play, and connection

Our teachers support learning through everyday experiences, guided play, conversation, observation, and responsive care.

They create opportunities for children to explore, solve problems, communicate, move, imagine, work alongside others, and connect with the natural world. Some learning is planned, and some grows from the moments children create themselves.

This approach helps children become confident and capable learners, while still allowing them to feel comfortable, supported, and happy in their environment.

Meet the Team

Marilyn - Director

Marilyn started Havelock North Village Kids in 1992 with her husband & business partners.
Since 2018 she has been the sole director/owner.
Marilyn is committed to providing quality education and care for all of the children, and their families, who come through her service.
Marilyn has worked hard at the centre to create a green space for the children and teachers, planting many native plants to encourage visits from birds and insects. This interest in kaitiakitanga also continues in her spare time where she is raising native trees from seed, feeding kaka at Cape Kidnappers and being involved with ecology groups.
Amanda- Centre Manager

Amanda has over 40 years experience in education, firstly as a mum with Playcentre, then a teacher aide before starting at Village Kids in 2005.
Within that time she has supported and mentored head teachers across multiple centres to provide a stimulating, play based programme for children. Amanda is currently the centre manager, and head teacher of the Pukeko room.
Amanda has a strong focus on whanaungatanga, believing relationships are key to providing an environment where children, whanau and teachers feel they belong. Amanda also believes that education should be fun, and she incorporates humour whenever possible.
Our families know that Amanda genuinely cares for their children and that she is always approachable.
When she is not at work Amanda enjoys going to the beach, fishing and spending time with her family.
Lorraine -Head Teacher

Lorraine has almost 30 years experience in education, first as a primary teacher in England before starting at Village Kids in 2004. In 2007 Lorraine finished a post graduate diploma in Early childhood education.
Lorraine has worked with all ages at Village Kids, and is currently the head teacher of our Tui room, where she has been since 2018. She leads her team of experienced teachers to provide a safe and loving space for our youngest children.
Lorraine is committed to providing an environment that supports children’s physical and emotional development through hands on experiences. She believes building children’s communication skills is vital to their growth.
Lorraine values manaakitanga, making sure people always feel welcomed into the centre. Our families know that Lorraine will ensure a smooth transition into the centre for their pepi, working closely with whanau to provide a routine that matches their child’s routines and rhythms.
In her spare time, Lorraine enjoys cooking and baking, puzzles, reading and exploring nature reserves with her dog.
Gemma

Gemma has been involved in education for 20 years and has been a teacher at Village Kids since 2008.
Gemma has worked across all ages at the centre, and is currently a teacher in our Tui room, where she has been 2020.
Gemma brings a warmth and patience to her role, building trusting responsive relationships with each child and their families. By valuing secure attachments, Gemma supports our babies and toddlers to feel safe and confident to explore their environment.
Our families know Gemma is always available to offer support and guidance, both as a teacher and parent.
When she is not at work Gemma enjoys working in her garden and going on bike rides with her family.
Monica

Monica has been involved in education since 2016 as a secondary school teacher in India before beginning at Village Kids in 2021. She has just completed a post graduate diploma in early childhood education.
Monica is currently a teacher in our Tui team where her gentle presence supports the calm, unhurried rhythm of the day. She is committed to meeting the individual needs of our babies and toddlers through reciprocal relationships, care moments and reading their non-verbal cues.
When she is not at work Monica enjoys calligraphy, scrapbooking, photography, word puzzles and cooking delicious meals.
Emily

Emily began at Village Kids in 2021 as a student teacher. She is now a fully qualified early childhood teacher, working in the Pukeko room.
Emily believes in getting to know each child well so that she can plan rich experiences to extend children’s interests and knowledge.
She really enjoys using messy play as a way of encouraging children to explore sensory materials, building their language skills as she plays alongside them. She also enjoys baking with the children, incorporating lots of numeracy language.
When she is not at work Emily enjoys fishing, reading, crochet and amateur dramatics.
Sarah

Sarah has been involved in education and care since 2005 as an in-home educator, a care associate at an aged care facility and an unqualified teacher at Village Kids working in the Pukeko team.
Sarah is passionate about providing children with rich experiences that support children’s development. She enjoys using books and songs to build on children’s language skills. Our families know that Sarah is always available to lend a friendly ear and a warm smile.
When she is not working Sarah enjoys visiting family and friends, gardening, going to the beach, and eating seafood.
Lyn

Lyn has been involved in education since 1990 firstly as a Playcentre mum and then an early childhood teacher. She has been at Village Kids since 2020.
Lyn brings experience and a genuine caring nature to her role within both of our rooms, forming relationships based on her knowledge of each child and their current needs and interests.
When Lyn isn’t working she enjoys travelling around New Zealand with her caravan, going to the beach, reading and spending time with her family.
Ella

Ella has been at Village Kids since 2025. She enjoys getting down to children’s level and talking with them about their interests.
Ella has enjoyed working with the children so much she is considering studying Early Childhood in 2027.
In her spare time Ella enjoys Pilates, and socialising with her friends.

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Come and see where your child will fit

The best way to understand our centre is to visit.

Come and meet our teachers, see the Tui and Pukeko rooms, and get a feel for how Havelock North Village Kids supports children through each stage of early learning.

BOOK A VISIT