MEET THE TEAM 

Front row, from left: BRYZEL GROVES – Centre Administrator: Hi everyone! I'm Bryzel, Howick's administrator. I'm a mum of 2 beautiful kids who also attend BestStart Howick. I absolutely love working at our centre alongside such a strong teaching and support team. Everyone is so respectful and considerate of one another and together we make such a great and balanced Whānau. One of the best parts about my job is seeing the children thrive and grow into themselves. Being a small centre, I am able to engage and form quality relationships with our staff, parents, and tamariki. Outside of work, you can find me researching the next travel destination and spending time with my family. 

PHILOMENA LOBO – Centre Manager: Kia Ora everyone, I am mostly known as Phil. Originally, I am from India but New Zealand is home for me and my family for the last 20 years. I came into ECE after the birth of my daughter, who now is nearly 14 years old. I joined BestStart seven years ago as a qualified teacher, stepped up to the head teacher and now centre manager at Howick for the last four years. My pedagogy is underpinned by a philosophy of relationships. I believe we are a product of our experiences, past and present and that our relationships with people, places and things enrich these experiences. I consider it important to weave in love, respect and care for each other, to connect and draw strength and learn from each other.

DAMINI SABHARWAL – Pepe Teacher: My name is Damini Sabharwal. I am originally from Delhi, India and came to New Zealand in 2017. I have always found myself attracted to working in Early Childhood Education as I believe that a significant value can be added to shaping a child’s future during their early days in the world. I have been working in ECE for around 10 years. I am formally trained in ECE through a 2-year diploma course and a Bachelor of Education degree from India and another 1-year diploma course in ECE from New Zealand. I love my profession and enjoy working with these little people. I feel immense pleasure to be part of their learning journey. 

PARUL KAPOOR – Preschool Teacher: Kia Ora, Namaste, and Ni Hao. My name is Parul Kapoor, and I am a qualified registered teacher. I have done Level 7, Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education from NZTC. I came to New Zealand three years ago from Delhi, the capital of India with my spouse and two adorable kids. I am passionate about children and early childhood. I love to have meaningful conversations with children. I am a creative, energetic, friendly, open-minded person and have a responsible approach towards children's learning and development. I strongly believe in being respectful and inclusive towards all cultures and building a respectful and reciprocal relationship with tamariki, whanau, and my team members. 

Second row, from left: DISHNI PANNILA – Preschool Teacher: I am from Sri Lanka. I moved to New Zealand in 2018 with my husband. Prior to moving, I was a primary school teacher for 8 years. I have completed my Post Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood Education) and I am an enthusiastic and passionate person who loves working with children of all ages. During my free time, I love cooking and hiking with my husband. We are both big foodies who love to explore different types of food. 

ZOE QIU – Pepe Teacher: I’m from China and I’ve been in New Zealand for 17 years. I am a fully registered teacher and I have 12 years of teaching experience in New Zealand, plus 3 years in China. As an immigrant teacher, the varieties of cultures fascinate me to meet people from different backgrounds. I love to learn about different cultures and I love working/being with young children, and I believe that it’s my great pleasure to be a part of our little people’s growth and development. As teachers, we love them without condition, guide them to learn about the world around us, show them how to love, to respect, to give, to care, and to learn. I am looking forward to having a lovely, fun and happy time with our little people and playing and learning together with them. I hope that our dear parents and whanau will trust that your children will love, trust, and enjoy their time with me. 

DARREN ZHOU – Toddlers Teacher: Kia ora koutou katoa! Ko Darren taku ingoa. I’m a qualified ECE teacher, holding a Graduate Diploma degree in Early Childhood Education from NZTC and have obtained practical experience in various ECE settings. This has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of child development theories and effective teaching strategies that promote holistic growth. In my approach to teaching, I value the importance of creating a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment for our tamariki. I believe in fostering a love for learning through play-based activities, encouraging creativity, and promoting social interactions among children. At BestStart Howick, I am excited to work alongside a team of dedicated educators who share the same commitment to providing quality early childhood education. I believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration, and I am eager to contribute my skills and ideas to create a rich and engaging learning environment. I feel privileged to be entrusted with the responsibility of guiding and supporting our tamariki during their formative years. Every child is unique, and I am dedicated to providing individualized care and attention to help them reach their full potential. 

ROWSON PARVIN – Centre Reliever: Kia Ora, I have been with BestStart Howick for the last seven years as a centre reliever. I am from Bangladesh and moved to New Zealand 10 years ago. My two sons are studying at the University of Auckland. This gives me an opportunity to enjoy being with little children in the ECE environment. I enjoy each and every day playing and having fun with the children. I feel BestStart Howick is my second home as the team is so friendly. 

TARANJIT KAUR – Head Teacher: My name is Taranjit Kaur (TJ) and I have recently joined the BestStart Howick team as a head teacher. I am enjoying being part of such a wonderful team. I am thrilled and can’t wait to see what this year has in store for me. I graduated from New Zealand Tertiary College as an ECE teacher and have over four years of teaching experience. I was born and raised in New Delhi, India and did my bachelors from Delhi University. I have always been a family person and have been attached to my mum, dad, and my older brother. My childhood was full of fun as I had a lot of cousins and we used to spend a good amount of time together. Now, I live with my partner, Gurdeepak Sidhu (Sid) in Auckland. In my free time, I love to go for walks and enjoy cooking and watching movies with my family. I believe that our environment is the third teacher and I aim to create an inclusive learning environment in which children can learn through practical learning scenarios. It is the child's relationship with parent, teacher, and environment that ignites learning. I also believe that children should be treated with respect and kindness. If we understand the needs of children, respect their cultural backgrounds, and build a healthy relationship with them, and their whanau, it will create an inclusive learning environment, which will help them thrive. 

Not Pictured: NATASHA HURIANA TUKERANGI – Toddler Teacher: Ko Moehau me Panetoki ētehi Maunga, Ko Ngahutoitoi me Whakamarama ētehi Marae, Ko Ngāti Maru me Raukawa ki Wharepūhunga ētehi Iwi, Ko Waihou me Mangatutu ētehi awa, Ko Tainui te waka, Tīhei Māuri Ora. Kia ora, sat sri akal, hello everyone! I am an Aotearoa, New Zealand descendant born in Te Awamutu currently living in Auckland since 2019. My career in the education sector started in 2003. Since then, until 2019, I blossomed within Te Kōhanga Reo, graduating as a fully qualified Kaiako with multiple skills and attributes in ECE (early childhood education). Since 2021 I made a life-changing decision to extend my korwowai with the BestStart Educare team who thrive on the values of manaakitanga and aroha. My family from India and Aotearoa are proud and fortunate to learn, grow and develop within a humble environment.