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Meet the Kaiako - Pohutukawa Room

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Whaiora (Head Teacher)

Ko Hikurangi te maunga Ko Waiapu te awa Ko Horouta te waka Ko Ngati Porou te iwi. Ko Whaiora Kiwara ahau

Kia Ora e te whānau, I am Whaiora, head teacher in the Tuakana classrooms here at BestStart Riverbend. I grew up here in the sunny Hawkes Bay and love all it has to offer especially the beaches. My favorite beach is Pourerere Beach, I have lots of special memories here as a child and look forward to making lots more with my tamariki. 

I enjoy teaching our young tamariki, igniting their curiosity to explore and challenge themselves. I have a passion for encouraging creativity through art, nature, and sensory learning experiences. Here at BestStart Riverbend, we strive to discover what interests the children have and endeavor to build our learning experiences around these. I hope as we travel this learning journey together, I can inspire and delight your passion for lifelong learning.

Azalia (Caregiver)

Ko Azalia toku ingoa, I am a caregiver here at BestStart Riverbend. 

I am working in the Pohutukawa room with the toddlers. I have been working here for the last 2 years whilst completing my degree in Psychology. Upon completion of these studies, I developed a passion for early childhood, enjoying all aspects of my role. 

Supporting tamariki to reach their goals and building trusting relationships with not only tamariki but also whanau are some of the most rewarding aspects of being a caregiver. I enjoy assisting in the building of a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning and celebrating all the achievements and goals that tamariki have reached. I can’t wait to further this passion by returning to study to start my early childhood teaching journey.

Clare (Kaiako)

Ko Clarelyn Reyes toku ingoa.

I am a teacher here at BestStart Riverbend.

I am currently assigned to the Pohutukawa classroom.  I moved here from Australia with my daughter in 2023 but originally we are from the Philippines.

I enjoy the outdoors and long-distance running. Frequent visit to the library is one of the activities I enjoy doing with my daughter.

I love making arts and crafts and storytelling with kids. I have a background in learning support and had the privilege to teach at an international school which allowed me to experience working in a diverse learning community. Looking forward to learning and having fun with our tamariki here at Beststart.

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