Meet the Kaiako: BestStart Omahu Road - Support Staff

Nicole
Kia ora everyone, ko Nicole toku ingoa and I'm the Centre Manager for BestStart Omahu. I have been at BestStart Omahu for four years, and have been the Centre Manager for three years now, I have been working within the Early Childhood Education sector for around 14 years. I thrive off supporting kaiako to reach their full potential and setting our next generation up for success is a huge passion of mine too. I've wanted to work alongside children since I was of young age, my mum recalls me telling her that I'm going to be a little kid teacher when I was four years old. I feel it is such a privilege to lead an amazing cohort of passionate and knowledgeable kaiako who are always striving to provide a rich learning environment for all tamariki to set them up for success. 

I have lived in Hastings my whole life, my husband and I have two beautiful children together - one is 14, and the other is 7. We also have a dog named Bruce. As a whānau we love creating memories through experiences whether that be camping, jetboating, or through our oldest son who races go-karts. 

Mel
Kia ora
Ko Otatara te Maunga
Ko takitimu te waka
Ko Tūtaekurī te awa
Ko noho o i te maru o te maunga o Rahine
Ko Tracey tōku mama
Ko Amanda raua, Ko Karis tōku teina
Ko Maverick rātau, Ko Lyla, Ko Maple, Ko Stella aku iramutu
Ko Melanie Taylor ahau

I have been working in early childhood education since 2008 and completed my studies in 2013. Throughout this time, I have had the privilege to learn, grown, and be a part of many tamariki and whānau lives. I have been with BestStart Omahu since the beginning of 2021 and the centre's Assistant Manager, where I am able to spend days in the classroom supporting the kaiako, tamariki, and whānau, while also being the lead for BestStart Ngā hau e whā Kahui Ako. 

Outside of mahi, I have a large whānau who i spend lots of time with, making memories in the outdoors hunting, fishing, walking, and on the farm. Animals are a big part of my life; you never know what animal I will have at my house next.

I look forward to the honour and privilege it will be working alongside your tamariki.

Keri
Kia ora, my name is Keri, but I am best known by our whānau as Aunty Keri. I have worked in ECE for nine years. I started as a cook and reliever but the last six years as an administrator, which I absolutely love. I have been part of BestStart Omahu for three years and I am extremely proud to be a part of passionate and enthusiastic team of 22. The best part of my job is the interaction I get to have with all our whānau daily, it is routine for our tamariki to get their morning cuddles from Aunty Keri before entering their classrooms, which always makes my day!!! In my position as administrator, it is very important to always be the best you can be so everyone feels welcome. 

Outside of work I have a busy home life with three sons, a husband, and two dogs. The boys play rugby and my husband coaches, so my weekends are full of sport. I love spending time with whānau and friends which always fills my tank with aroha!

Bo
Kia ora whānau, my name is Bo and I am currently the centre cook at BestStart Omahu. I began my journey in Early Childhood Education as a caregiver. I have a great passion for being a part of our tamariki's education, development, and growth. Being a father of six, I know a few things about raising tamariki, and the importance of having compassionate and positive role models to love and guide them.

After six yeas as part of the BestStart whānau, I am still loving what I do. Being able to come to work, seeing all the smiling faces and knowing that I am helping make a positive difference in their worlds, is such an amazing thing to be part of.