THE TEAM
He aha te mea nui o te Ao, he tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata
What is the most important thing in the world, it is people, it is people, it is people.

Kate

Diploma in Teaching ECE
Full registration
Current first aid certificate
Growing up in rural Aotearoa, New Zealand I had the absolute freedom to explore the outdoors at my leisure. I have always felt strongly about providing a space where children can have that same feeling and had seen first hand the benefits for tamariki when given the opportunity to play and learn freely in a spacious calm natural setting.

It was a dream come true to be able to develop Nature Kids alongside my Mum and continue to enhance what we had built with our kaiako.

​It has been a joy to welcome tamariki and their whanau to share this journey with us.

Michaela

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Years)
Fully Registered 
Current first aid certificate
Tēnā koutou kātoa.  
Ko Michaela tōku ingoa, my passion for Nature-Based education has been nurtured here in Te Tauihu. Blending a Te Ao Māori approach into everyday life with tamariki is what I pride myself on as a Kaiako, ensuring that the generation of today, grow to be compassionate, empathetic, self-believing, well-rounded humans of the future. 
My involvement in Te Ao Māori and my strong connection to Te Āwhina Marae and local Iwi, gives me plentiful opportunity to engage in and share local kōrero and waiata with the tamariki of Motueka, helping them to connect to the place in which they live. Respect for Papatūānuku is important to me, as it is in the wellbeing of the whenua that we ourselves heal our own wairua. This is why I believe it is essential for tamariki themselves to also to feel a sense of connection to Te Taiao – the Natural Environment, so that they too can be in tune with Nature and themselves. 
I am on a learning journey myself as a Reo speaker and am proud to be a part of a team where Te Reo and Te Ao Māori are authentically immersed in our ethos and practice. 

Kris

Masters of Drama and Theatre Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in Education
​Fully Registered
​Current first aid certificate
Kia ora!
I moved to New Zealand four years ago to enjoy the wonderful landscapes and lifestyle. Growing up in rural Cornwall, England, my childhood was spent splashing around in rockpools and building secret hideaways in the hedge.

I’ve worn many hats as a teacher, and have always loved supporting children find their way in the world. I’m a big kid at heart, and love to play games, build obstacle courses, and tell stories. I like to put my background in drama to good use, and enjoy putting on puppet shows and doing silly voices.

I’m a keen walker, and love to walk my dog Luna on the beach. I enjoy swimming and cycling, and I’m an amateur photographer. I’m stoked to join the NatureKids whānau and add my skills and passions to the mix!

Shelley

​Bachelor of Teaching (Early Years)
Fully Registered 
Current first aid certificate

Hi I'm Shelley,
I'm super excited to be relieving at Nature Kids, to be able to bring my passion for nature and for teaching together, working alongside the amazing team here.

Having grown up on a farm, nature has always been a huge part of my heart and soul and I love supporting tamariki to explore and experience all our natural environment has to offer. 

I strongly believe in allowing children to be who they are, appreciating their uniqueness and being able to learn and problem solve in a supportive and unrestricted way.  

In my free time I enjoy walking or biking our great tracks, being at the beach with our dog, or reading a good book.
Family means the world to me, I cherish our times together and appreciate the simple things in life. 

I look forward to getting to know you and your whānau,

Wendy

​My main role is Kaiwhakahaere Office Manager, but I love to get out with the tamariki when I can.
Learning the ins and outs of Early Childhood Education has been an interesting challenge and I am very proud of Nature Kids, our passionate kaiako, our diverse and extraordinary tamariki and especially the serene and peaceful environment Kate and all our kaiako and whānau have developed over the few years we have been operating.
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