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

achelor 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. 

Laura

Diploma of Teaching (ECE)
Bachelor Upgrade in Teaching (ECE)
Fully Regisitered, Current First Aid
Kia ora whānau,
Ko Laura Hay ahau
Ko Motueka ahau.
I am a māma to two beautiful girls. I love being a kaiako and so passionate about teaching. I've been working in Early Childhood Education for 16 years.
I have a strong interest in exercise and active movement and enjoy incorporating this into my teaching by playing games, sports and other physical movement activities that help develop skills, attitudes and confidence.

Kris

Masters of Drama and Theatre Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in Education
​Fully Registered

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!

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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