Head Teacher - Qualified Registered Teacher

Kia Ora my name is Kaitlin, I began at Tūī in 2019 as a third year student after loving the environments and philosophy. I then moved through my teaching journey with Tūī becoming a fully registered teacher and Head Teacher in 2021. Throughout my time with Tūī I have had two children Taiari and Riria who also attend Tūī. We live on a little lifestyle block just out of Sanson and our life and values very much align with the the Tūī philosophy.. I am passionate about whānaungatanga; relationships and building competence and confidence in our tamariki; preparing them for school and their future.

Qualified Registered Teacher

I began at Tūī in October 2009 but have been teaching since 2003. I have a Bachelor of Education (Teaching Early Years 0-8). I have lived in Palmerston North all my life. My passion within teaching is science and I love creating and sharing science experiments with children and my peers! In my spare time I enjoy spending time in the garden, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Qualified Registered Teacher

I began at Tūī in June 2016. I have a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) degree through New Zealand Tertiary College. I live on a lifestyle block in Linton with my fiancé, daughter, son and many pets. I love animals and nature! Accordingly, I view the environment as the 3rd teacher and value cultivating children’s curiosity about the natural world.

Qualified Registered Teacher

Kia ora, I rejoined the Tui team in 2021 as a Nestlings teacher. I moved to Fledglings in 2024 and am enjoying the conversations that I can have with the older children.  I live with my grand daughter here in Palmerston North and enjoy spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren.

Qualified Registered Teacher

My name is Rebecca and I did my early years of teaching right here at Napier Road from 2011 to 2019. Love pulled me away to Porirua for the last 5 years where I got married to my wonderful husband James and had our beautiful daughter Mabel. We are now back and it is so great to a part of the Tui whanau again. I look forward to getting to know you all and seeing some familiar faces.

Qualified Registered Teacher

Kia Ora my name is Wendy. I joined Tui in October 2023. I have a bachelor of education.  I live in Palmerston North with my husband and two daughters. I have been teaching for over 15 years including travelling overseas.

Relationships are key when teaching -  connections with Tamariki, whānau and the  environment are essential to creating a secure safe place to learn. I look forward to being apart of the Fledglings whānau.

Teacher Aide

I have been a relief teacher at Tūī since 2016. Although now retired, I continue to enjoy watching young children reach their milestones and develop new skills and knowledge through play. Outside of work I like to do puzzles, dream of travel and spend time with my grandson.

Teacher in Training

I am a teacher in training working towards my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education through Te Rito Maioha. I have been working at Tūī North Street since 2020. My passion is creating a place where the mana of tamariki is uplifted by including their home cultures within my teaching practices and enabling their ideas to become reality. I am lucky to have a wonderful husband and have two girls, Charlotte and Zahra. I enjoy reading in my spare time.

Teacher in Training

Kia Ora, Ko Satriani ahau. I joined Tūī at the start of 2024 after loving my experience from my second year of practicum. I am in my last year of my bachelors degree in ece. I live Pahiatua with my husband and son Argentavis who also attends Tūī.

Whānaungatanga and a bicultural lens are at the heart of my teaching philosophy as i am passionate about empowering and nurturing all tamaiti, ensuring their whakapapa, culture, and voice are affirmed.

Ngā mihi, Satch

Early Intervention Specialist

Kia Ora koutou, ko Robert toku ingoa.
I’m a qualified registered teacher.
I started working for Tūī in 2007 as a reliever and started teacher training in 2012. I became a Qualified Registered Teacher in 2014 and was the Head Teacher at Tūī Young Investigators from 2016-2022. I am currently completing a 2 year postgraduate diploma in Specialist Teaching: Early Intervention with Massey University.

I love being an Early Childhood Teacher because I believe it is a privilege to help children to realise their learning potential in their lifelong learning journey.

I also have a diploma in Performing Arts: Drama. I worked as an actor in film and theatre for many years and worked in event management before moving back to the Manawatū with my wife Larissa to help with the family business. I have two adult sons and two granddaughters.

Owner - Director

Hi I am Deborah, owner of Tūī Early Learners in Napier Rd, Albert St and Feilding. I live in Feilding on 10 acres and am married to Lars. We have two sons, one studying in Europe and one at home with us still attending high school. I am proud to be carrying on the legacy my parents started in 1992. I see it as my responsibility to take great care of our teaching teams, as they care for you and your children.

General Manager

Kia ora, ko Jane tōkū ingoa. I am so fortunate to have been with Tūī since 2008 and my role has evolved from the Educational Leader, to my recently appointed role as General Manager of Tūī Early Learners. I am committed to my role as GM in being there for tamariki, parents and whānau, through to each and every kaiako across our nine centres. My role focuses on leadership, mentoring and coaching, HR - and especially from a management and educational perspective. Tūī is part of my extended whānau, and I love that my own whānau is so closely connected as well.

Operations and Administration Manager

Hi I am Larissa , I have been at Tūī since 2007, when Suzanne invited me to come back from Auckland to join the family business, and my husband Robert is a teacher at Tūī. Prior to that, I had a career as a professional Temp, and as an Executive Assistant at places like Microsoft, IAG, and Auckland City Council. I enjoy doing my part to keep the Tūī businesses running smoothly, and at home, I enjoy gardening, chatting with our small flock of sheep, photography, and bushwalks.

Educational Leader

Kia ora, ko Kylie tōkū ingoa. I have been at Tūī since June 2007 where I have had the privilege of being a Head Teacher/Centre Leader, to my recently appointed role as Educational Leader. My passion has always been fostering the lifelong love for learning in children as well as working with kaiako to grow them into heart-led empowering early childhood professionals.

Napier Road Site Administrator