Team Tūī

Kōwhai @ 7 Lytton Street, Feilding

  • Lani

    Qualified Registered Teacher

    Kia ora, I have a Bachelor of Teaching ECE and I am the team leader of Kōwhai. I live in Feilding with my four tamariki who are students at Lytton Street School. I believe that by building strong, trusting relationships with whānau and their tamariki through manaakitanga, aroha and whanaungatanga we allow tamariki to flourish and grow. I look forward to sharing this space with you all.

  • Hette

    Teacher in Training

    Kia Ora, I’m Hette. I am a first year student here at Tūī, studying through Te Rito Maioha doing a bachelor of teaching degree. I really enjoy getting to know the tamariki at Tūī and guiding them through their learning journeys. I am passionate about making learning fun and beneficial for each child’s development and making strong connections with their whānau.

  • Emma

    Teacher in Training

    Kia Ora, my name is Emma, I am currently in my first year of study of Early Childhood education. I have had a passion for teaching ever since I was a child myself, I have always known this is what I’ve wanted to do and now my dreams are coming true. I cannot wait to learn and develop alongside your children throughout my teaching years!

  • Michelle

    Teacher Aide

    Hi I'm Michelle. I am Feilding born and raised and am now raising a whānau of my own here with my husband. We have been a part of the Tūī community for many years as our youngest has attended since the Feilding centre first opened. I am excited to work alongside tamariki and their whānau. I aspire to provide them with an inclusive and stimulating environment to help them build the foundations for their learning journey.

  • Robert

    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.

Tūī Management and Administration

  • Deborah

    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.

  • Jane

    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.

  • Larissa

    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.

  • Kylie

    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.

  • Layken

    Lytton Street Site Administrator

Get in touch.

Register your interest in the form below!

Demand for spots can be high, so the best way to ensure your place is by registering your interest below, which we can follow up with enrollment information as well as inclusions and fees.

We understand that this can often be an overwhelming process, so we want you to know that a Tūī Early Learners team member will keep you up to date with your placement needs.