• Home
  • Our Locations
    • Te Rapa Preschool
    • Bell Block Preschool
    • Spotswood Preschool
    • Hāwera Preschool
  • ERO Reports
  • Contact
Enrol Now

Hāwera Preschool

3 month FREE - for all new enrolments
Enrol Now

Our Early Learning Approach

Our Sustainable Practices

Future Kids Preschools provide plentiful, natural outdoor spaces with a lovely bright and light indoor area - a child's big backyard, a home away from home!

Future Kids was born from a dream to make a difference in Early Learning Education for Kiwi families. We provide the perfect environment where imagination can be grown and skills can be developed. With good old fashion values that encompass home grown cooked meals that have organic wholesome food included in them with our no added sugar policy - each and every day!

We strive to provide a green and sustainable home away from home in a wholesome, natural environment. With free access to the outdoors to run and play in the fresh air, the children have the freedom to express themselves and will be loved and supported for who they are.

Orchard
Organic menu
Animals
Eco-friendly cleaning products
Recycling
Solar panels
Rainwater harvesting
Purified water
Wooden furniture

Orchard

Our centre has a fruit orchard with many varieties of organic fruit for the children to pick and eat including apples, Nashi, feijoas, peaches, plums, oranges, lemons, Raspberries and mandarins. Our fences are lined with grape vines and hedges made from fruit trees as part of our vision to have an edible garden. Each room as its own raised-bed gardens in which we grow organic vegetables, herbs and of course fresh strawberries. All of the produce grown will be eaten by the children, with any excess produce offered to our families or used as part of fundraising activities.

Organic menu

Offering organic wholefood choices with a zero sugar policy.  Not only are our organic menus delicious, but they fuel your child with the proper nutrition.  Providing your child with optimal health and wellness.

Animals

Our centres  are also home to our family of animals, chickens, rabbits, guinea pig, Kunekune pig, beehives and a worm farm. Daily activities for the children at the centre include handling and feeding animals, and collecting food waste from meals to feed the chickens and worm-farms. This interaction encourages children to learn about sustainability and the way nature relates to their daily lives. 

Eco-friendly cleaning products

Our centres use eco-friendly cleaning products which provide a non-toxic environment 

Recycling

We are strongly focused on recycling all waste in our centre with purpose built recycling centres in each room for organic food waste, soft plastics, hard plastics and cardboard. 

Solar panels

Our centre has solar energy panels which store the sun’s natural energy, providing a renewable source of energy to the centre.   There are no direct greenhouse gas emissions because the electricity is made from direct sunlight rather than burning fossil fuels.

Rainwater harvesting

We have two large rainwater tanks that gather rainwater from the roof then we feed it back to the gardens and orchard. 

Purified water

Our centre has HRV water filters installed.  This reduces sediment, chlorine and other contaminants,  delivering clean filtered water from every tap.

Wooden furniture

Our centres are fitted with local New Zealand made high quality non toxic wood furniture with an emphasis on beauty, functionality, and environmental awareness.

Our Programme

Our programme at Future Kids based on the New Zealand early childhood education curriculum called Te Whariki.

Future Kids is committed to providing a programme that balances the interests of the child together with the aspirations of both the parents and teachers. Our programme is varied and flexible on a day to day basis, developing the curiosities of children. We offer a range of learning opportunities within our sustainable environment to engage tamariki in a well-resourced, creative and inspiring environment.

Our Rooms

Te rūma o ao - Infants

Rūma Ao is a space where infants are nurtured. Teachers respond to individual children’s cues and life in the rūma ao is centered around each child’s unique needs and ways of being. The teaching team work from the heart to create a loving space, where the relationship between baby and teacher is paramount. The partnership with you as the parent and us as the teacher, is the fundamental base of what happens for your child and how. Through this strong connection between the parent, the teacher and the child; rūma ao at Future Kids becomes a loving, caring and nurturing space to be in. 

Benefits 

  • Two sleep rooms to ensure your baby sleeps soundly 
  • Fabulous large windows and doors to create indoor/outdoor flow 
  • Covered outdoor area so they can play out of the wind 
  • Teachers who understand the importance of the parent, child and teacher triadic relationship 
  • A space where infants feel a sense of belonging, a connection to teachers and a safe place to explore
  • Connection to nature where babies have the opportunity to explore the natural environment, engaging all of their senses 
  • Access to animals, animal sounds and natural, outdoor spaces including real grass 
  • Great adult: child ratios 
  • Ongoing documentation in your child’s own education portfolio (which is online as well – in a private and safe portfolio system called Educa) to capture and share moments of your child's day 
  • Communication booklets where teachers and parents share daily notes about feeds, sleeps and relevant information 
  • Because rūma ao  is separate to other rooms infants can have uninterrupted periods of time in a safe setting 

Te rūma o wai - Toddlers

Rūma wai daily life is busy but calm.  As children start to grow in confidence and communication skills, rūma wai provides a space where children are seen as capable and confident. Singing and small group times start to take shape and become informal parts of the day.  Negotiation and problem solving are new skills which take practice and in rūma wai, children are given the time, space and just the right amount of teacher input, in order to master the skill of turn taking, empathy and being a friend. Care moments are special moments in the day where children begin to take responsibility for small tasks and become active leaders in their room. Teachers notice what is happening for each child, recognize the learning and teachable moments, respond through a range of skilled teaching techniques, and revisit that learning in a range of exciting and stage appropriate ways. The kaupapa in this room really starts to shine with children taking care of gardens, worms, animals, exploring nature and being active eco friendly citizens of Future Kids. 

Benefits 

  • Sleep room 
  • Covered outdoor area so they can play out of the wind and rain 
  • Fabulous large windows and doors to create indoor/outdoor flow 
  • Dedicated creativity station 
  • Dedicated carpentry workshop area 
  • Fabulous playground to expand your child’s sense of exploring 
  • Natural shade 
  • Interaction with animals, worms, gardens and nature; which inspires taking responsibility, curiosity, empathy working with others, scientific and math concepts, cause and effect 
  • The by product of animals, plants, worms are used in the programme to develop awareness and knowledge of the value of acting sustainably, organically and becoming ecologically aware 
  • The Future Kids community comes to life as the skills of people in our community become friends of the centre offering specialist skills such as sewing, music, wood work, gymnastics; by using our own produce as hokohoko (trade items) 
  • Learning is documented in your child’s own education portfolio (which is online as well – in a private and safe portfolio system called Educa)

Te rūma o ahi - Pre-school

Rūma ahi offers the opportunity for children to build on emerging confidence, to understand the complexity of friendships, working with others and caring for our environment. Rūma ahi offers children the chance to share ideas, be creative, take responsibility for themselves and the environment, show leadership and explore their sense of identity. The programme is built around a project base approach whereby everyday happenings such as collecting the eggs from the chickens, offers learning about how much to feed the chickens in order to get the eggs, what to do with the eggs and how many eggs do we need to sell in order to buy enough food for the chickens. The fruit trees offer another example of the project based approach whereby children are part of the growing, pruning, feeding, picking, bottling and sharing process. 

Rūma ahi includes approximately 15 areas of play as well, such as dress ups, junk play, construction, mat times alongside the added value of connection with nature and acting in an environmentally friendly way. 

Our hope for your child when leaving us from rūma ahi is that they leave us feeling confident in who they are, strong in identity, with the competence and capability to follow their dreams into school in an environmentally and sustainable way. 

Benefits 

  • Sleep room that couples as a quiet room and classroom 
  • Covered outdoor area so they can play out of the wind and rain 
  • Fabulous large windows and doors to create indoor/outdoor flow 
  • Dedicated creativity station 
  • Dedicated carpentry workshop area 
  • 15 areas of play including dress ups, clay, cooking, construction, loose part play…. 
  • Literacy, numeracy, science and mathematical concepts developed through real life and applied experiences, promoting life and school readiness 
  • Small groups times such as mat times 
  • Fabulous playground to expand your child’s sense of exploring 
  • Natural shade 
  • Interaction with animals, worms, gardens and nature; which inspires taking responsibility, curiosity, empathy when working with others, project approaches, language, numeracy and literacy comprehension 
  • The by product of animals, plants, worms are used in the programme to develop understanding and knowledge of the value of acting sustainably, organically and becoming ecologically aware 
  • The Future Kids community adds to the rūma ahi life as the skills of people in our community become teachers in the centre offering specialist skills such as sewing, music, wood work, gymnastics; by using our own produce as hokohoko (trade items) 
  • Teachers in rūma ahi work in conjunction with the local school teachers to ensure that the programme offers children the skills, enquiry and opportunities that are expected for starting school 
  • Learning is documented in your child’s own education portfolio (which is online as well – in a private and safe portfolio system called Educa) showcasing the learning journey of your child, providing essential information for your child’s next teacher. 

Te rūma o ao - Infants

Rūma Ao is a space where infants are nurtured. Teachers respond to individual children’s cues and life in the rūma ao is centered around each child’s unique needs and ways of being. The teaching team work from the heart to create a loving space, where the relationship between baby and teacher is paramount. The partnership with you as the parent and us as the teacher, is the fundamental base of what happens for your child and how. Through this strong connection between the parent, the teacher and the child; rūma ao at Future Kids becomes a loving, caring and nurturing space to be in. 

Benefits 

  • Two sleep rooms to ensure your baby sleeps soundly 
  • Fabulous large windows and doors to create indoor/outdoor flow 
  • Covered outdoor area so they can play out of the wind 
  • Teachers who understand the importance of the parent, child and teacher triadic relationship 
  • A space where infants feel a sense of belonging, a connection to teachers and a safe place to explore
  • Connection to nature where babies have the opportunity to explore the natural environment, engaging all of their senses 
  • Access to animals, animal sounds and natural, outdoor spaces including real grass 
  • Great adult: child ratios 
  • Ongoing documentation in your child’s own education portfolio (which is online as well – in a private and safe portfolio system called Educa) to capture and share moments of your child's day 
  • Communication booklets where teachers and parents share daily notes about feeds, sleeps and relevant information 
  • Because rūma ao  is separate to other rooms infants can have uninterrupted periods of time in a safe setting 

×

Te rūma o wai - Toddlers

Rūma wai daily life is busy but calm.  As children start to grow in confidence and communication skills, rūma wai provides a space where children are seen as capable and confident. Singing and small group times start to take shape and become informal parts of the day.  Negotiation and problem solving are new skills which take practice and in rūma wai, children are given the time, space and just the right amount of teacher input, in order to master the skill of turn taking, empathy and being a friend. Care moments are special moments in the day where children begin to take responsibility for small tasks and become active leaders in their room. Teachers notice what is happening for each child, recognize the learning and teachable moments, respond through a range of skilled teaching techniques, and revisit that learning in a range of exciting and stage appropriate ways. The kaupapa in this room really starts to shine with children taking care of gardens, worms, animals, exploring nature and being active eco friendly citizens of Future Kids. 

Benefits 

  • Sleep room 
  • Covered outdoor area so they can play out of the wind and rain 
  • Fabulous large windows and doors to create indoor/outdoor flow 
  • Dedicated creativity station 
  • Dedicated carpentry workshop area 
  • Fabulous playground to expand your child’s sense of exploring 
  • Natural shade 
  • Interaction with animals, worms, gardens and nature; which inspires taking responsibility, curiosity, empathy working with others, scientific and math concepts, cause and effect 
  • The by product of animals, plants, worms are used in the programme to develop awareness and knowledge of the value of acting sustainably, organically and becoming ecologically aware 
  • The Future Kids community comes to life as the skills of people in our community become friends of the centre offering specialist skills such as sewing, music, wood work, gymnastics; by using our own produce as hokohoko (trade items) 
  • Learning is documented in your child’s own education portfolio (which is online as well – in a private and safe portfolio system called Educa)

×

Te rūma o ahi - Pre-school

Rūma ahi offers the opportunity for children to build on emerging confidence, to understand the complexity of friendships, working with others and caring for our environment. Rūma ahi offers children the chance to share ideas, be creative, take responsibility for themselves and the environment, show leadership and explore their sense of identity. The programme is built around a project base approach whereby everyday happenings such as collecting the eggs from the chickens, offers learning about how much to feed the chickens in order to get the eggs, what to do with the eggs and how many eggs do we need to sell in order to buy enough food for the chickens. The fruit trees offer another example of the project based approach whereby children are part of the growing, pruning, feeding, picking, bottling and sharing process. 

Rūma ahi includes approximately 15 areas of play as well, such as dress ups, junk play, construction, mat times alongside the added value of connection with nature and acting in an environmentally friendly way. 

Our hope for your child when leaving us from rūma ahi is that they leave us feeling confident in who they are, strong in identity, with the competence and capability to follow their dreams into school in an environmentally and sustainable way. 

Benefits 

  • Sleep room that couples as a quiet room and classroom 
  • Covered outdoor area so they can play out of the wind and rain 
  • Fabulous large windows and doors to create indoor/outdoor flow 
  • Dedicated creativity station 
  • Dedicated carpentry workshop area 
  • 15 areas of play including dress ups, clay, cooking, construction, loose part play…. 
  • Literacy, numeracy, science and mathematical concepts developed through real life and applied experiences, promoting life and school readiness 
  • Small groups times such as mat times 
  • Fabulous playground to expand your child’s sense of exploring 
  • Natural shade 
  • Interaction with animals, worms, gardens and nature; which inspires taking responsibility, curiosity, empathy when working with others, project approaches, language, numeracy and literacy comprehension 
  • The by product of animals, plants, worms are used in the programme to develop understanding and knowledge of the value of acting sustainably, organically and becoming ecologically aware 
  • The Future Kids community adds to the rūma ahi life as the skills of people in our community become teachers in the centre offering specialist skills such as sewing, music, wood work, gymnastics; by using our own produce as hokohoko (trade items) 
  • Teachers in rūma ahi work in conjunction with the local school teachers to ensure that the programme offers children the skills, enquiry and opportunities that are expected for starting school 
  • Learning is documented in your child’s own education portfolio (which is online as well – in a private and safe portfolio system called Educa) showcasing the learning journey of your child, providing essential information for your child’s next teacher. 

×

Our Services

Healthy Menus

We provide a healthy meal and snacks for children over 12 months of age while they are in our care. The children will have a cooked lunch most days and you will find the weekly menu displayed on the childcare’s notice board. Children under 12 months will need to provide their own meals. Please inform staff of any food allergies your child may have.

Nappies

We encourage the use of cloth nappies, and our centre is set up to accommodate these.  You will need to provide nappies for your own child or we can provide disposable nappies at a cost of $3.00 per day. 

Bottles

All children requiring infant formula will need to bring the bottles pre made, named and placed in the refrigerator in your child’s room.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen will be applied during Term 1 and 4 at $10 per term. This will be added to your child’s account.

Weekly Food Menu

Morning tea

Wicked Waffles

Freshly made fluffy wicked waffles with organic flour, milk and free range eggs.  Variations: Plain, blueberry, mixed berry, apple & cinnamon, spiced pumpkin, banana, choc chip

Allergy friendly alternative: Made with organic gluten free flour, coconut/milk alternative and egg substitute.  Variations as above. (DF, GF, EF, NF, vegan)

Served with our Endless Summer Smoothie, made with blitz coconut/alternative milk, frozen berries, banana and a sprinkle of essence.

Lunch

Slice of heaven: Homemade freshly baked pizza dough, served with our own in -house tomato-based sauce and an array of natural toppings: cheese, tomatoes, shredded chicken/ham, onion and capsicum.

Allergy friendly alternative: Homemade freshly baked pizza dough made with organic gluten free flour, omit dairy. (GF, EF, NF, DF)  Vegetable pizza (Vegan/Vegetarian)

Afternoon Tea

Jumpstart Energy slice: A slice packed with fuel and flavour for your little ones.  Freshly baked Organic rolled oats, sesame, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, dried apricots, sultanas and a small amount of organic raw cane sugar that will not spike the insulin levels.

Allergy friendly alternative: Energy slice: Organic rolled oats, sesame, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, dried apricots, sultanas and a small amount of organic raw cane sugar that will not spike the insulin levels.(DF, EF, NF, vegan)

Gluten free whole meal muffin (GF)

Served with an assorted seasonal fresh fruit platter.

Morning tea

Sugar free whole meal muffin: Freshly baked with organic flour, milk, free range eggs. Variations: Apple, date, sultana, apricot, banana.  Served with vegetable sticks and Homemade Raita,

Allergy friendly alternative: 

Freshly baked hot delicious wholemeal muffins made with organic gluten free flour, milk, egg substitute. Variations: Apple, date, sultana, apricot, banana. (DF, GF, EF, NF, vegan) Served with vegetable sticks and organic hummus (DF)

Lunch

Creamy Avo Pasta with Garlic Bread: Organic paster mixed with a comforting creamy avocado, basil and sundried tomatoes sauce. Served with garlic bread.

Allergy friendly alternative: Organic paster mixed with a comforting creamy avocado, basil and sundried tomatoes sauce.    (DF, GF, EF, NF)

Afternoon Tea

Crackled Cocoa Bliss balls: Tasty little nutritionally dense morsels packed full of healthy goodness, including, cranberries, puffed rice, cocoa and coconut. (DF, GF, EF, NF, vegan)

.Allergy friendly alternative: As above. (GF, DF, EF, NF, vegan)

Served with an assorted fresh seasonal fruit platter.

Morning tea

Banana loaf: Farm bake Banana loaf freshly baked with organic flour, ripened bananas and a small amount of organic raw cane sugar that will not spike the insulin levels.

Allergy friendly alternative: Fruit Loaf

Made with organic gluten free flour, dried fruit, egg substitute and a small amount of organic raw cane sugar that will not spike the insulin levels. (DF, GF, EF, NF, vegan)

Lunch

Cottage pie: Lean grass-fed beef, organic chickpeas and loaded with vegetable topped with creamy mashed potato, served with side dish of cheese (DF, GF, EF, NF)

Vegan/Vegetarian: Vegetable pie

Organic chickpeas and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potato.

Afternoon Tea

Homemade sausage rolls: Tasty little puff pastry rolls filled with sausage mince, and vegetables.

Allergy friendly alternative: Kumara and Pumpkin filling (Vegan)

Served with vegetable sticks and Homemade Raita,

Allergy friendly alternative: Organic Hummus, (DF)

 

Morning tea

Scones & Jam:  Freshly baked with organic flour, soda water and coconut cream, spread with freshly made sugar free jam. Variations: Dates, sultanas, apricots, cinnamon.                                          Served with an assorted fresh fruit platter.                                                                                                            DF, EF, NF, vegan


Allergy friendly alternative:  Baked with organic gluten free flour, soda water and coconut cream, or alternative milk substitute, spread with freshly made Jam.                                                                              Served with an assorted seasonal fresh fruit platter.                                                                                          GF, vegan

Lunch

Herb roasted chicken: Free range chicken breast, roasted with seasonal herbs and served with skin on roasted potatoes and fresh farm style coleslaw.

Allergy friendly alternative: Omit Dairy, Gluten free bread and Egg free alternative.

Vegan/Vegetarian: Herb Roasted Vegetables & Roasti potatoes: Herb roasted seasonal vegetables, served with roasted skin on potatoes, fresh farm style coleslaw and garlic bread.

Afternoon Tea

Nutri-Bliss Ball/slice: Tasty little nutritionally dense morsels packed full of healthy goodness.   Variants may include: Apricot, dates, oats, pumpkin seed, sunflower seeds, coconut, carrot, cinnamon, nutmeg.

Allergy friendly alternative:

As above. (DF, GF, EF, NF, vegan)

Served with vegetable sticks and organic hummus.

Morning tea

Wicked Waffles

Freshly made fluffy wicked waffles with organic flour, milk and free range eggs.  Variations: Plain, blueberry, mixed berry, apple & cinnamon, spiced pumpkin, banana, choc chip

Allergy friendly alternative: Waffles  Made with organic gluten free flour, coconut/milk alternative and egg substitute.  Variations as above. (DF, GF, EF, NF, vegan)

Served with our Endless Summer Smoothie, made with blitz coconut/alternative milk, frozen berries, banana and a sprinkle of essence.

Lunch

Slice of heaven: Homemade freshly baked pizza dough, served with our own in -house tomato-based sauce and an array of natural toppings: cheese, tomatoes, shredded chicken/ham, onion and capsicum.

Allergy friendly alternative: Homemade freshly baked pizza dough made with organic gluten free flour, omit dairy. (GF, EF, NF, DF)  Vegetable pizza (Vegan/Vegetarian)

Afternoon Tea

Jumpstart Energy slice: A slice packed with fuel and flavour for your little ones.  Freshly baked Organic rolled oats, sesame, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, dried apricots, sultanas and a small amount of organic raw cane sugar that will not spike the insulin levels.

Allergy friendly alternative: Energy slice: Organic rolled oats, sesame, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, dried apricots, sultanas and a small amount of organic raw cane sugar that will not spike the insulin levels.(DF, EF, NF, vegan)

Gluten free whole meal muffin (GF)

Served with an assorted seasonal fresh fruit platter.

 

Our Team

Hāwera Preschool Staff

Te rūma o ao

Te rūma o hau

Te rūma o wai

Te rūma o ahi

Kiley Sheperd
Team Leader

Kia Ora, Ko toku ingoa Kiley Shepherd.  I live in Stratford with my husband, Lawrence and have five tamariki.  My oldest daughter, Simone is 20 and nannying for a farming family.  Jovani is 15. Milan and Alijah are 12, and Ariella is 8.  Rex is our energetic dog and Charlie our fluffy cat.

I received a  Bachelor of  Early Childhood degree from Waikato University.  I have taught in preschool and infant centres, in Hamilton, Matangi, Bell Block, New Plymouth and Stratford. 

I love teaching and watching children grow and flourish, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.  I Home schooled my own children for eight years; it was a wonderful time together.

I believe in the value of strong families and would like to be part of supporting children and whanau to have the best possible early childhood experiences.  

I have continued in my studies, learning about trauma informed care and pastoral care.

I love to teach overseas churches online, in weekends,  as a believer in Jesus.  

My hobbies include, reading, walking my dog, weight-lifting, natural health.

I am very excited about starting my new role as Infant and Toddler Team Leader.  I am dedicated in developing positive, nurturing relationships with children, whanau and Kaiako, where all will feel supported and have a strong sense of belonging.  

×
Carol Frost

Kia Ora, my name is Carol.

I’m a city girl gone country, moving from New Plymouth to South Taranaki to be with my Husband who is a farmer. We have two beautiful children Evelyn (4) & Jax (2) who will attend Future Kids alongside me. I previously studied Exercise and Sport Science and worked for Sport Taranaki, teaching preschoolers to ride bikes. This ignited my passion for teaching. I get so much satisfaction from supporting children to learn and achieve new things. In 2015 I began teaching while working towards a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) through Massey University. I completed this in 2017 and became a fully registered teacher in 2022. The early years are the most important for brain development, and where I know I can make the greatest impact.

 

×
Emma Gibbon - Maternity

Kia Ora 

My name is Emma, I am excited

to join the Future Kids Preschool Hāwera team.

I have currently been working, with Porse doing in-home childcare for 4 years.

Growing up I did a lot of baby sitting which made me want to go into early chidhood.

I enjoy working with children and

watching them grow into confident, competent members of the community.  As a kaiako I look forward to getting to know you and your tamariki, building strong relationships and working on this learning journey together.

 

×
Diane Jane

Kia ora,

I’m a qualified and registered early childhood teacher, starting my teaching carrier in 1985 when I became a mum for the first time and shortly after started caring for my friends’ children in my own home. I soon realized that my passion had become caring for and educating young children. I have worked in a variety of centres around Taranaki gaining valuable skills and knowledge to pass onto tamariki and their whānau. I believe in getting down on the floor with tamariki, engaging in conversation with them and providing experiences to leave them with a curious mind.  

I was born in Stratford and raised on a farm nearby where I have inherited a love of the land and animals. My parents taught me to care for animals and love them, to grow plants to nourish our bodies and for their beauty, to reuse things along with being creative with my hands, these are the skills that have been passed down from previous generations and I am very passionate about continuing the trend while passing my knowledge onto the younger generations. I moved to Hāwera roughly eight years ago and worked extremely hard to develop my halve acre section into a property where I can partially live off the land. I have what I call ‘an over active mind’ as I’m always thinking about what I can do next and this can be seen throughout my property with the many creations I have made. I love my gardens and my hens, they are part of my soul.

I’m very excited to be joining the team at Future Kids, to be working with a team of kaiako to welcome tamariki and their whānau into this amazing new centre. To be part of the team that gets to know your tamariki and provides an amazing programme to further extend their learning and development.   

×
Jo Dockery
Administrator

Kia Ora, I would like to introduce myself, I have been teaching for over 30 years and have always had a passion for working with Tamariki.  I feel Tamariki should be treated as individuals and express themselves freely.  I like the natural resources where Tamariki can develop working theories and learn how they work.  Even though I have enjoyed teaching for many years, I have made the decision to take a step back and into the role of the Administrator, this is a new role for me and I’m looking forward to a new challenge.  A little about myself, I live in Hawera with my partner Dave, I had the privilege of teaching in Japan for a year and Australia for 5 years loved the experiences I had but New Zealand is where my heart and home is.  In my spare time, I love sending time with family and friends, enjoy the beach, bush walking and relaxing at home. 

I am really looking forward to working at Future Kids and getting to know you, your Tamariki, and Whanau. 

×
Brittany Commerer

Kia ora, Tālofa Lava, Malo e lelei,
my name is Brittany and I am excited to be a part of the Future Kids Preschool Team.
I have been teaching for over 10 years and enjoy watching and learning alongside tamariki
as they make sense of their world
around them.
My husband Mathew and I (both Hāwera born and bred)have two beautiful boys Hudson (3) and Oakley (8 months).
We are lucky enough to own our own home here in Hāwera and are very settled surrounded by loving family and friends.
As a Kaiako I look forward to getting to know you and your tamariki, here at Future Kids.

×
Gladys Lamberth

Ko Ahu ahu Te Maunga
Ko Omapere Te Roto
Ko Ngatokimatawhaorua Te Waka
Ko Parawhenua Te Marae
Ko Nga Puhi Te Iwi
Ko Gladys tooku ingoa

KiaOra koutou e te whanau,
I am Gladys and I live with my partner and two children Miss 17 and Mr 14 in Patea. We have recently moved from Auckland.
I am delighted to be a new Kaiako in the preschool room. I have been a teaching assistant for more than 10 years, with 8 years of that spent at Glendene playcentre. This is where I found my love and passion for working and learning alongside tamariki. I love the wonder and awe tamariki bring with them. Never boring work stories.

Aroha mai, Aroha atu.

×
Brooke Tantrum

Kia ora my name is Brooke, and I am so excited to be a kaiako in rūma ao.
I was born and raised in a small town in the King Country. I now live in the wonderful town of Normanby with my husband and our 7 children. I have a passion for teaching in early childhood, and have a bachelor in teaching and learning in early childhood. Previously I was a teacher at Kids Barn. I am excited to work with you all in your child's learning journey. 

×
Sarah-Lee
Team Leader

Kia ora,

 My name is Sarah-Lee Slade, and I am super excited to be working in the rūma wai in the team leader role.

I live in Hawera and have 4 children that keep me on my toes.

I have worked in the ECE sector for for 22yrs and have enjoyed every minute of it. I have been a qualified teacher for the past 14 years, and have been relieving at Future Kids since July 2023.

I am now looking forward to being part of the Future Kids team in my role.

×
Summer Wilkins
Chef

Kia ora,

My name is Summer and I work as the Chef at Future Kids Hawera.

I’ve recently moved to Taranaki after living in Northland for almost 7 years. Me and my fiance have built a home in Stratford and are enjoying being back with our family.

I love to read and bake in my spare time. I love music and everything pop culture.

I am loving working as the chef for Future Kids.

×
Rachael Thomas

Kia Ora my name is Rachael. I'm originally from the UK. I moved to NZ in 2005 with my Mum, Dad and Brother.  I'm married and have 3 children. I have 2 boys aged 13 and 5 and my little girl is 9 months old. Some of you may recognize me from the Hawera Aquatic Centre. I worked there for 8 years and taught pre-school children and babies how to become confident in the water and the basics of swimming. I loved seeing the children grow and gain confidence in the water.  I've always had a passion for young children and love interacting with them.  My future plans include becoming a qualified early childhood teacher.
I'm looking forward to meeting the Tamariki and their Whanau. I'm excited to be a part of the Hawera Future Kids team!

×
Amber Kivell
Team Leader

Kia ora, 

ko Amber toku ingoa,

I was born and raised in Taranaki and I'm excited to be returning home after 20 years living in Wellington and a year spent in Melbourne. This home coming is full of excitement, as I have many new nieces and nephews who have joined my whānau and more on the way that I will now have the opportunity to spend quality aunty time with.

I am a trained and certified kaiako, and received my Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Early Childhood from Victoria University Wellington in 2008. My journey in caring for tamariki has included nannying, teaching in a centre and being a visiting kaiako for home-based care.

My objective as a kaiako is to create a respectful, open and reciprocal relationship with all persons in my care as well as those I work with. I believe that the development of these relationships (with tamariki, parents, whānau and kaiako) is paramount to the development of a successful and thriving programme. I enjoy working alongside tamariki and celebrating with them as they make new discoveries and development.

I look forward to continuing my teaching journey with the Future Kids Hāwera team.

Ngā mihinui

×
Nadine Nichols

Kia ora koutou, I am a qualified, fully registered Early Childhood Teacher with over 25 years teaching experience. The majority of this time has been spent teaching in Hawera ECE centres and I have a passion for local curriculum reflecting on our areas of significance and natural beauty, such as Te Maunga Taranaki and our rivers and beaches. 

I am fortunate enough to live at Ohawe Beach and have two adult sons Dylan, studying at Waikato University and Max,  in the NZ Air Force. I love music, art and history and, as a hobby, am studying the Korean and French languages.
It is a privilege to work in this lovely environment with such caring and passionate kaiako. I look forward to learning about the children and whānau here at Future Kids and building warm and lasting relationships. 

×
Ashleigh George

Kia Ora, my name is Ashleigh. I have grown up in Manaia my whole life and currently still living there. I am a country girl and have always enjoyed the lifestyle it brings. 

I am currently studying towards my Bachelor Of Teaching degree and on my second year. Growing up, I always loved the idea of becoming a teacher and having the opportunity to be an impact on tamariki learning. 

Outside of work, I love getting outdoors and travelling. I also value the time spent with my family and friends. 

I am glad to be working alongside a great team and look forward to getting to know your tamariki and whānau. 

×
Leonie Atkinson

×
Amanda hovey
Manager

Kia ora,
My name is Amanda and I am a busy mum to 3 amazing children. I am moving from the beautiful river city of Whanganui to Hāwera for a new challenge.

I have a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE), full teacher registration and current first aid. I have a wide range of teaching experience from Montessori and Kindergarten to head teacher and centre manager.  At the heart of my philosophy is whanaungatanga and relationships that are respectful partnerships with whānau. My passion is nature based play and exploring our natural world.

When I'm not teaching I spend my time in nature experiencing New Zealand's beautiful scenery and people.

I am looking forward to working alongside the Future Kids community to deliver the best learning outcomes from all tamariki.

×
Rhylee Fenton

Kia ora,

My name is Rhylee, I have recently moved to Manutahi after living in New Plymouth my whole life.

I have completed my Level 3 & 4 early childhood qualification through Educare Training and have been working in hospitality before starting at Future Kids as a reliever. I am very excited to be starting full time covering Emma’s maternity leave contract and look forward to watching the tamāriki grow and learn

×
Sasha Wilkinson

Hello, my name is Sasha, and I am passionate about nurturing and caring for children. I have moved to Hāwera recently, but I am originally from Hawkes Bay. I have also lived in Abu Dhabi and Australia. I have experience teaching in NZ and Australia. I love yoga, nature, swimming, baking and painting. I value children's development and I believe each child brings with them their own strengths, interests, skills, abilities, and knowledge.

I am so grateful to be a part of the Future Kids team!

×
Giselle Ashton-Lyttle

My name is Giselle, I am a qualified and provisionally registered kaiako here at Future Kids. I have recently moved to Taranaki from Wellington where I grew up. I am excited to be teaching here at Future Kids. I feel like Future Kdis fits my teaching philosophy perfectly. I have a passion for teaching our youngest tamariki, seeing them achieve their milestones and develope in so many ways. Developing trusting relationships with whānau is so important as I make learning fun and exciting for tamariki. I love coming to work each day and working in a great environment where I am passionate about learning alongside other kaiako. I'm looking forward to meeting you all.

×
Sarah Mills

Kia ora Future Kids whānau, ko Sarah Mills tōku ingoa. I was born and bred in Hāwera and recently moved back from Hamilton after 16 years away. I have an amazing daughter Isabella who lives in Wellington and a step daughter, Nickala in Hamilton.  i am very excited about coming home to reconnect with whānau and friends.  I am fortunate to have worked in a few centres in Taranaki and have come from Campus Creche at Waikato University where I discovered my passion of gardening with tamariki. I believe making connections and building relationships with whānau are important and encompassing a te a maori lens into my mahi. I enjoy a nature based curriculum and creating spaces for children to investigate. I look forward to meeting you all.

×
Kiley Sheperd
Team Leader
Carol Frost
Emma Gibbon - Maternity
Diane Jane
Jo Dockery
Administrator
Brittany Commerer
Gladys Lamberth
Brooke Tantrum
Sarah-Lee
Team Leader
Summer Wilkins
Chef
Rachael Thomas
Amber Kivell
Team Leader
Nadine Nichols
Ashleigh George
Leonie Atkinson
Amanda hovey
Manager
Rhylee Fenton
Sasha Wilkinson
Giselle Ashton-Lyttle
Sarah Mills

Fees Schedule

Minimum session: Children must be enrolled for a minimum of 2 days a week with a daily minimum of 6.5 hours.  The 6.5 hour day bookings are between the hours of 8:15am-3:45pm.
Children from Birth to 6 years.

All ages Over 3 years
No. of days booked 6.5 hours 6.5-10 Hours 6.5 hours 6.5-10 Hours
Two $102 $116 $24 $54
Three $150 $168 $48 $81
Four $192 $228 $107 $138
Five $210 $250 $120 $175

Early Childhood Education 20 hours
20 hours ECE is for three and four year olds enrolled in teacher-led early childhood education services. The 20 hours ECE programme means no compulsory fees for up to six hours per day and up to 20 hours per week. Entitlement ceases after 3 weeks continuous absence.

What does 20 ECE Hours mean?
It means that the Government will subsidise up to 20 hours of your child’s childcare fees.

How do we claim the 20 ECE Hours?
All you need to do is complete the section on your child’s enrolment form and we do the rest.

Hāwera Image Gallery

Enrolment Forms

How to enrol at Future Kids Hāwera Preschool

Download our enrolment form,  complete and return this to the centre via email or drop in.  You will need to provide the following information and or documents.

  • proof of your child's age and citizenship - birth certificate, passport, citizenship certificate or NZ residency document
  • your child's immunisation certificate if applicable (from your Well Child book)
  • medical information about your child such as allergies, medication and existing medical conditions
  • legal documents such as access or custody agreements
  • contact information for you during the day, and an emergency backup in case they can't reach you
  • your child's doctor's name and contact information.
Hāwera Preschool

Enrolment Form Hāwera >
Information Pack Hāwera >

Contact Hāwera Preschool

219 Glover Road, Hāwera, 4610
06 278 0050
Email

Hāwera Preschool

3 month FREE - for all new enrolments
Enrol Now
Other Future Kids Preschools around New Zealand
Bell Block Preschool
Te Rapa Preschool
Brand, Web & Digital Marketing by SquareCircle
Client Login