Our Goals, Our Mission

These will be our guiding principles that lay the foundations to our holistic approach to early years education

whanaungatanga

relationship

manaakitanga

kindness

kaitiakitanga

guardianship/protection

Our Centre

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We are a privately owned Early Learning Centre, passionate about providing a nurturing and enriching environment that offers something a little different for our tamariki.

Our purpose-built centre is something we are incredibly proud of, and we hope you and your whānau will love it as much as we do. We embrace innovative approaches to supporting children’s learning and wellbeing, including a mindfulness programme designed to help develop social and emotional skills, fostering resilience and positive mental health from an early age.

With calm, welcoming spaces both indoors and outdoors, we aim to create an environment where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow, learn, and thrive.

We have designed our centre to provide the very best experience for everyone who walks through our doors. Our purpose-built environment has been thoughtfully created, with every detail carefully considered — from the layout and flow of the rooms to practical features such as our outdoor WC facilities for children. Everything has been included with purpose.

Our outdoor environment has been just as thoughtfully designed. We wanted to create a natural, inviting space that encourages exploration, creativity, and active play. Our garden features large sandpits, changeable climbing equipment, a small vegetable growing area, chalkboards, outdoor tables and benches for activities, messy and water play areas, as well as interactive pop-up experiences that evolve with children’s interests.

WHAT WE OFFER

  • Above standard child:teacher ratio
  • Exciting trips throughout the year
  • Natural learning garden with a vegetable patch
  • Mindfulness programme in place
  • Healthy meals and snacks are provided by our in-house chef
  • All eco-luxe nappies and wipes are provided
  • All 5 of their senses are considered daily
  • All staff to be first aid trained with on site EpiPens available
  • Kind, calm, and considerate staff with a wealth of knowledge in their field
  • A safe and happy environment for your child to bloom
  • So much more…just come and see for yourself

Our People

We have an amazing team with years of experience to offer. Each member has their special field of expertise and together we collaborate with you and the community.

Hannah

Centre Manager

Tenā koutou katoa
Ko Hannah ahau
Nō Ingarangi ōku tīpuna
I tipu ake ahau I Tākaka
Ko Whakatū tōku kainga ināianei

Hello,
My name is Hannah
My family comes from England
I grew up in Tākaka
Now I live in Nelson

I have been teaching in Early Years for over 22 years now, working in the UK and in New Zealand. I graduated with an Honours Degree in Early Years Education and Childhood Studies back in 2015. Following various child psychologists, cultures and curriculums, it has shown me that there are so many levels to learning and has helped shape my holistic understanding of childhood studies. Each child is unique and special and has the right to learning that recognises this

I currently live at home with my Husband Kris, my children Emily and James have flown the nest recently, so I am rediscovering my hobbies.

I am excited to lead the team at Wildflowers and to be part of the learning journey and to build those important relationships with our tamariki and their whānau.

Caitlin

Head Teacher

Kia Ora, my name is Caitlin and I am the Team Leader of the Buttercups and Daisies Rooms.
I have been working in Early Childhood Education since 2010 in both New Zealand and Australia with a passion working with infants and toddlers. I graduated at the end of 2014 with a Bachelor of Education (ECE). At the end of 2024 I graduated with a Post Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Management.

I live in Richmond with my husband Sean, and our two children, Charlie and Kobi.
I value respectful practice, allowing children the time and space to explore their environment and interests at their own pace. I love establishing trusting relationships with the child and their whānau and working collaboratively to ensure the best care is provided for them.

I am excited to be part of your little ones learning journey in the Buttercups Room, observing them as they discover the world around them.

Gina

Administrator

My name is Gina and I am the Administrator here at Wildflowers. I was born here in Nelson and spent my childhood growing up in the Richmond area. I studied Business Administration after I finished school and worked as a receptionist for several years.

After some overseas travel, I moved to Auckland where I worked as an ECE teacher in the toddler room. This was a job I adored but I missed the slower paced lifestyle that Nelson offers so eventually moved back.

Since being back we built our first home, bought another, I married my now husband Duncan and just last year we had our first child, a wee boy named Cian who will be attending Wildflowers in the babies room.

We currently live in The Meadows area along with my sister Lara and her dog Poppy. In my spare time I enjoy being out in the garden, going for walks, making memories with Cian, spending time with my family and fishing at our bach in Penzance Bay.

I am really excited to be apart of the Wildflowers team as my role combines both my love for administration and working with children. I look forward to meeting and greeting you all at the front desk each day.

Liara

Administrator

Hello, my name is Liara. I am originally from South Africa and have called New Zealand home for over eight years.

I live in Richmond with my husband, Zayne, and our two daughters, Zaylee and Lainey.

I hold a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management and have an extensive background in sales and administration. Alongside my role at Wildflowers, I am a qualified Professional Makeup Artist and own a brow and beauty business, where I specialise in brows, makeup artistry, facials, lash services, spray tanning, and waxing.

In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, photography, and spending quality time with my family. Zaylee and Lainey love going on walks, and together we enjoy exploring all that our beautiful home in New Zealand has to offer.

Being part of the Wildflowers team for over three years has been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to continuing to build meaningful relationships with the tamariki and whānau in our community.

Heila

Chef

My name is Heila and I am a qualified chef with 18 years food industry experience. I grew up on a wine farm but swapped tractor rides for a kitchen. I obtained my qualifications (professional cooking and baking) from the Institute of Culinary Arts near Stellenbosch, South Africa.

On weekends I love going on walks with my husband and son, digging in my vegetable garden and baking of course.
Working at Wildflowers is a special opportunity to help tamariki learn about the wonderful world of food and nutrition. I enjoy cooking seasonally because it amazes me how nature gives us all the different ingredients with bright colours, sizes and shapes.

I include different spices and ingredients to involve smell, taste and texture. I love seeing how people connect through meals and I'm excited to cook wholesome meals while including dietary requirements for every child's wellbeing.

Janey

Teacher - Buttercups and Daisies

Kia ora! My name is Janey, and I live locally with my husband Nick and our two daughters Rose (2) and Emma (6 months). I love spending quiet time with my family, reading and have a passion for photography.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching in 2022, and am so excited to be a member of the incredible Wildflowers team joining the Daisies Room. I have a passion for working with infants and toddlers; creating a warm and nurturing environment where tamariki can explore, learn and grow at their own pace.

Relationships are at the heart of my teaching practice. I believe that responsive, respectful and nurturing relationships are vital in creating a warm and caring environment, where tamariki feel safe to explore.

I am so excited to get to know you and your whānau, supporting your little ones' learning journey in the Daisies Room.

Lara

Teacher - Buttercups and Daisies

Kia ora, my name is Lara and I am a teacher in the Daisies room.

I was born and raised in Richmond, Nelson and have always felt grateful to live here. Currently I live on a lifestyle block out in Hira with my partner Blair, my little Jack Russell dog Poppy, 2 cats Storm and Tank, 2 goats, 6 chickens and 7 sheep!

I started my studies for my Bachelor of Education (ECE) when I was fresh out of college at 17 years old. I completed my studies at the end of 2014 and have been working as a qualified ECE teacher for the last 11 years.

I am passionate about building strong respectful relationships with tamariki and whānau and believe this is the most important part of my job. I bring a friendly, calm and nurturing approach to my teaching, creating an environment where children feel safe to explore, grow and learn at their own pace.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going on walks and adventures with my dog, riding around on our quad bike at home and relaxing at our family bach in the Marlborough Sounds.

I am really looking forward to being a part of your child’s learning journey!

Simran

Teacher - Buttercups and Daisies

My name is Shimranika (or Simran for short) and I’m so glad to be part of Wildflowers Early Learning Centre.

I am originally from the beautiful island of Fiji. I am a proud Mumma of a daughter named Shanika and an incredible husband, Shaneel.

I have always had a passion for working with children and just over 8 years ago I completed my Bachelor of Primary Education in Fiji. I was privileged to get a position at Wildflowers Early Learning Centre.

My personal teaching philosophy is based around building on children’s strengths and interests through facilitating child-led experiences, promoting emotional and social competence through strong relationships and providing children with the skills and knowledge to carry through their learning journey.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with friends, I love cooking Indian food and going fishing.

I am really looking forward to being a part of your child’s learning journey!

Maria

Teacher - Buttercups and Daisies

Kia ora koutou,

My name is María Paula, although everyone calls me Cuqui. I am originally from Argentina and come from a big family of seven siblings. I am the only one who decided to travel far away from home.

For many years, my family was also a foster family, welcoming children who could not live with their own families. Because of this, I grew up understanding how important love, care and connection are during childhood.

Caring for children has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I worked as a nanny from 2010 and graduated as an Early Childhood Teacher in 2018. Since then, I have worked with children in Argentina, Australia and now here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

I feel very grateful to be part of the Daisies Room at Wildflowers, surrounded by such caring people and wonderful tamariki.

Outside of teaching, I love music, singing, playing guitar and drums, spending time in nature, photography, and learning from different cultures and people.

Thank you for taking the time to read a little about me.

“We look at the world once, in childhood. The rest is memory.” — Louise Glück

Ngā mihi nui,
Cuqui

Brooke

Teacher - Buttercups and Daisies

Kia ora,

My name is Brooke, and I live in Hope with my parents and our little Jack Russell. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, attending reformer Pilates classes, and making the most of the beautiful sunny weather we are fortunate to have here.

I graduated from Waimea College at the end of 2024 and have since been working in early childhood education. I am currently in my first year of studying towards a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.

I am passionate about building nurturing, responsive, and respectful relationships, as these are essential in helping tamariki feel safe, secure, and confident within their learning environment. I believe that strong connections with children and whānau create a foundation for positive learning experiences and wellbeing.

I am so excited to be part of the Wildflowers team and look forward to continuing to get to know the tamariki and whānau in our community.

It is a privilege to be part of your child’s learning journey, and I look forward to supporting their growth and development.

Rachael

Teacher - Poppies Iti and Nui

Kia ora. My name is Rachael and I have been in the teaching profession for 23 years.

I began my journey as a qualified primary school teacher (Bachelor of Teaching and Learning Primary) and then, after having my own 2 children, continued by doing a diploma in teaching (ECE).

All of the ages have their own merits but preschool really speaks to me as they are so loving, as well as learning and growing so much in the small time we have them in our lives.

My children are beginning their own careers now which leave me at home with my husband of 33 years and or 2 little dogs. We love to spend our time biking the cycle trails and playing golf (badly) while exploring our amazing country in our caravan.

I have had 2 of my own preschool but am really enjoying the opportunity to be able to concentrate on the children now that I am solely teaching again.

Sonia

Teacher - Poppies Iti and Nui

Kia Ora and Bula, my name is Sonia Baran, I am from Fiji from the sugar city (Lautoka). I came to New Zealand in 1995 and was brought up in Wellington. I got married and moved to Palmerston North where I lived with my husband Krishen. I have two daughters who are Kiara and Serena both are under 2’s.

We decided to make a change and Nelson has always been where we wanted to live, We just recently moved and I am looking forward to exploring Nelson! I’m excited to start at this beautiful centre and work along side you and your precious children. I have bachelor in Teaching (ECE) and I love my career so much. Children are my world.

“Mã Te Ngãkau Aroha Koe E Ãrahi”

(Let a loving heart guide you)

Chloe

Teacher - Poppies Iti and Nui

Kia ora koutou,
Kō Chloe tōku ingoa
Kei te noho au ki Whakatū

My name is Chloe and I live in Richmond with my husband Chris and my two children Logan and Bonnie.

I thoroughly enjoy my time with the tamariki in my care and love seeing the awe and wonder of the children around me. I am passionate about working with children and helping to develop and grow young minds and supporting them to discover and follow their interests.

Relationships are at the heart of everything I do, as a teacher. I see the child-teacher relationship as responsive and reciprocal, and I believe we can learn just as much from our children as they learn from us. I believe building responsive, reciprocal relationships with the children, their families and our fellow Kaiako is vital to create a warm, caring, environment for children. I believe responsive, and reciprocal relationships are an essential part of quality early childhood education.

I believe each child is at the centre of their own learning. I see my role as being a supporter, being present with the child, and following the child’s interests when creating learning experiences for them.

Ness

Teacher - Poppies Iti and Nui

My name is Ness and I am a qualified, registered Early Childhood Education teacher. I have been teaching for 11 years and I am so excited to continue my teaching journey here at Wildflowers.

I live in Richmond with my husband and two teenagers, my son is 13 and my daughter is nearly 16. We have two cats and a golden retriever.

During my spare time I enjoy staying at home, pottering around with my plants and training the dog. I love music and gaming.

I am passionate about maintaining responsive and respectful relationships with the children, their whanau and of course the teaching team.

I am looking forward to meeting you all and getting to know everyone. Feel free to come and see me at any time!

Michelle

Teacher - Poppies Iti and Nui

Kia ora koutou,
Ko Tararua Range Te maunga te rū nei taku ngākau
Ko Mangatainoka te awa e mahea nei aku māharahara
Nō Pahiatua ahau
E mihi ana ki ngā tohu o nehe, o Nelson e noho nei au.
Nō reirā, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou kitoa.

Kia ora, my name is Michelle. I am a dedicated and qualified Early Childhood teacher with over 12 years of experience teaching in New Zealand and Australia and have taught across infants, toddlers, and preschool age groups supporting tamariki to grow, explore, and thrive through creative, inquiry-based learning.

I have returned to Nelson to be closer to my son and granddaughter and spend quality time with them.
I have a passion for art and love explore new places.

I am passionate about crating environments that encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and self-expression.

My teaching approach is grounded in Te Whāriki, with a focus on nurturing the whole child- emotionally, socially, physically and cognitively.

I am excited to be working for Wildflowers and are committed to build strong, respectful relationships with whānau, tamariki and colleagues.

Ngā mihi nui,
Michelle.

Lily

Teacher - Poppies Iti and Nui

Hi, I’m Lily!
I am a provisionally registered Early Childhood Teacher with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, which I completed through Te Rito Maioha.

I am passionate about creating warm, inclusive, and nurturing environments where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn through play. Alongside my teaching career, I am also a qualified dance teacher through the IDTA. Having danced since I was 13 and taught from the age of 17, I love encouraging children to express themselves through movement, creativity, and confidence.

Outside of teaching, I have proudly represented New Zealand in kickboxing with SMA, competing throughout Australia and Europe over the past four years. This experience has taught me resilience, discipline, and perseverance, values that I bring into my teaching every day.

I feel incredibly grateful to be part of Wildflowers and look forward to building meaningful relationships with all the tamariki and whānau.

Blog

What's happening at Wildflowers

Wildflowers Open Day!

There was a fantastic turn out at Wildflowers Open Day this afternoon in spite of the weather!!! A steady stream of families explored the many different rooms and creative spaces with so many delightful features Read more

March Construction Update

The landscaping is coming along really well and nearing completion now. The team at Grounded garden and maintenance are carefully working around the new grass which is growing rapidly, only 11 days ago this was Read more

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Visit our centre

8 Central Park Lane, The Meadows, Richmond 7020

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(03) 927 5038
Mon - Fri, 7:30 - 17:30

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