Nau mai haere mai
Nursery
0 – 18 Months Old*
The first 18 months at Wild + Love are about building connections of trust and understanding with our Pepi as they navigate their way through their first challenges of building themselves physically, mentally and emotionally.
How do our pepi learn?
Love is unconditional...
“While it is important to educate children, what is much more important is the need to love them. When education becomes more important than love, it is no longer education at all. For, tending to the delicate spirit of children is foundational if education is to fulfil it’s intended purpose of serving the greater whole”
– Vince Gowman
We believe love is the foundation to growth and therefore learning. The trust our Pepi place in us each and every day is immense. As their carer, whom they are completely dependant on it is our priviledge to be on this journey with your littlest one. In nursery we place high importance on creating time for connection and “care moments” throughout the day that demonstrate to our tamariki that we see, respect and love them deeply.
Our Nursery Kaiako
Courtney
Kia Ora,
My name is Courtney and I am a born and breed Pukekohe girl. My husband and I have two beautiful daughters in which I am very blessed to share their learning journey with here at the village.
When I am not busy being a mum I love to stay active, venturing outside or heading to the gym. I am very lucky to have amazing whānau and friends so our weekends are usually busy creating memories with them.
I went straight into studying Early Childhood after finishing high school and in 2013 I graduated with my Bachelors of Education. Since then I have been working in centres, joining the Wild + Love whānau with my daughter in 2022. My passion lies within the nursery where I work alongside my team to set the foundations for learning. My core value is around relationships. Being available to form respectful relationships with not only with the children but their whānau as it creates secure and trusting attachments and enables a sense of security. I believe children should be given the time and space to explore and develop freely, empowering them to be the best learners possible. But most importantly I love to have fun!
Jennie
Kia ora, I’m Jennie—and I’ve been working with little humans for over 20 years now (which basically means I’ve mastered the art of wiping noses, singing off-key, and finding lost socks like a pro!). I may not hold an ECE qualification at the moment, but I show up every day with heart, passion, and a whole lot of energy, because our tamariki deserve nothing less.
I’m a qualified nanny with experience across a range of settings, including special needs education. One of the highlights of my career was helping set up a small special needs unit in a school in the UK—a role that filled my cup and deepened my commitment to inclusion and understanding.
These days, I’m also Mum to one incredible 11-year-old daughter, who keeps me on my toes and reminds me daily of just how powerful these early years are. Being part of a child’s journey—watching their confidence grow, their curiosity bloom, and their laughter light up a room—is the best job in the world, and I feel lucky to do it.
"Poipoia te kākano, kia puāwai."
Nurture the seed and it will blossom.
Fiona
Kia ora, my name is Fiona.
I'm so excited to join Wild and Love and get to know whanau in Pukekohe. As the mother of a seven-year-old child, I have a comprehensive understanding of the entire process of early childhood education.
Over the course of 13 years of teaching, I have become highly skilled at tailoring educational approaches to suit the individual needs of each child. I am a highly flexible teacher and am always eager to communicate actively with parents. I love to educate children through activities and stories and make unique teaching aid with love by my own hands.