Nau mai haere mai
Pod
2.5 – 3.5 Years Old*
Our tamariki in Pod are now quite independent little ones. Here we focus on growing this further with more physical and social/emotional challenges. Our tamariki learn to advance their hand-eye coordination and communication skills. They become more capable of sharing what they want or don’t want, how they feel and what they like or don’t like.
How do our tamariki learn?
comes in many forms...
“Communication skills develop when there is something meaningful for children to communicate about – when they take an active role”
– Prof. Lilian Katz
Communication is the start of sharing ourselves outwardly. It starts just as soon as we are babies old enough to see that a cute smile gets us special attention. And a giggle..WOW!
By the age of 2.5 – 3 years old we are beginning to advance our skills of language communication and it’s tricky! Up until now our communication has been mostly using our physical bodies, noises and a few words, but now we are learning that language, and more specifically, sentences are more effective.
Our Pod Kaiako
Kia ora!
I’m Gina, a proud third-generation Pukekohe local—born and raised here, and still deeply connected to the community that shaped me. I’m married to my husband Paul, and together we’ve raised our five children, who are now young adults carving out their own paths in life.
I have over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. My journey began in a home-based setting, where I also balanced roles as a foster parent and childbirth educator—supporting tamariki and whānau in the earliest and most important stages of life. I later moved into centre-based teaching and have never looked back. I hold a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) and am a fully qualified and registered teacher.
In 2023, I was drawn to the vision and values of Wild + Love Village, and in early 2024, I proudly joined the team, later moving into the kaitiaki role.
I believe that strong, trusting relationships are at the heart of early learning. These relationships—grounded in honesty, compassion, and clear communication—are vital not only with tamariki but also with their whānau. When children feel a true sense of belonging and connection, they flourish.
It’s a privilege to work alongside passionate kaiako, curious tamariki, and their families in a place that feels like home.
“Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.”
With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive.
Gina
Kritika
Kia ora,
My name is Kritika Vermani. I hold a Bachelor of Computer Applications and a Master of Business Administration, and I have over six years of experience teaching in a secondary school setting. After gaining my Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education), I have been working in the early childhood sector for nearly two years and am a registered early childhood teacher.
I believe tamariki are naturally curious and learn best through play and exploration. My aim is to create a warm, respectful, and inclusive environment where children feel safe to ask questions, try new things, and grow in independence. I love building meaningful relationships with tamariki and making learning engaging through storytelling, music, and hands-on activities.
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Victoria
Kia ora koutou katoa,
Ko Victoria tōku ingoa, my name is Victoria, and I’m delighted to join the Pod room as a newly graduated and registered kaiako. I hold a Bachelor of Education (TESOL) from the University of Auckland, and have recently completed my Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education.
My teaching philosophy is inspired by the whakataukī “Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu” - I believe that with the right support, tamariki will flourish. I value play as a powerful context for learning, and I am committed to creating an environment where children feel safe, respected, and empowered to explore in their own ways. As a kaiako, I also see myself as a lifelong learner - always reflecting, collaborating, and growing. I look forward to supporting our tamariki to become confident, capable learners.