The staff at My Treehut & The Cubby are passionate – passionate about life, about our tūrangawaewae and about every child at My Treehut & The Cubby. We all have a love of tamariki and thrive in watching them grow and learn.
As a staff we also value our own Learning Journey. My Treehut values professional development and supporting our staff in their learning and interests.
We hold weekly hui where our kaiako learn and grow together outside of Treehut hours. This is a time to reflect on our practices, sharing what we have learnt, where we are headed – i.e. how we are progressing toward individual, and team goals, reflect on the journeys of our tamariki, as well as kaiako, and adapt goals moving forward. Once a year we hold a teacher only day where our team bonds, our team culture is solidified, our practices are reviewed, and we have the chance to prepare for the next year of learning.
We are continually learning and often attend professional development training both at My Treehut and with a range of outside agencies.
We take our role as the educators and carers of tomorrow’s young minds very seriously. We feel that we are creating the future citizens of our world. The early childhood years are key to the development of keen learners and responsible fun loving citizens who challenge their own and others ideas.
It has been my dream for a long time to provide quality early childhood education for young children. I have always been passionate about learning and feel that the early years are so important – if your child develops a love of learning at this age they will be set for life. I have a love of the outdoors, nature and building strong relationships. My Treehut and The Cubby are my home away from home and my other whānau.
I live on a lifestyle block near town with my husband Mike, our four girls, Ella, Kate, Pippa and Charlie, our dogs Rubble and Freddie.
Kia ora koutou.
My name is Edward (Eddy) Perry and I am The Lead teacher at The Cubby. I have over 9 years of experience working in an early learning Center 6 of which have been at My Treehut and The Cubby. I have decided to make early learning my life’s work because I believe a child’s early years are THE most important when growing up.
To me the most amazing part of this job is working with children when they are outside. The wonder they have for nature, and the open-ended resources that we are so lucky to have creates moments that are incredibly rewarding for both tāmariki and Kaiako.
I look forward to meeting and working with you.
Nga Mihi, Eddy
I’ve always been one of those privileged people that always knew what they wanted to be when they were older!! My joy for teaching stems from all the different things that happen on the daily. The community is special as everyone is able to bring their own individuality but together, we shine. I especially love adventures, and alongside tamariki I get to have different ones each and every day. Being a kaitiaki is important to me as I like to spend majority of my time outdoors. I endeavour to be respectful and caring as our environment gives me so much on return. In my personal life, I really enjoy pushing myself, physically and mentally through a range of endurance sports. I believe ‘anything is possible,’ a motto I bring into every aspect of my life!
Kia ora koutou,
In 2022, I was lucky enough to have a teacher placement at My Treehut before starting full time with The Cubby the following year. I feel truly blessed to be part of this amazing teaching team where learning alongside and in nature is so whole heartedly encouraged for tamariki, whānau and kaiako. I strongly believe that through being in nature, children are able to learn at their speed, that their interests are the center of their learning, and this supports tamariki to develop a passion for learning while exploring their unknown knowledge.
My love of early childhood education began raising my own family, and having done so here in Taupō. It was such a fantastic time in our lives, and now being able to support tamariki and whānau experience the natural world in their everyday living and education is a real privilege. I look forward to sharing in your learning journey.
Ko Laurie Newman ahau.
I began my journey as a kaiako back in 2012 at My Treehut. I chose the path of Early Childhood as my early years in kindergarten were my favourite part of life. I saw Early Childhood as the most precious time in a young tamaiti life and if I could tautoko each and every tamaiti that came into my life to the best of my ability then that is all I have ever hoped for. I am a wife and mum to 4 beautiful young adults, a grandson, and a foster carer to 2 beautiful tamariki as they transitioned into whānau care. We also have a dog, 4 cats and am currently fostering a young kitten.
My hobbies are Hotrods, classic cars, reading, gardening, walking and most importantly spending time with whānau.
My name is Melanie Sinclair, and I’ve been involved in early childhood education for 15 years.
I’m passionate about supporting children as they grow and thrive, knowing that the early years are a crucial foundation for becoming curious, confident, and lifelong learners. I believe every child is unique, and it’s important to recognise and build on their individual strengths. I’m especially inspired by the way nature invites children to explore, experiment, and take risks—helping our tamariki make sense of the world around them.
I live on a lifestyle block with my husband, our family, and our beloved pets.
Ko Kelly Hunia toku ingoa.
I have a great big family from all over New Zealand who I love to spend my time with. I was raised around Rotorua, Whakatāne and Paeroa so I love to go fishing, going swimming, camping and exploring nature whenever I get the chance. I love to sing, and it’s great for my wairua. I think of singing as my taonga or my gift to share as it can help to bring a sense peace and calm. Singing can also brighten someone’s day.
I really enjoy being an ECE teacher because I just love children, the way they see the world and the sense of peace they bring with their pure hearts. Growing up there was lots of babies and children in our whānau. I like to understand children to help them flourish and have tools to be bold, confident and know they have a place in the big wide world. One of my strengths is being a great advocate for children because I know they have a right to be heard, loved and understood. I am a child at heart, so I enjoy watching our future leaders learn and explore.
Tēnā tātou katoa.
Ko Rahiripoho taku ingoa.
He uri tēnei no Taranaki, Ngāti Kahungunu.
Ko Te Ika Roa te whenua.
Ko Kapoaiaia te Awa.
Ko Te Pae Pae O Te Raukura te Marae.
Ko Parihaka te papakāinga.
Hi everyone, my name is Rahiripoho, my nickname is Rahiri.
A bit about me:
I was born and raised on the coast in Taranaki. I am a sibling of 9 and have a big blended whanau. Growing up we lived rurally on our whenua and I had the privilege of having Tangaroa on my back yard. With that privilege came the opportunities of learning how to fish and surf along with growing our own kai.
My personal hobbies include swimming, travelling and walks in nature.
Chumreap Suor/Kia ora.
Originally from Cambodia, Taupō is my home away from home. We have been living in Taupō for over 6 years now, plus 12 years of travelling back and forth.
When in Cambodia, I worked for one of the United Nation agencies. I also did some volunteer work at one of the international preschools in Phnom Penh where both of my children attended for 4 years. Following this volunteering, I had a year employment at the same preschool.
I have the great pleasure of being part of the teaching team at The Cubby. It is a privilege to experience and to have experienced the education, culture, and customs of two very different countries, Aotearoa New Zealand and Cambodia.
I am a mother of two kids who are in high school, and I now fully recognize the significance of early childhood education. Especially after it enabled both my children to have built a strong foundation for well-being learning throughout their life, far beyond just their academic skills.
I am excited for my ECE course which I believe will equip me with a deep understanding of child development and effective teaching strategies. I look forward each day to observe what new things the tamariki and I will learn.
Kia ora koutou,
I was born in Malaysia, grew up in Auckland, and since 2021, have been fortunate to call Taupō my home, along with my wife and our 2 cats.
I have a background in videography and cabinet making, but have always had an affinity with children of all ages (big kid at heart), and love being an uncle to my 6 nieces and nephews.
Being a part of the team at My Treehut is such an honour. I truly believe a child’s early education and development set up the foundation for a meaningful and purposeful life ahead.
My name is Charlize, I go by Charli for short. I am originally from The Bay Of Plenty and am now based in Taupō with my family. I plan on working through till the end of 2025 to then pursue my dream of nannying overseas. While working alongside the wonderful team at My Treehut and The Cubby, I will be studying through open polytechnic to get my level 4 Early Childhood Education and Care Certificate.
I am passionate about working with children, and can’t wait to be such a big part in your little one’s lives. My other passions are sailing, time on the boat with my family, working hard towards my goals and the thought of traveling the world.
Regards,
Charli
Kia ora, my name is Kate, I am highly passionate about nurturing, supporting, and guiding our tāmariki during their earliest years of learning. I am committed to creating a safe, engaging, and joyful environment here at Cubby. I strive to help each child feel valued and confident as they grow. I support whakamana by allowing children to make choices, express themselves, and lead in ways appropriate to their age, so they develop confidence and a voice in their learning. At Cubby, I aim to bring these beliefs into everyday life by providing learning experiences that are responsive to each child’s interests, incorporate culture, and build secure and respectful relationships. I see my role not just as a teacher, but as a supporter, observer and guide.
For as long as I can remember I’ve always aspired to work amongst children. At home, I have twin little sisters, mum, dad, an adorable staffy as well as 3 cats. We sometimes foster a pet lamb in the spring too. I’ve also always been heavily involved with my grandparents, being out with them and farming as often as I can. In my spare time I hang out with my friends, grandparents and pets. I love spontaneous trips and meeting new people. I am so honoured and excited to be working in this team shaping the next generation!
Hi, I work with the children, in the kitchen, and in the garden.
I have been in New Zealand over ten years with my husband Richard, we have two beautiful children.
I have always worked in a kitchen in various restaurants, lodges and cafes. I love teaching the children about basic food and enjoy spending time on the floor with the children.
Kia Ora, my name is Jodi
I have been a chef for 15 years and spent most of my career working and travelling through Europe and England. My favourite things to do is bake – I love old school New Zealand slice and biscuit recipes, and I love to experiment with new recipes too!
I am proud to get to know you, being a point of contact as your whānau are introduced to our incredible centre. I have the added benefit of forming quality relationships with our amazing My Treehut and The Cubby tamariki whenever I get a chance. I am passionate about building positive life-long values for our future generations. I love the atmosphere, the camaraderie and the engrained values of My Treehut and The Cubby – I feel honoured to be a part of everyday life here.
I live on a lifestyle block with my husband Daniel and our two daughters, Jessie and Tegan. As a whānau, we love the outdoors, animals and the freedom living out of town gives us. As well as spending time with our extended whānau, I love to read, listen to music and I enjoy the creativity of photography.
