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.
I feel very lucky to be Team Leader here at My Treehut, working as part of an inspiring teaching team. A team who work hard to ensure that here is the perfect environment for our tamariki to grow and thrive. The 8 years that I’ve been working here have been filled with fun, laughter, challenges and a lot of learning. Every day I look forward to coming to Treehut to see what the day will bring.
Having moved here in 2010 from the UK, I very much value and appreciate the strength in the bi-cultural curriculum we get to work within in ECE. Always looking to further my mahi and understanding through the lens of te ao Māori, building my Te Reo Māori and celebrating the uniqueness of this ātaahua whenua.
The main focus that drives my mahi is ensuring our tamariki realise just how amazing they are. To never let them lose their sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them. For them to know how capable they are, that they can tackle any challenge they choose. Here at My Treehut, our beautiful outside space is the perfect environment to nurture these dispositions. All the team share a passion for getting our tamariki outside as we all believe it is the perfect environment for their wellbeing and development (and for own wellbeing).
Through my mahi I get the privilege of building authentic relationships with tamariki, their whānau, fellow ECE kaiako and this ātaahua place we call home.
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
Kia ora!
My name is Sydney Pilkington and I have had the pleasure of teaching at My Treehut and The Cubby for over 5 years. To be apart of a teaching team like ours is what dreams are made of and our environment truly speaks for itself. Our team, our environment and our beliefs drive my passion for guiding our tamariki to be resilient, inquisitive and confident lifelong learners. Taiao (nature) and kaitiakitanga capture my heart, and I’m fortunate to live out these passions here at My Treehut.
In my personal life, I am lucky to call Taupō home with my inquisitive and cheeky son Cooper, and Husband Thomas. We are a huge sports whānau and often spend our weekends at the netball courts where I play and coach or cheering on our favourite Rugby League teams.
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 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.
My Name is Samantha, but feel free to call me Sam. I’m 19 years old, and just finished at Tauhara High School. I’ve grown up in a family of eight, with five other siblings. I enjoy meeting and getting to know people of all ages, learning about other cultures, reading, outdoors, and acting. I’ve lived in Taupo most of my life, except for six years where we lived in the country by the West coast. In these six years we lived in a small community, and were immersed in Maori culture. It was here I realized that I was fascinated by other cultures.
I want to become an early childhood teacher, because I love children’s energy and curiosity, watching and helping them grow and learn, and also giving children a safe and caring environment to be in.
I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this place, and the amazing team of teachers. I am looking forward to getting to know the teachers, children and families here at My Treehut and Cubby.
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
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.
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.
I am proud to get to know you and become 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.