Our Tīma

Our amazing kaiako are what makes our centre so great. We carefully select our kaiako to ensure your child will be loved and cared for each day they are at our centre.

 

Coastlands Preschool is proudly owned by Gay and Greg West.

Gay and Greg have both been in education, first as kaiako, then as principals and managers, since the early 70s. Greg has also worked for the Ministry of Education. In 2001 they saw a need in the Eastern Bay of Plenty for a private school and opened Rangitaiki Independent School in Coastlands. Sadly the school closed in 2016.

They moved to the Eastern Bay of Plenty from Northland in 1997 and have called it home ever since. They have three children and seven mokopuna. Three of these mokopuna live locally and all have attended, or currently attend, Coastlands Preschool.

They opened Coastlands Preschool in 2006 with the aim of creating a quality environment for parents to send their children to, one where they would be proud to have their own grandchildren attend. They saw the importance of providing children with plenty of space and the need for good ratios, which remain important to our centre today.

Initially only an over two centre, they saw a need to expand to include under twos in 2017 when one of their mokopuna needed to attend preschool when he was one. Positive they could improve on the care and facilities available locally, they set about bringing our Rūma Tui to life. Two and a half years later (after a lot of blood, sweat and tears), they were proud to open this room in 2020 and have another of their mokopuna be part of the first group of tamariki in this rūma.

Gay and Greg can often be seen in the centre dropping off, or picking up, their mokopuna.

 

Management

Jacqui Johnston
Kaiwhakahaere/Manager

Bachelor in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Haere mai. My teaching career started as a parent attending Playcentre with my three young children. From Playcentre my education journey has gone from studying to become a qualified teacher, to being an executive officer at a Kindergarten, to being a relieving teacher, to being a Supervisor in a community-based centre, to most recently being a Kaiwhakaako/Head Teacher at two Kindergartens. 

My three young children are now young adults and myself & my husband are now Nanny & Poppa to two mokopuna. We have lived in Coastlands for the last 19 years and just love life by the beachside.

Tamariki/children are at the heart of all I do. With whānau/families and Kaiako/Teachers working together each child will blossom.

Ka whangaia, ka tupu, ka puawai – that which is nurtured grows, then blossoms.  

 

Sian West
Kaiwhakahaere Tuarua/Assistant Manager

Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)
Masters of Early Childhood Education

Tēnā koutou katoa
Ko Ingarangi te whakapaparanga mai engari
Ko Ōmapere te whenua tupu
Ko Whakatāne te kāinga
Nō Whakatāne au
Kei Whakatāne au e noho ana
Ko Parker ratou ko Declan, ko Sawyer nga tamariki
Ko Sian au
Tēnā tātou katoa

I am a primary trained teacher and prior to having my own children I had taught children aged from five to 16. A large amount of my teaching was at Rangitaiki Independent School (the private school that used to be adjacant to Coastlands Preschool) but I have also taught in London, Sudan and Dubai.

When I had my eldest child I started Playcentre and so began my fascination with early childhood education and child development. I am passionate about ensuring we provide the tamariki in our care with the best start to their lives as we possibly can.

My two oldest children are at St Joeseph’s but youngest boy comes to Coastlands with me.

Marama Coffin
Over Twos Team Leader
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

I have been working within early childhood for seven years since gaining my Bachelors of Early Childhood which has my knowledge of the learning and development of children. I chose Coastlands Preschool to continue my teaching journey because of the simulating learning environment. I also love how you can hear the ocean when you stand outside.

I have a particular interest in sensory play and nature which I look forward to exploring with the children. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

 

Sam Regan
Under Twos Team Leader
Bachelor of Teaching (0-8)

I have been working in ECE for the last 17 years. I am married with two grown up children and at this moment in time only two four legged fur balls!!!

I worked at Coastlands Preschool for seven years in the Pukeko Room and Little School House before moving down to Christchurch for six years. It was there that I found my passion for working with infants and toddlers and, when our family returned home, it was awesome to have the opportunity to come back to Coastlands.

It has been great ‘coming home’ and now we are looking forward to finishing our house renovations and re-exploring the Bay

Administration

Cara Stevenson
Centre Administrator

Kia ora

My name is Cara Stevenson. I'm excited to join the Coastlands Preschool team as an administrator. I may have bumped Into you at some point during drop off and pick up, as my daughter Isabelle currently attends preschool in the Rūma Kiwi. My son, now 8, also attended Coastlands Preschool.

I was born in Whakatāne and spent my childhood growing up in Matatā, later moving to Whakatane to attend high school. My husband and I live locally with our two children, Isabelle and Archie and our dog, Snoopy. In my spare time I enjoy working on my fitness, opshopping and catching up with family and friends.

Coastlands Preschool is a lovely centre offering a modern, spacious environment with loads of amazing resources and dedicated, passionate staff. I'm pleased to be joining a great team of people and look forward to seeing you all, and getting to know your tamariki.

Ngā Mihi

Cara Stevenson

 

Liezel Pretorius
Centre Adminstrator

Kia Ora, I'm excited to Introduce myself & start this new Journey with Coastland Preschool.

I'm Liezel Pretorius, me and my Husband with our 2 boys (1yr & 6yr) relocated from South-Africa end of 2023 starting our life again from scratch. Love spending our free time on the beach or outdoors where the boys can explore and just really enjoy what New Zealand has to offer

Rūma Pukeko

Loretta Merriman
Kaiako
Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Ko Tuwatawata tōku maunga 
Ko Whirinaki tōku awa
Ko Mataatua tōku waka
Ko Waikotikoti tōku marae
Ko Hinenuitepo tōku whare tīpuna 
Ko Ngati whare tōku hapu
Ko Tuhoe tōku iwi No Murupara ahau, kei Whakatāne ahau e noho ana.
Ko Loretta Merriman tōku ingoa

Kia ora my name is Loretta and I live in Whakatāne with my partner Mike and our two tamariki Michael, 17, and Jacinta, 14. We have another son Reonjay who is all grown up and lives in Rotorua with his partner and my first mokopuna, Quinn, who is 3.

I have been working at Coastlands Preschool for almost three years now and have loved caring for, growing and nurturing the tamariki that have come through to become confident and competent in their self and their abilities to achieve anything they set their minds too. 

I have completed my Bachelor of Ece in 2022 and am almost fully registered. 

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with whānau, gardening and relaxing. 

Ngā mihi nui Loretta 

~ Poipoia te kākano, ki puāwai ~

~ Nuture the seed and it will blossom ~ 

Jacqie Ferris
Kaiako
Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary)

Kia ora,

My name is Jacqueline, and I have been a kaiako in Rūma Pūkeko for over a year now.  I completed my Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) through University of Waikato, but I have found a love for working with preschool age tamariki.  

I also have a passion for inclusive education and since living in New Zealand I have also worked in Special Education and Child Development settings.  

I grew up in Ontario, Canada, and then met my Kiwi partner nine years ago.  We made the move to the beautiful Bay four years ago and recently bought our first home in Matatā. Outside of work we love to be in the outdoors either mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding or fishing.  

Andrea Rogers
Kaiako
Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Care and Education)

Kia Ora and Hello to you all.


My name is Andrea Rogers and I have been an ECE teacher for 25 years.My teaching career started out as a kindergarten teacher and when I had my own two daughters I moved to working at St George’s Preschool. Following that I spent 14 years working as a Visiting Teacher for a Home-based Child-care service. Prior to becoming a permament staff member at Coastlands Preschool, in April 2022, I spent two years relieving in a range of centres in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, including Coastlands. In 2022

I have two adult daughters and my extended family live in the community which is great as we often spend time together. When I am not working I like to relax by going for walks on the beach, op shopping and having ‘coffees’ here and there.

See you around the centre.

Claire Jefferies
Kaiako
Diploma of Education - Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Kia ora

My name is Claire and I am excited to be working here in Coastlands Preschool Whakatāne. I have a huge passion for preschool children and have been involved with working with children in many different roles for approximately 20 years.

I qualified with my Degree in Early Childhood in 2015 (after many years of working in this industry, so never give up).

I am from Tauranga and have spent most of my life there except for a few years in South Island working in a Montessori centre in Christchurch and a rural preschool on outskirts of Blenheim.

My adult children and grandchildren live in Abu Dhabi, Melbourne and New Plymouth.

My favourite things to do is hang out with my partner exploring the beach or bush walking, bike rides and of course catching up with family and friends.

Teagan Wallace
Student Kaiako

Kia Ora, I live in Manawahe with my partner Stephen and our two amazing tamariki Tongarewa and Aaliyah. Outside of mahi we love being outdoors, either it be at the beach, going for walks, playing rugby or travelling and visiting our whānau. 

Early Childhood is my passion and I believe creating whanaungatanga / relationships is one of most important parts. I enjoy working alongside our tamariki watching them to grow as they learn and develop through out their journey. I look forward to getting to know you and your tamariki. 

Chris Wiley
Kaiako

I have lived most of my life in the Whakatane (Pekatahi) area, and come from a farming background, which I do miss since moving into town. I have three daughters and have been blessed with nine grandies, so I love spending lots of time with my family. My partner and I travel overseas and take road trips whenever possible. I have an interest in science, art and crafts, so I enjoy it when children are so enthusiastic to take part, have fun and be proud of their achievements, all whilst learning.

I've been working at Coastlands Preschool for over five years. It is modern, spacious and offers great learning opportunities for the children. I work with a team of supportive and energetic ladies and have amazing children and their whanau at Coastlands Preschool.

 

Ricci Jones
Kaiako

My name is Ricci and I am so excited to be a part of the Coastlands team!

Working with children has always been a passion of mine & being a part of their growing journey.

During my spare time I love going to the gym, spending time with my friends, family has always been a passion of mine & my fur baby Khan.

 

Rūma Kiwi

 

Virginia Eruera
Kaiako
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)

Kia Ora,

I am looking forward to living and working in Whakatane, and the change of pace and lifestyle, after recently relocating from busy Auckland with my husband. I have five adult children and eight mokopuna, with ties to the East Coast, as my Husband is from Waihau Bay.

I have been in the profession of ECE for over 20 years, and continue to love what I do, which is viewing and supporting the learning and development of our Tamariki. I have heldpositions of leadership and I am looking forward in being part of the team at Coastlands in supporting and sharing the knowledge I have with colleagues and learning from them also.

I love the location of Coastlands and the natural setting of the beach and nature, connecting to my philosophy of tamariki learning about themselves through opportunities of exploring and making connections between people, places, spaces and things in their world and learning about their community. I am excited and feel privileged in being part of this community and supporting your Childs learning journey and look forward in working alongside you all.

The best part of my role as a kaiako in the many years I have been teaching and learning, is that no two days are ever the same.

Janice Wahapango
Kaiako
Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
Montessori 3 – 6 Teaching Diploma
Montessori Assistants Certificate 0 – 3 years

Tēnā koutou e te whānau o Coastlands Preschool.

I have lived in Whakatane for 44 years, coming here to do my Enrolled Nursing training. I am married to a wonderful man, Auhi Wahapango, we have three stunning adult children, three amazing children in-laws and 10 crazily awesome mokopuna. Five of the mokopuna live in Australia and five live in Aotearoa. They are such fun and we spend as much time as we can with them.

I enjoy challenging myself and have participated in such things as cycle ridearound lake Taupō, nine, quarter iron māori triathlons and one ironman, with my biggest supporter, Auhi close by me.

I commenced my early childhood journey while working at Te Tohu O Te Ora O Ngāti Awa, as a Family Start kaiawhina. It was from here I was able to undertake the Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching.

I have been fortunate to work in a few centres, this has built my knowledge and experience. I taught at two Montessori centres where I was able to attain the Diploma in Montessori Teaching 3 - 6-years and a certificate in Montessori Teaching 0 – 3 years.

I feel honored to be a part of childrens’ learning and see this as reciprocal, I learn just as much from these taonga as they may learn from me.

I am very excited to begin this new journey at Coastlands Preschool and look forward to building nurturing relationships with the, kaiako, tamariki me ngā whanau.

Chantal Gibbs
Kaiako
Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

I live in Whakatane with my husband Todd and daughters, Ruby and Zoe, our dog Scooter (Black Lab), and two cats Muffin and Thunder (sisters).

After training and working in Christchurch I returned to Whakatāne and began working in a community-based centre where I worked for 15 years. Looking for a change, I was so excited to be offered the opportunity to join the Coastlands team.

I love that we get to be a part of your children’s learning journey where learning through play is valued. Messy/sensory play is an area I particularly enjoy and love that I get to explore this with your children.

 

Laura Powick
Kaiako
Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Kia Ora Everyone!

My name is Laura and I joined the Coastlands family in February 2022! So far, I'm absolutely loving it! I have been living in the Eastern Bay of Plenty for just over 10 years, working in the early childhood sector for 3.5 years, whilst also studying towards my Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) full time.

In my free time you can find me hanging out at the beach, going for walks or bike rides and playing soccer.

 

Kirstin Skipps
Kaiako

My name is Kirstin and I moved to Whakatāne from Tokoroa when I was 13 years old and have lived here ever since. I am a country girl at heart and live just out of Whakatāne on a small lifestyle block with my partner and three beautiful girls.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends exploring the outdoors weather its hunting, fishing, camping or going on adventurous family road trips.

I have been working at Coastlands preschool for a few years now. I have really enjoyed getting to know all the wonderful tamariki and whanau and working along side an amazing team.

Rūma Tui

Lauren Copeland
Kaiako
Bachelor of Teaching (Early Years)

My husband and I have three children, Kiera, Ella, and Tautini. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors, fishing and spending time with family and friends.

I spent seven years, before coming to Coastlands, working at a bilingual preschool as an infant and toddler teacher. I am passionate about the learning and development that occurs during the early years of a child’s life.

I am excited to be a part of the Coastlands Preschool whanau, working alongside an amazing group of people. I love the beautiful environment here, where children are free to play and learn at their own pace. I look forward to building relationships with the children and their families in the Infant and Toddler room.

 

Ania Turner
Kaiako
Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood)

Kia ora tātou

My name is Ania Turner, I have lived in the beautiful Eastern Bay of Plenty since I was five and currently reside in Edgecumbe with my husband, our tamariki (children), one dog and three cats.

I am a newly qualified kaiako and I am passionate about equipping our youngest tamariki with a secure sense of belonging, a strong sense of self, and the social and emotional skills that will support them to develop, learn and thrive in our increasingly complex world.

I have worked in education for many years, previously as a primary school teacher aide, then as a preschool relief kaiako and now as a kaiako at Coastlands Preschool.  

Ashely Thompson
Kaiako
Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

I am the student teacher in the Tui Room. Working alongside children has always been a huge passion of mine so I am very excited to be studying and working alongside amazing teachers and children on my new adventure.

During my time here at Coastlands Preschool I have thoroughly enjoyed everyday, getting to know the children and families. I love that I learn something new everyday.

I have two young children and in my spare time I enjoy exploring new places and activities, spending time with family, camping and walking.

Jenna Birkhead
Kaiako
Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Kia ora, I have been working in early childhood since 1997. I have always enjoyed being around children and my passion for early childhood started back in my babysitting days.

I enjoy seeing children grow and succeed in their endeavours. My favourite age group is the under two's and I am stoked to be able to be working in the Tui Room at Coastlands Preschool.

 

Janelle Cashell
Kaiako
Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood)

I love working with and teaching young children, supporting them and encouraging them to grow and learn. i love the science curriculum - animals, insects, gardening, experiments and cooking. I also love nurturing children's creativity in arts, drama and construction using loose parts play, both within the inside and outside environments.

I live just over the bridge on the way into Whakatane with my partner Shayne and two children, our daughter Evie and our son Tobi.

Trish Bain
Kaiako
Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

I have worked within the Early Childhood sector for many years and enjoyed the uniqueness of each location. I love the magical moments that unfold naturally each day as children make discoveries in the environment. I am passionate about nurturing curiosity as it supports the desire to learn and figure things out, leading to life long learning.

It is a privilege to be part of the Coastlands Preschool family. I look forward to building relationships with the children and their families.

I have five children and five grandchildren My children have lived and worked overseas at different times so I had the opportunity to travel to the UK, Bermuda, Australia, USA and Europe. This has enhanced my understandingof the diversity in the world and was great fun exploring with my family.

Natalia Burgos
Kaiako

Tania Magee
Kaiako

I've been working in The Early Childhood Industry for over 17 years.

I have been married to my amazing husband Colin of 32 years and have four adult kids, aged 29. Two are married with lovely wives but no grand babies yet.

I count it a privilege everyday to nurture and care for your precious tamariki.

Barb Naraine
Room Assistant

I have worked in Childcare Centres in Whakatane for 21 years in Administration and Assistant positions and have worked with great colleagues and have met many wonderful families.

I grew up in a very happy farming lifestyle with four siblings and then started my working life in banking in Te Puke. After a number of years a friend and I travelled via South Africa to London. I travelled throughout Europe and experienced many wonderful adventures. I lived and worked in banking in London for 27 years and married and had two beautiful daughters.

I have been living back in New Zealand now for a number of years with my family.

I enjoy spending time in my garden and love colourful flowers and growing my own vegetables. I spend quality time with my special friends and family and I enjoy going to see musicals at the theatre and love The Wearable Arts.

Relaxing with a good book on the deck in the summertime or going for a walk along the river is very enjoyable.

 

Relievers

Elaine Parker

After 30+ years in administration roles I joined the Coastlands Preschool team in September 2021 as a reliever. I love the great work/life balance I now have.

I thoroughly enjoy my days at Coastlands and love the interaction with all the children and being part of their preschool journey. Along the way I continue to learn so much from the wonderful staff and love how they make everyone feel welcome.

I am married to Jeff, a professional firefighter at Kawerau and we have three adult daughters. I am also lucky enough to have three gorgeous grandchildren. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, bike riding and spending time with my family, especially the littlest members. We have recently purchased our first caravan and am looking forward to some adventures in our lovely NZ backyard.

Diana Wildbore

I have been involved in the Early Childhood Sector for over 20 years, with 17 years on the Gold Coast.

My husband and I are currently building a house in Coastlands and I'm very excited to be part of the Coastlands Preschool relievers team.

I love being able to to encourage the children to develop their skills in Sensory and creative play and activities (I don't mind getting messy at all).

In my spare time I enjoy Aqua Jogging, walking on the beach and hand crafts.

Kaia Skipps
Student Kaiako

Barbara Perry
Qualified Kaiako
Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood)

After gaining my Teaching Diploma (Early Childhood) some years ago, I have been involved in Early Childhood Education at different times, in a variety of settings from centre based to homebased. I have also had the privilege of living in a variety of places in NZ and in three different countries overseas, which has added a richness to my life and given me an appreciation of cross cultural living, and the diversity that other cultures offer.

My passion is working with young children, and to see them grow and learn and develop through their play. I am loving being at Coastlands where there are these wonderful opportunities for learning within a safe and stimulating environment, and being part of this great teaching team, where positive relationships are valued amongst colleagues, children and their families.

I have three wonderful sons and daughter in laws and seven darling grandchildren. In my spare time I enjoy time with my husband and family, and being in the outdoors.

Dayna Studer

I'm a mum to Casey, an energetic 5-year-old boy. 

My partner Ra and I run a local fencing company, where I play an active role in the management. During my free time i enjoy, baking delicious treats, fishing and spending time with my family. With 5 years in the early childhood industry, I'm thrilled to be part of Coastlands Preschool and can't wait to connect with everyone.

Ella Atkinson-Grunwell
Student Kaiako

Tēnā koutou, Tui friends, and Whānau, Kia ora! My name is Ella, and I'm thrilled to be joining you as a Kaiako three days a week. I was born and raised in Whakatāne, and I'm delighted to have the chance to contribute to the growth and development of our community’s Tamariki.

Teaching and working with children has always been my passion, and my upbringing in a large family has played a huge part in helping me discover and foster this passion. During my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, quality time with loved ones, and exploring my creative side. I'm looking forward to meeting and getting to know all the wonderful individuals in the Rūma Tui whānau as I embark on this exciting new opportunity.

Brenda Stewart
Qualified Kaiako

I first became involved in early childhood 35 years ago when I joined Playcentre. This is where I discovered my passion for early childhood education. I stayed involved with Playcentre for over 10 years, as a mum and later as a supervisor, before starting work at a preschool.

While working at the preschool I studied through correspondence to become a qualified early childhood teacher. While there I was promoted to manager where I stayed until the centre closed down.

In 2006 Coastlands Preschool opened and I began my role here as centre manager. After 16 years in this role I made the decision to retire from this position and enjoy being a grandmother and having more time to spend with my family. I do have time to do some relieving at Coastlands though, and really enjoy catching up with the families, children and staff and keeping my hand in when needed.

Sam Wells

Shalane De Klerk

Lilly du toit

Kia ora, my name is Lilly Dutoit. I worked in Rūma Kiwi for nearly four years and now am working as a reliever before I move to the South Island in the new year.

I was born in Milton South Island but have lived in Taneatua on a farm most of my life with my parents and two brothers. I now live in Ruatoki with my partner and our 6 Kuri. Stella, stick, Leaf, Girl, Friend and Tama.

My passion is the outdoors, going up the bush and spending quality time with whanau and friends. I have always had a passion for our tamariki and making a difference in their young life’s.

 

Ineke Marr

 

Centre Support

GG

ESW (Education Support Worker)