Our Team

Emily Abernethy

ELC Team Leader

About me:

I am originally from the Philippines and have been living here in New Zealand for the last eight years. I have recently married and moved to Papakura area. I am looking forward to working with our tamariki and whanau at the Papakura Early Learning Centre.

My experience working with children:
I finished a Master in Education majoring in Early Childhood Education back in the Philippines. I have been into leadership roles in my previous ECE experience both in under 2's and over 2's area. I have enjoyed sharing lots of aroha with all tamariki under my care.

My interests:
I love travelling, exploring new places, and going for nature adventures. When at home, I love doing cooking, sewing and gardening.

I look forward meeting you and working alongside our whanau to provide the best care and education for our tamariki!

Kristen Dai

ELC Teacher

About me:
I was born in China and came to New Zealand in 2019. I moved to Papakura with my partner in 2021 and this has been our home ever since.

What is your experience with working with children?
I have been in Early Childhood since 2022 when I was studying towards my Master of Teaching and Learning. I have experience working with mainly over 2’s age group. Being a teacher, I am proud and honored to be part of a child's learning journey throughout their childhood. I am also passionate about fostering children’s emotional competency through my teaching inquiry.

My interests are:
I love exploring the city and watching movies. I love cars and love trying out new culinary. I am also into car racing and gardening.

Shondel Kahui

ELC Assistant

Latest

A new look for our Family Service Centre

Our tamariki and staff at the Papakura Family Service Centre have noticed the big difference the new installed carpet has made. With the support of Carpet Court Takanini and RhinoKids Flooring, we’ve been able to install carpet floors in different areas of the Centre.
From Ma’ukakala: Connecting and Empowering Youth

As part of the Mentoring and Tutoring Education Scheme (MATES), Ma'ukakala, the MATES Coordinator, shares how the programme nurtures youth development and builds meaningful connections that positively impact young lives every day.
From Kristen: Finding Joy in Every Day

Meet Kristen, who has been an Early Learning Centre teacher at the Family Service Centre in Papakura for over a year. Kristen is committed to inspiring and supporting our tamariki aged 2-5 years and finds joy in every moment she shares with them.
Empowering Future Lawyers

Over the Term 2 school break, Lane Neave Lawyers partnered with our MATES (Mentoring and Tutoring Education Scheme) programme to organise an Open Day at their Auckland office. The day featured several workshops offering insights into the law industry and provided an excellent opportunity for our Mentors and Year 13 Mentees to connect with junior and senior lawyers, and the communications and events support staff.

Garden Vision: ‘Growing for Good’ at ELC

Papakura Early Learning Centre’s Team Leader has a vision for transforming the centre's unused outdoor spaces into an edible garden, with a worm farm, composting and recycling system to teach the children sustainability...
Our Learning Plan

Our Early Learning Centre offers a curriculum based on Te Whariki. Each child is welcomed for who they are. Our staff are skilful at settling and working alongside children, following their play ideas. Whānau experience respectful relationships with kind and caring teachers who value their children.