Our Goals, Our Mission

These will be our guiding principles that lay the foundations to our holistic approach to early years education

whanaungatanga

relationship

manaakitanga

kindness

kaitiakitanga

guardianship/protection

Our Centre

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We are a privately owned Early Learning Centre aiming to offer something a little different when it comes to caring for our tamariki. Our purpose designed and built centre is something we are super proud of and we hope you love it as much as we do. We will focus on new approaches in raising your child including a mindfulness programme, to assist with the handling of daily social and emotional competencies which helps strengthen the mental health of these young individuals. A calm environment inside and out will create an enjoyable place to grow and learn, as well as offering a sweet little sensory room to benefit a range of children with different needs.

We have designed our centre to offer the best experience for everyone who enters. The purpose-built building was developed with every aspect considered, from the room layout and flow, the sensory room to the simplest of things like having an outdoor WC facility for the children – there’s a reason behind everything we have incorporated.

Our garden has not been forgotten in the design process – we wanted it to be as natural as possible and offer a range of fun activities to stimulate both mind and body. We have a cute mud kitchen, carpentry area, vegetable patch with worm composting, sandpits as well as interactive pop up zones.

WHAT WE OFFER

  • Above standard child:teacher ratio
  • Exciting trips throughout the year
  • Use of a Sensory Room
  • Natural learning garden with a vegetable patch
  • Mindfulness programme in place
  • Healthy meals and snacks are provided by our in-house cook
  • All eco-luxe nappies and wipes are provided
  • All 5 of their senses are considered daily
  • All staff to be first aid trained with on site EpiPens available
  • Kind, calm, and considerate staff with a wealth of knowledge in their field
  • A safe and happy environment for your child to bloom
  • So much more…just come and see for yourself

Products

Restorative Yoga Class - 4 Week Course

Restorative Yoga Class – 4 Week Course

Join us for 4 weeks of restorative yoga class, starting 07/03/2024, 6:30 p.m.

$110.00

Our People

We have an amazing team with years of experience to offer. Each member has their special field of expertise and together we collaborate with you and the community.

Hannah

Centre Manager

Tenā koutou katoa
Ko Hannah ahau
Nō Ingarangi ōku tīpuna
I tipu ake ahau I Tākaka
Ko Whakatū tōku kainga ināianei

Hello,
My name is Hannah
My family comes from England
I grew up in Tākaka
Now I live in Nelson

I have been teaching in Early Years for over 22 years now, working in the UK and in New Zealand. I graduated with an Honours Degree in Early Years Education and Childhood Studies back in 2015. Following various child psychologists, cultures and curriculums, it has shown me that there are so many levels to learning and has helped shape my holistic understanding of childhood studies. Each child is unique and special and has the right to learning that recognises this

I currently live at home with my Husband Kris, my children Emily and James have flown the nest recently, so I am rediscovering my hobbies.

I am excited to lead the team at Wildflowers and to be part of the learning journey and to build those important relationships with our tamariki and their whānau.

Caitlin

Team Leader for Buttercups and Daisies Room

I have been working in Early Childhood Education since 2010 in both New Zealand and Australia with my passion working with infants and toddlers. I graduated at the end of 2014 with a Bachelor of Education (ECE).

My husband Sean and I live in Richmond with our two beautiful children who have helped shape me into the teacher I am today.
I value respectful practice, allowing children the time and space to explore their environment and interests at their own pace. I love establishing trusting relationships with the child and their whānau and working collaboratively to ensure the best care is provided for them.

I cannot wait to be part of your little ones learning journey in the Buttercups Room, observing them as they discover the world around them.

Brittney

Teacher - Buttercups Room

Kia ora, my name is Brittney, a passionate individual from South Africa who, in pursuit of a brighter future, has recently embarked on a life-changing journey to picturesque New Zealand. Alongside my partner, Carl, we have chosen the Nelson/Tasman region as our home.

In 2021, I achieved a Pre-School qualification in South Africa and I’m now breathing life into my passion in New Zealand. Fulfilling a childhood dream, I find myself working in the heartwarming Buttercups and Daisies room, where my genuine love and passion for children has become a cherished reality.

In my spare time, I lead an active lifestyle, finding joy in gym sessions, walks and exploring the beauty of Nelson. I also love a weekend morning yoga session on the beach, and I have a sweet tooth which fuels my passion for baking.

I’m thrilled to be part of Wildflowers Early Learning Center and I can't wait to build connections with the children and families as we embark on this enriching journey together.

Janey

Teacher - Daisies Room

Kia ora! My name is Janey, and I live locally with my husband Nick and our two daughters Rose (2) and Emma (6 months). I love spending quiet time with my family, reading and have a passion for photography.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching in 2022, and am so excited to be a member of the incredible Wildflowers team joining the Daisies Room. I have a passion for working with infants and toddlers; creating a warm and nurturing environment where tamariki can explore, learn and grow at their own pace.

Relationships are at the heart of my teaching practice. I believe that responsive, respectful and nurturing relationships are vital in creating a warm and caring environment, where tamariki feel safe to explore.

I am so excited to get to know you and your whānau, supporting your little ones' learning journey in the Daisies Room.

Lara

Teacher - Daisies Room

Kia ora, my name is Lara and I am a teacher in the Daisies Room. I was born and raised in Nelson and love being able to call it home. I recently moved into the Meadows area with my sister Gina, her husband Duncan, my nephew Cian and my dog Poppy, and am absolutely loving it so far!

I started my studies for my Bachelor of Education (ECE) when I was fresh out of college at 17 years old. I completed my studies at the end of 2014 and have been working as a qualified ECE teacher for the last eight years.

I am passionate about building strong respectful relationships with tamariki and whānau and believe this is the most important part of my job. I bring a friendly, calm and nurturing approach to my teaching, creating an environment where children feel safe to explore, grow and learn at their own pace.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going on walks and adventures with my dog, and relaxing at our family bach in the Marlborough Sounds.

I am really looking forward to meeting you all and having the privilege of being a part of your child’s learning journey!

Sophia

Teacher - Daisies Room

Kia ora e te whānau,

Ko Sophia tōku ingoa and I am part of the Daisies Room teaching team. I began my teaching journey in 2023 and completed my Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education in 2024 through Te Rito Maioha. Before this, I studied at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, where I gained a Bachelor of Health majoring in Health Promotion and Education.

My background has given me a strong foundation in child development, wellbeing, and inclusive practices, all of which I bring into my teaching each day.

Outside of mahi, I enjoy tramping, CrossFit, and spending time with friends and whānau in the beautiful outdoors.

I’m so looking forward to getting to know you and your tamariki and feel privileged to be part of their early learning journey.

Ngā mihi nui,
Sophia

Jade

Jade

Teacher - Buttercups and Daisies Room

Tēnā koutou katoa
Ko Jade tōku ingoa
Nō Ngāti Porou ōku tīpuna
Kei te noho au ki Motueka

Kia ora my name is Jade Van Leeuwen
I live in Motueka with my husband Nick, daughter Georgia and son Mason. I was a hairstylist and owned my salon for 15 years before I made the change to early childcare 4 years ago.

In my spare time I enjoy going to our family holiday home in Okiwi Bay, fishing, kayaking and being involved with my children’s sport teams.

I am excited to be working in the Daisies room to support, nurture your tamariki and offer many great learning experiences here at Wildflowers.

I look forward to getting to know you and your whānau.

Chloe

Teacher - Poppies Room

Kia ora koutou,
Kō Chloe tōku ingoa
Kei te noho au ki Whakatū

My name is Chloe and I live in Richmond with my husband Chris and my two children Logan (4) and Bonnie (1).

My teaching journey began in May 2020 when I decided to switch careers after the birth of my little boy Logan in 2019.

I thoroughly enjoy my time with the tamariki in my care and love seeing the awe and wonder of the children around me. I am passionate about working with children and helping to develop and grow young minds and supporting them to discover and follow their interests.

Relationships are at the heart of everything I do, as a teacher. I see the child-teacher relationship as responsive and reciprocal, and I believe we can learn just as much from our children as they learn from us. I believe building responsive, reciprocal relationships with the children, their families and our fellow Kaiako is vital to create a warm, caring, environment for children. I believe responsive, and reciprocal relationships are an essential part of quality early childhood education.

I believe each child is at the centre of their own learning. I see my role as being a supporter, being present with the child, and following the child’s interests when creating learning experiences for them.

Ness

Teacher - Poppies Room

My name is Ness and I am a qualified, registered Early Childhood Education teacher. I have been teaching for 11 years and I am so excited to continue my teaching journey here at Wildflowers.

I live in Richmond with my husband and two teenagers, my son is 13 and my daughter is nearly 16. We have two cats and a golden retriever.

During my spare time I enjoy staying at home, pottering around with my plants and training the dog. I love music and gaming.

I am passionate about maintaining responsive and respectful relationships with the children, their whanau and of course the teaching team.

I am looking forward to meeting you all and getting to know everyone. Feel free to come and see me at any time!

Holly

Teacher - Poppies Room

I'm a passionate early childhood educator with a degree in Early Childhood Education and a Graduate Certificate in Arts. I’m dedicated to creating a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment where young learners can grow, explore, and thrive.

With experience teaching in London, Sydney, and New Zealand—as well as working as a nanny—I bring a well-rounded perspective to early learning. I believe in the power of play-based learning and aim to spark curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning in every child.

At home, I’m lucky to share life with my wonderful husband Rowan and our two beautiful children, George and Florence, who continue to inspire my work every day.

Vanessa

Teacher - Poppies Room

Ko Vanessa tōku ingoa - my name is Vanessa.

I live in Richmond with my three tamariki, Georgia, Charlie and Olivia (Ollie), our two cats, two budgies and a mouse.

I have recently gained my full practicing certificate after beginning my journey as an Early Childhood Educator in 2015. I volunteered and relieved in my early stages to accommodate whānau, and began my Bachelor of Education (ECE) journey in 2018 with Te Rito Maioha following an Open Polytechnic Qualification in Early Childhood Practice (Level 4).

In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, grappling with home improvements and learning new information. Anything that will grow my skillset and challenge my thinking.

I love watching tamariki grow, learn and find their place within the world. They are all unique and ought to have the support and encouragement to be who they wish to be, whether that is an academic, artist, racing car driver, builder or any other dream that a tamaiti has their sights set on.

I look forward to being part of your child’s journey/dream within the Poppies room and growing connections within the team to support your tamaiti as they grow their knowledge and understanding of the world around them alongside their whānau and peers.

E waka eke noa
We are all in this together

Gina

Administrator

My name is Gina and I am the Administrator here at Wildflowers. I was born here in Nelson and spent my childhood growing up in the Richmond area. I studied Business Administration after I finished school and worked as a receptionist for several years.

After some overseas travel, I moved to Auckland where I worked as an ECE teacher in the toddler room. This was a job I adored but I missed the slower paced lifestyle that Nelson offers so eventually moved back.

Since being back we built our first home, bought another, I married my now husband Duncan and just last year we had our first child, a wee boy named Cian who will be attending Wildflowers in the babies room.

We currently live in The Meadows area along with my sister Lara and her dog Poppy. In my spare time I enjoy being out in the garden, going for walks, making memories with Cian, spending time with my family and fishing at our bach in Penzance Bay.

I am really excited to be apart of the Wildflowers team as my role combines both my love for administration and working with children. I look forward to meeting and greeting you all at the front desk each day.

Liara

Liara

Admin

Hello, my name is Liara, I am from South Africa and have been in New Zealand for nearly 6 years now.

I currently live in Richmond with my husband, Zayne, and my daughter, Zaylee.

I have a level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management and have an extensive background in sales and administration.

I am a qualified Professional Makeup Artist, and I have a brow bar at home where I do makeup, brows, lashes, and spray tanning.

In my free time I love to travel and spend time with family. Zaylee loves going on walks, and as a family we enjoy taking the time to explore our new home in NZ.

I also have a Helicopter PPL, and when time allows, I LOVE to go flying.

I am excited to be a part of the team here at Wildflowers and look forward to seeing everyone every week.

Heila

Chef

My name is Heila and I am a qualified chef with 18 years food industry experience. I grew up on a wine farm but swapped tractor rides for a kitchen. I obtained my qualifications (professional cooking and baking) from the Institute of Culinary Arts near Stellenbosch, South Africa.

On weekends I love going on walks with my husband and son, digging in my vegetable garden and baking of course.
Working at Wildflowers is a special opportunity to help tamariki learn about the wonderful world of food and nutrition. I enjoy cooking seasonally because it amazes me how nature gives us all the different ingredients with bright colours, sizes and shapes.

I include different spices and ingredients to involve smell, taste and texture. I love seeing how people connect through meals and I'm excited to cook wholesome meals while including dietary requirements for every child's wellbeing.

Blog

What's happening at Wildflowers

Wildflowers Open Day!

There was a fantastic turn out at Wildflowers Open Day this afternoon in spite of the weather!!! A steady stream of families explored the many different rooms and creative spaces with so many delightful features Read more…

Contact Us

Fill out the form on the right or contact us using the methods below

Visit our centre

8 Central Park Lane, The Meadows, Richmond 7020

Call Us

(03) 927 5038
Mon - Fri, 7:30 - 17:30

Contact Us