Staff Team

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching)

Teacher Registration: Full #263507

I have been involved in childcare and education since 2000. I believe respectful and loving relationships are the foundation to everything.

My philosophy is providing a safe, caring, peaceful, authentic and beautiful environment where children engage in play and learn through their own free will.

I was born in Shiraz, Iran. I speak Farsi and English. My Persian name is ‘Elham’, it means inspiration, revelation. I’m married and my husband is Fijian Chinese, and we have three children Kian, Seona and Reza. We love travelling and spending time with our family and friends.

Growing up in the Middle East has taught me the values of family and community and the importance of respectful practice through love, nurture, trust, kindness, empathy, communication and collaboration.

Therefore, I highly value working in partnership with parents and families to provide quality care and education.

I feel privileged to be part of the lives of the children at Aro Arataki.

I was born in Auckland but lived in Dunedin for my first 7 years.  Moved to Hamilton until age of 15 then back to Auckland. I have a brother, Gary, and a sister, Christine.  Both have 2 children who have 2 children and all live in AucklandJ.  I am married, have 1 step-daughter and 2 grandchildren, aged 4 and 21, who live in Australia.

I began a career in the tourism industry when I was working in London during my OE aged 19/20 and stayed in that industry for 25 years, even learning to drive a tourist coach (bus).

After being made redundant I was “coerced” into helping a friend, our beloved original Centre Director, Helen, for 3 weeks in the office. 3 weeks became 1 year and because I love my job it has become almost another career spanning 25 years.

Hi my name is Jessie Major.  I started working as an ECE teacher in a small centre in Rotorua several years ago, then went to study teaching and graduated with a degree in 2016.  I have recently been teaching in Dubai and China then came back to New Zealand to be closer to family.

I have a passion for teaching and love seeing children learn.  I believe that for young children every experinece they have is a learning opportunity.

I look forward to getting to know you all at  Aro Arataki Children's centre. 

Qualified teacher
Bachelor of Education (ECE)

Teacher Registration: Full # 350101

Kia ora whānau

I'm Brian Liu and I have been involved in Early Childhood education since 2014. I have a Bachelor of Education from the University of Auckland . 

I believe that each child is on a unique journey and I am here to support them in their beautiful journey. I am creative and love to stay active and I bring these passions into my teaching practice. I believe that the early years is an important time to nurture children's love of learning and to foster their overall well being . 

My first job as a kaiako was at Aro Arataki and I have worked here ever since. Aro Arataki has given me so much opportunity to grow as a teacher and I feel very privileged to be part of the lives of the children here. 

Outside of work, I love to travel New Zealand and internationally . I enjoy a lot of outdoor activities like hiking ,cycling, and kayaking . The most challenging and wonderful thing I have done is kayaking 5 days in the Abel Tasman and visiting all the remote beaches. I am excited to teach at Aro Arataki and look forward to getting to know our children and their whānau. 

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Education

Kia ora, my name is Ismat Raja. I have been living in New Zealand with my husband and three lovely children since 2011. I completed my Bachelor of Science and Education from overseas, and since then I have been working with children of all ages in primary and high school.

When I moved to New Zealand I worked as an Early Childhood Education (ECE) teacher and worked with children of age 0-5 years. I am very excited to be part of the teaching team at Aro Arataki.

To teach and observe children’s learning journey is a privilege for me. My many years of teaching experience has helped me develop a set of beliefs about how I can best help children learn and grow in the most important years of their life.

The strong responsive relationships are fundamental to children’s learning and development. They provide a secure base that helps children feel safe and confident to try new things. I believe that each child has their own way of doing and learning things and making sense of the world around them.

I look forward to getting to know all the children and their families at Aro Arataki. I am excited to see children embark on their learning journey, expand their capacities and deepen their knowledge in their own unique ways.

Qualified teacher

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)

Bachelor of Accounting

Master of Management (Marketing)

Teacher Registration: Provisional #418534

I am Howard Wang a registered Kaiako and Team Leader in the Kea room.. As for my teaching philosophy, I am inspired by Te Whāriki and the Reggio Emilia approach. I value the importance of play-based learning, which can promote their holistic development. I regard tamariki as competent learners. I believe the environment is the third teacher, and relationships are significant for children's learning and development. I encourage children to use 100 languages to express themselves and support their learning according to their interests. As a kaiako, I will help, support and guide children to discover and explore their hidden competencies and skills based on their current abilities to help their development. In addition, I am dedicated to building relationships and attachments with our tamariki.

I love all kinds of arts, especially music. I can play the ukulele and violin. I also would like to explore other musical instruments. In my free time, I like playing volleyball, going to the gym, playing board games, watching concerts, road trips, and hanging out with friends.

I am so grateful to be a part of the Aro Arataki team, where everyone is so nice and kind! I hope I can make full use of my professional knowledge, experience, and passion to help children learn, explore themselves, develop their competencies, and grow up together with children in the lovely centre.

Bachelor of Arts, Graduate Diploma in Arts, Master of Arts

Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychology

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)

Teacher Registration: Provisional # 424918

Kia ora whanau, I’m Sarah Bewick. I live in Ellerslie with my partner, Rob, and two sons. Prior to having children I was a behaviour therapist and then psychologist teaching children on the Autism spectrum. I attended Playcentre with my sons for 6 and a half years before deciding to retrain as an Early Childhood Teacher.

I am particularly drawn to young children who are developing so fast and primed to learn so much! My teaching philosophy centres around building strong, respectful relationships with tamariki (children), their whānau (families) and the teaching team. I value empowering children to make decisions, participate in their own self-care, and lead their play.

I encourage respectful interactions with other people, animals, and our environment. My “spare” time is spent with my family and friends. I enjoy getting out and exploring nature through walking, books, movies, music, and plenty of games with my boys. I look forward to getting to know you all.

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)

Teacher Registration: Provisional # 424421

Ni Sa Bula, Namaste, and Kia Ora Whanau.

My name is Ashika Lal, and I am from the beautiful Islands of Fiji.

I live in Mount Albert with my husband Reginald, my three children, and my family. I had been a full-time mum for almost nine years before venturing back into the workforce in the Healthcare sector.

I am enthusiastic and passionate about Early Childhood and fascinated by how quickly young minds develop. I am proud of my culture, and it brings me joy to share it; I yearn to understand and learn about the various cultures of the children and my colleagues. I feel fortunate to have been invited to join the Aro Arataki family so soon after completing my studies.

I firmly believe that the heart of teaching is establishing respectful relationships with the children, their families, and the Teaching Team. My teaching philosophy is centered around providing a safe, caring, and nurturing environment where our children and everyone involved in our workplace can thrive. As a teacher, I would love to empower our children to make their own decisions, guide them in their self-directed play and help them become independent learners.

I love sports (especially rugby), cooking, gardening, music, watching movies, shopping, and spending time with my family. I am very proud to be a part of Aro Arataki and cannot wait to get to know each of you!

Kia ora, my name is Mahsa and I’m from Iran. 

My passion and dedication for Early Childhood began over my two years of experience in the childcare and education sector back home.  I believe that the core foundation of working with children and their whānau is through love and respect.

In my spare time, I enjoy music, sports, and spending time with family, and friends.

I’m excited to start my journey here at Aro Arataki and I’m really looking forward to getting to know all the children and their families

Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)

Teacher Registration: Full # 312969

Tene koe whanau

Ko Lisa Thrupp toku ingoa, my name is Lisa Thrupp.  I am a registered teacher in the Tui room.  I have been here at Aro Arataki children’s Centre since 2006 and have a degree in Early Childhood education.

When I am at home I have interests in ball room dancing, walking, music and reading a good book.

I believe that children learn through meaningful experiences and that they are capable and confident.  We need to give them the time and space and listen to what they are saying to understand who they are. 

To guide tamariki to become courageous and independent, but to have values that will help them to be a person with empathy, understanding and a happy individual.  To Model these to our tamariki is important to me as they need to see this before they know it.  I learn from tamariki as much as they learn from me and every day is a new day.

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching)

Teacher Registration: Full # 186424

Talofa lava, I am Tausili Tauasosi.  I was born in Sapapalii Samoa, and I moved to NZ in 1984. I have three children, two boys, Lawrence and Siona Junior and a daughter, Ti.  My matua (parents) were my first ever (faiaoga) teachers endorsing into my life the importance of my Samoan language, culture, spirituality, faith and God. Samoan is my first language and I embrace this wholeheartedly. My matua’s life lessons have stuck with me right to this day. 

“A’oa’o ia I le tama e tusa ma lona ala, a o’o ina matua lava o ia, e le te’a ese ai” (Faataoto 22 f 6); Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it (Proverbs 22 f 6).

I became an Early Childhood kaiako because I have always loved children and from a young age wanted children of my own, so it seemed natural for me to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education.  I came to Aro Arataki as an experienced and registered teacher in 1994. I love working at Aro Arataki because it has a strong sense of community.  It has been a privilege getting to know so many families and whanau over the years and I have made some lifelong friends during my time here.  Getting to know the tamariki and their whanau is so rewarding and I strongly value the importance of relationships with children and their families. 

I love coming to Aro Arataki each day and being greeted with so many hugs and beautiful smiles. Our days are always filled with so much fun and excitement here.

Masters of Education, Post Graduate Diploma in Education,

Graduate Diploma in Educational Management and Leadership (ECE), Diploma in Teaching (ECE)

Teacher Registration: Full #217457

My name is Janet Malcolm and I have been teaching since 1987. I am passionate about providing quality care and education for infants, toddlers and young children.  

I feel privileged to be involved in the education and care of infants and toddlers especially, witnessing the awe and wonder they have and their innate drive to learn about their world. 

As a Leader my working style is collaborative and inclusive, and I like to create an environment where people are inspired to do their best.  Engaging in respectful relationships with children, whanau and the teaching team is at the heart of my teaching. 

I place a lot of importance on the freedom to play, assessing and taking risks, and being in the outdoors. For several years I have worked at Manukau Institute of Technology as a Senior Lecturer, teaching on their diploma and degree programmes but I am excited to be working again with children and their families.  

  My interests include spending time with family; travelling; nature; walking; reading and following Liverpool football club.

Bachelor of Business Administration

Certificate in Financial Accounting

Diploma in Travel and Tourism

I was born and brought up in India, in a big family of many uncles, aunties and cousins.  I have a brother who currently resides in Australia. I have been in New Zealand since 2007. I live with my husband and son. I speak English, Malayalam and Tamil.

I have been in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2008. I chose this profession because I am passionate about working with young children to encourage and support them in their learning and development.

I believe that there are four important values in life: Love, respect, honesty and trust.

I am proud to be a part of Aro Arataki whaanau.

Hello, my name is Maria. I am married and I am blessed to have two lovely daughters named Sarah and Joy and we have our adorable dog named Teddy.

I am originally from Philippines. My family enjoy travelling and camping. I am a Christian and I love going to church to fellowship with my friends.

I love to be with children, helping them grow and flourish and be a part of their early lives.

Qualified Teacher

Bachelor of Teaching ECE

Teacher Registration: Provisional #

Kia ora,

My name is Fei. I am originally from China, and I have completed my bachelor's degree and worked in the UK as an auditor for a few years. However, six years ago, I embarked on a teaching adventure and gained valuable experience with students of various age groups, with a particular focus on children for the past 3 years. During this time, I discovered my true passion for being with children, leading me to pursue an ECE teaching study and career in New Zealand.

My educational philosophy centres on creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can flourish by tapping into their innate talents. I deeply value families and the diverse cultural backgrounds they bring. Building respectful and reciprocal relationships is always a priority for me. One of my passions is bringing music into ECE.

Outside of work, I love traveling, practicing yoga, singing, and playing the guitar. I look forward to building some amazing relationships and creating great learning experiences here at Aro Arataki!

Qualified teacher

Bachelor of Education (ECE)

Teacher Registration: Full #239924

Mingalabar, I am Myanmar (Burmese). My family migrated to New Zealand in January 1997, after living in Fiji Island for a few years.  My late husband and I have two adorable daughters, Thet and Kay.  We also own a dog named Lucy, a cross breed of Pomeranian and poodle. 

Since year 1999, I settled in the Early Childhood Education sector as a volunteer, student teacher and finally graduated full time teacher.  I enjoy building a strong, positive, responsive and reciprocal relationship with the parent/whanau, for the holistic development of the young children.

Aro Arataki is my second home since 2003.  I cherish being a part of the young children’s life-long learning and development.  Through tamariki’s learning experiences, I strive to support their knowledge and understanding about the world around them, how to love and care for the world, and how to become responsible citizens of the world.