Head Teacher - Qualified Registered Teacher

Kia Ora koutou, ko Kaitlin toku ingoa. I began my journey with Tūī as a third year placement student, three years ago ,where I was fortunate enough to have been offered a full time position. Through my three years I have completed my degree in early childhood and my teaching registration as well as being giving the opportunity to work alongside this amazing team as head teacher. I live on a lifestyle block with my dogs, sheep, partner and son. I am passionate about whānaungatanga; relationships and building competence and confidence in our tamariki; preparing them for school and their future.

Qualified Registered Teacher

I began at Tūī in October 2009 but have been teaching since 2003. I have a Bachelor of Education (Teaching Early Years 0-8). I have lived in Palmerston North all my life. My passion within teaching is science and I love creating and sharing science experiments with children and my peers! In my spare time I enjoy spending time in the garden, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Qualified Registered Teacher

I began at Tūī in June 2016 and I have just returned from maternity leave. I have a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) degree through New Zealand Tertiary College. I live on a lifestyle block in Linton with my fiancé-Luke, daughter-Stevie,dog- Pip, cat- Suzie and many pets lambs and calves. I love animals and nature! Accordingly, I view the environment as the 3rd teacher and value cultivating children's’ curiosity about the natural world.

Qualified Registered Teacher

Kia Ora koutou, ko Robert toku ingoa.
I’m a qualified registered teacher. I’ve worked at Tūī for the last 15 years and with the last 10 years being at Tūī Young Investigators.
I have two adult sons and a granddaughter.
I have a diploma in Performing Arts: Drama. I worked as an actor in film and theatre for many years and worked in event management before moving back to the Manawatū with wife Larissa to help with the family business.
I love being an Early Childhood Teacher because I believe it is a privilege to help the children to realise their learning potential in their lifelong learning journey.
This year I am starting postgraduate studies Specialist Teaching: Early Intervention.

Teacher Aide

I have been a relief teacher at Tūī since 2016. Although now retired, I continue to enjoy watching young children reach their milestones and develop new skills and knowledge through play. Outside of work I like to do puzzles, dream of travel and spend time with my grandson.

Teacher in Training


I am a teacher in training working towards my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education through Te Rito Maioha. I have been working at Tūī North Street since 2020. My passion is creating a place where the mana of tamariki is uplifted by including their home cultures within my teaching practices and enabling their ideas to become reality. I am lucky to have a wonderful husband and have a independent child named Charlotte. I enjoy reading in my spare time.

Owner - Director

Hi I am Deborah, owner of Tūī Early Learners in Napier Rd, Albert St and Feilding. I live in Feilding on 10 acres and am married to Lars. We have two sons, one studying in Europe and one at home with us still attending high school. I am proud to be carrying on the legacy my parents started in 1992. I see it as my responsibility to take great care of our teaching teams, as they care for you and your children.

General Manager

Kia ora, ko Jane tōkū ingoa. I am so fortunate to have been with Tūī since 2008 and my role has evolved from the Educational Leader, to my recently appointed role as General Manager of Tūī Early Learners. I am committed to my role as GM in being there for tamariki, parents and whānau, through to each and every kaiako across our nine centres. My role focuses on leadership, mentoring and coaching, HR - and especially from a management and educational perspective. Tūī is part of my extended whānau, and I love that my own whānau is so closely connected as well.

Operations and Administration Manager

Hi I am Larissa , I have been at Tūī since 2007, when Suzanne invited me to come back from Auckland to join the family business, and my husband Robert is a teacher at Tūī. Prior to that, I had a career as a professional Temp, and as an Executive Assistant at places like Microsoft, IAG, and Auckland City Council. I enjoy doing my part to keep the Tūī businesses running smoothly, and at home, I enjoy gardening, chatting with our small flock of sheep, photography, and bushwalks.

Educational Leader

Kia ora, ko Kylie tōkū ingoa. I have been at Tūī since June 2007 where I have had the privilege of being a Head Teacher/Centre Leader, to my recently appointed role as Educational Leader. My passion has always been fostering the lifelong love for learning in children as well as working with kaiako to grow them into heart-led empowering early childhood professionals.

Napier Road Site Administrator