Ahi Kaa offers homebased childcare from Warkworth to the Far North encompassing all towns in Northland, NZ. Our guiding principle is to ignite the fire of learning within the eyes of a child by fostering great relationships which will stand them in good stead as they make their way through the path of life.
Ahi Kaa is the Maori tradition of "keeping the home fires burning". This statement embodies what Ahi Kaa is striving to do, to ignite and fuel the fire of learning in the eyes of the child.
The first years of a child's life is commonly known as the most critical period in establishing a solid foundation of learnin for the child. We in Ahi Kaa, will establish this foundation of learning through our varied cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Having these values and principles instilled at such an early age, will allow tamariki to establish their own foundation, nurture what they aspire to be, and allow them the freedom to be who they are in essence.
At the same time, Ahi Kaa recognises that there is a creator and we are his creation and we have a whaka whanaungatanga with Him.
Tikanga and Manakitanga will feature as components to this foundation. Tikanga, "Maori customary values and practices", and Manakitanga "Nurturing relationships, looking after others and being very careful of how they are treated is taught as a natural way of life.
Whanaungatanga (developing relationships) is core to Ahi Kaa's education system Here is where we recognise that relationships are fragile and need to be nurtured; so our practice is to closely observe the interactions of the children with each other. This is important to Ahi Kaa, as our intention are to ensure tamariki evolve into safe, healthy and meaningful relationships which progresses towards a foundation of Whaka Whanaungatanga (the bonding of a great loving relationship which is established for life,)
Acting Manager and Visiting Teacher for Mid North South
Ann has a Diploma in ECE and has worked in many roles within the ECE field and taught at two primary schools.
Ann discovered early on in her career that she preferred home based childcare firstly as a nanny as she travelled in her 20s. When she had her own children, she enjoyed the flexibility home based care offered around family life.
Ann became a visiting teacher 10 years ago, a role that she loves.
Ann enjoys crafting and reading in her spare time. She is a mother of three girls and a wife to Brian.
Visiting Teacher
Being a mother of three young children, I strongly advocate for home-based care and education for our littlest people. I truly believe in this childcare setting our children thrive. Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of working in early childhood education in a variety of roles—both as a teacher, educator and in management positions.
What lights me up most is being in a leadership role, where I can support and inspire others to be the best versions of themselves. I truly believe in the power of collaboration and sharing my passion with loving educators who are making a difference our children's lives.
I’m deeply passionate about providing nurturing care where children have the opportunity to play freely, fully be themselves, explore outdoors and feel empowered. I love that this role with AhiKaa allows me to support educators and families in this meaningful work.
I look forward to crossing paths!
