About us

Meet our teachers and learn about our mission

Overview

Coast Kindy has been part of the Hibiscus Coast community for many years and has always had the DNA of a loving and supportive place for families and their children.

We are a not-for-profit Christian centre, with a governing Trust, that seeks to provide a wrap-around service to our kindy community. We are licensed for 30 children, aged 2 – 6 years and have excellent teacher/ child ratios, being blessed with a team of loving, kind and passionate teachers who want to see your child thrive. Our curriculum is designed and built within a culture of love, respect and kindness with our play-based curriculum inviting curiosity, challenge and lots of fun!

Our Philosophy

We are a community-based centre and as part of the special nature of our kindy, we acknowledge God as our creator and enable Tamariki (children) to discover that they are unique individuals, created and loved by their Heavenly Father.  We partner with whānau (families) to understand and support the holistic development, needs and well-being of their Tamariki (child).

We celebrate the diverse cultures in our community and we are committed to providing a curriculum that is inclusive of all.  Manaakitanga (love and compassion), Whanaungatanga (reltaionships and sense of family connection) and our four guiding principles of Faith, Love, Kindness and Respect are at the heart of everything we do.

Our kaupapa (Vision)

… is to create deep and consistent relationships with children and their whānau through a learning environment that is loving, nurturing and safe, with a foundation of faith in God.

Our Kaiako (Teachers)

We have such an amazing team of kaiako who love to nurture, educate, explore and have fun with your children. Our teachers are qualified (or training to be), caring people whose passion is to see your child thriving in their development and growing together.
Got a question for our team? We’d love to chat!

Raewyn Meikle,
Manager

Hi, I’m Raewyn and my claim to fame is to be married to Alan for 38 years, have 6 kids and 8 grandchildren… lots of us if we all get together for dinner! I am a born and bred Coastie, growing up with the beautiful beaches as my playground. In 2022 we shifted to Makarau where I love the gardens, the trees, and the open green spaces. I am part of the church family in Ignite Faith Centre at Coast Plaza. I am passionate about children and families and I love to be part of the learning that happens at Kindy. I believe that the first years of a child’s life is so crucial to their future and I am honored to be part of nurturing and gently allowing space for children to be their best selves. I love working with our amazing team and know that the children in our care are precious and surrounded by much aroha.

Sophie Cole,
Assistant Manager

Hi everyone, my name is Sophie. I am a local coastie and have grown up on the coast. In my spare time, I enjoy surfing, boating, fishing, snowboarding and being outdoors. I have always loved working with children and I am committed to making our kindy children’s day happy, fun and engaging by following their interests – but most importantly giving each child a sense of belonging here at Coast Kindy.

Linda Kay,
Kaiako

Hi, I’m Linda. I have two precious girls and enjoy reading, going to the movies, Sudoku, and escaping for relaxing weekends at Mangawhai. Thank you for entrusting your gorgeous children with us. My interest is in the care and nurture of the two-year-olds, ensuring their needs are met – especially cuddles. I am part of the Whangaparaoa Baptist Church.

Debbie Blackman,
Kaiako

Hi, I am Debbie B and I am a qualified Early Childhood teacher and have 20 years experience working in ECE. I have always wanted to be an ECE teacher after having some fond memories of my own Kindy experiences as a child. Working with children is such a special, rewarding career, whereby I am constantly learning alongside our Tamariki. I want to provide them with the best care, fun and enjoyable learning experiences. Working at Coast Kindy is particularly interesting working with a mixed age group and the best of all worlds, enjoying the nurturing moments of the littlies to the fun, and energy of the older children. I live at Gulf Harbour with my partner and youngest daughter of three children and also have one Grand Baby. My other interests in life are health and nutrition, walking, cycling, and enjoying the beautiful beaches and natural environment that living on the Coast has to offer.

Debbie Markovina,
Kaiako

Hi, I’m Debbie M. I have four children, and my first Grandbaby has just been born in early 2023! I have lived on the coast for 36 years. I have always wanted to work with children so three years ago I decided on a complete career change and enrolled with the Ashton Warner Academy. I have completed the first year of my ECE degree and look forward to starting my second year soon. I also work part-time as a nanny in the evenings.

Olivia Hewson,
Kaiako

Hello Coast families! My name is Olivia Hewson, I am 25 years young and have been working with children for about 6 years. I am currently in the last year of my studies, meaning I will be qualified by the end of the year. I have a passion for connection and relationship with Tamariki and their whanau, as the impact this has on your child’s development and learning is beautiful and crucial! In my spare time, I love to hang out with friends, cook yummy meals, and get a little creative. Arohanui, Olivia

Elizabeth Wislang, Teacher at Coast Kindy

Elizabeth,
Kaiako

Kia ora, my name is Elizabeth. I am a qualified early childhood teacher and have over 5 years experience working with children. I live locally and enjoy getting outdoors, being creative and spending time with family and friends. I love children and am part of the church family at Mission North.

The teachers are so gentle and kind

“Coast Kindy is a wonderful kindy. I have two children who both started there when they turned two, and they both adore it. The teachers are so gentle and kind, and we love that they use play-based learning. We recommend Coast Kindy to everyone we know. Thank you to the teachers for being such an important part of my kids lives, they love you!”

Courtney Brown

A hidden treasure

“A nourishing, nurturing gem, a hidden treasure on the Coast”

Sarah

A safe and happy place

“Thank you for being a safe and happy place where you have comforted, nurtured, and encouraged [our son] for over 2 years. We are so grateful for all that you have done for him.”

the Sclanders family

Wonderful and caring

“Your team is so wonderful and caring and has become such a great part of our lives.”

the Michaels family

Such a great place

“Oh my… kindy has been such a great place for [our son] where he has truly grown and gained confidence under the amazing kindy teachers that have empowered him. He explores and learns so much and surprises us at home with amazing amounts of knowledge. While I’m sad this time is ending in the kindy phase as he goes to school, I know he has skills from the dedicated Coast Kindy team that will help him succeed.”

Daryl

A caring and creative space

“We highly recommend Coast Kindy. Both our grandchildren were part of the Coast family. This has always been a place of peace in the rush of our worlds. The facilities are 'old school' amazing and not clinical like some kindys. The teachers are so loving, nurturing, accommodating, kind, and patient. I really miss their welcoming smiles. If you're looking for a caring and creative space for your little one look no further.”

Brenda

So experienced and caring

“Absolutely the best center with the best teachers who are so experienced and caring. You leave every day knowing your child will be loved and exposed to such lovely values in all they do and everyone they encounter.”

Sarah

A beautiful, safe haven

“Coast Kindy truly cares for the whole family. Your hearts are full of love and what a beautiful, safe haven and home away from home you provide for our kids.”

Lisa