About us
Empowering learning and nurturing a strong sense of community.
We all need support through the most important period of our children: the early years
Vision
At Pukeko ELC, our vision is to nurture an inclusive community where children, families, and teachers thrive. We inspire a love of learning, confidence, and belonging through respectful relationships, play-based exploration, and a holistic approach that helps every child flourish.
Mission
Our mission is to provide a safe, caring, and enriching environment where each child’s individuality is valued. In partnership with families, our dedicated teachers foster curiosity, self-awareness, and strong relationships. With high teacher-to-child ratios, we focus on quality connections, preparing children to become confident, respectful, and engaged learners ready for school and life.
Centre Manager
Kia ora, I’m Vanessa
I feel so blessed to be part of the Pukeko ELC whānau. I have worked in Early Childhood for over 23 years and still love every moment. I’m passionate about helping tamariki grow, caring for them, and sharing in their joy as they discover new skills and explore the world around them.
At home, I have a big black lab called Jasper and a cat called Storm. My family and I have lived on the Coast for the past 18 years, and we love the beach and being part of such a close community.
I enjoy being creative and adding little touches to make our environment special. I love collecting and re-using interesting objects and resources that spark curiosity. In my downtime, you’ll usually find me with a good book or spending time with family.
I can’t wait to welcome new tamariki and whānau into the Pukeko ELC family.
