Nau mai haere mai, Welcome to BestStart Katikati. At BestStart Katikati, Our vision is “where we belong, our place in the community”. We have a talented Centre Team and would love for you to meet them. 

Kia Ora koutou, I'm Evelyn, and it's a privilege to be the Centre Manager at BestStart Katikati. I have worked with the Katikati team for two years. As a qualified teacher, I strive to create a nurturing environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Building relationships with whanau, tamariki, and kaiako is at the core of what I do. Beyond the Centre, I find joy in a cup of coffee, spending quality time with my family, going for a swim, or enjoying a walk. 

My name is Suzanne, I started at BestStart Katikati in January 2011, after being a stay-at-home mum of four for 15 years, moving my husband and children back to New Zealand in 2008. Working with children is an amazing experience, no day is the same, the children's smiles and laughter when they have achieved something or just playing is truly rewarding. When not at work, I love getting lost in a book for hours, cycling, travel and furniture restoration, this I picked up before I had children and love the before and after results. What you won't find me doing is slaving away in the kitchen cooking tea, I couldn't think of a worse job! Just as well I have a husband that loves cooking. 

Kia ora, I'm Reta, and Katikati has been my home for the past 26 wonderful years. For 22 years, I've been a part of the BestStart Katikati family, pouring my heart into this community and the amazing tamariki who brighten our days. I feel incredibly blessed to live and work in such a close-knit community. My husband John and I have been married for 39 years. Together, we've raised three sons, we have an amazing daughter-in-law and a granddaughter. We’re over the moon about being grandparents and can't wait to welcome another grandchild into the family this May. 

My name is Jessica, and I have been working at Best Start Katikati since June of 2023. My goal is to earn a Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education. Les and I have two amazing daughters who attend Katikati Primary School. We moved to Katikati five years ago and we love the close-knit community here. My view as a teacher in early childhood is based on the idea that each child's first few years are a critical time for growth, exploration, and foundation-building. Seeing children as individuals and building up their strengths and potential in a nurturing learning environment. 

Hi there, I'm Louisa, and I've been part of the incredible community at BestStart Katikati for three years. Here, amidst the laughter and learning, I've found my passions flourishing. My favourite areas of play are music, slime, crafting and storytelling. I enjoy the play-based curriculum and am privileged to be a part of children’s learning journey. With a spirit as vibrant as the community at BestStart Katikati, I'm here to spread warmth and a whole lot of creative fun. 

Kia Ora, My name is Rachel and I am a qualified teacher with over twenty years of teaching experience. I have been at BestStart Katikati since 2019, teaching in the over twos area. I am passionate about this age group as they have very curious minds and great imaginations. At the centre, I love being in the outdoor environment and giving the children challenges; getting them to be involved in risk-taking and for them to become confident in using their bodies. 

Mabuhay! I am Margel Hilaria from the Philippines. I have been working in the ECE industry for almost 7 years now. I embarked on a new journey here a BestStart Katikati in January 2024 with a passion for nurturing young minds and giving quality care. I love all learning areas and now, I have an increasing interest in the “set for school” programme. We are a highly-experienced team and we collaborate well to deliver high-quality learning and care. 

Come and say hi, we would love for you to join our learning community!