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Meet the Kaiako - Support Staff

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Ange (Centre Manager)

Kia ora! Ko Angela Burling toku ingoa

My name is Angela Burling and I am delighted to be the centre manager at Beststart Riverbend. I was born and raised in Hawke’s Bay, moving to Napier from the small township of Takapau in 2000.  

I had previous experience working in Business Administration and disability services before discovering a passion for early childhood education and completing my Diploma of Teaching (ECE) in 2011. Since then I have been growing my professional practice to ensure I continue to have the knowledge and skills to implement pedagogical theory that supports our tamariki to develop their knowledge, skills, abilities, and interests.  I have a love of nature, music, and art which I enjoy sharing with tamariki and using to support their learning. I am proud to lead such a dedicated team of intentional teachers who are passionate about their teaching and committed to success for our learners. 


Heidi (Van Driver/Caregiver)

I am passionate about children in every aspect of learning and seeing how they grow.  I get satisfaction from seeing them learn new skills and develop their knowledge further, while they also can teach me new things.  I enjoy sharing the children’s learning journeys with whānau and seeing their reactions to their child’s progress.  I have many years of experience in ECE, I spent 7 years as a home-based carer before moving into working at a centre when my granddaughter was 2 years old. 

I have 2 grandchildren who live with me and my husband, my 14-year-old grandson, and my 5-year-old granddaughter.  I have lived in Hawke’s Bay for most of my life and enjoy the beautiful sunny weather, the beaches, and family time.  I look forward to being a part of your child’s learning journey. 

Every day brings a new challenge, no two days are the same.


Kelly (Centre Admin)

Kia Ora, my name is Kelly Clarke and I am the centre administrator for Best-Start Riverbend. I have lived in Napier all my life, I am married with 3 wonderful children, 2 of whom work within the early childhood sector.

I have been with BestStart for 2 years and enjoy my role as administrator as it has many parts to it.

My favorite part is the relationships I develop with the families and watching the tamariki transition through the classrooms.

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