Our team

The people who will care for your child

Our kaiako are qualified, experienced and here for the long haul. Read a little about each of them before you visit, then come and meet them in person.

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Two Months Free Childcare. Terms and eligibility apply.

"Behind every child that believes in themselves is a teacher that believed in them first"

Owner and manager

Alia Sarwary

Centre Owner and Manager, Qualified ECE Teacher

Kia ora, I am Alia, the Centre Owner and Manager of Wonderhub Early Learning Centre. I am passionate about leading a centre that is warm, welcoming and grounded in strong values that support the growth and wellbeing of every child.

I take pride in working alongside a dedicated team of teachers to create an environment where tamariki feel safe, valued and inspired to learn through curiosity and play. Building strong, trusting relationships with our families is at the heart of everything I do.

My focus is on making sure Wonderhub continues to be a place where quality care, thoughtful leadership and a genuine sense of community come together every day.

Our kaiako

Nursery and preschool teachers

A Wonderhub kaiako sitting alongside tamariki working on a wooden peg puzzle — Alongside tamariki, not above them. Our kaiako sit in and work with the children.

Jess Buist-Fogarty
Qualified ECE Teacher, Team Leader and Curriculum Lead
Kia ora, my name is Jess. As Tangata Whenua, my teaching is grounded in whanaungatanga (relationships), auahatanga (creativity), pākiki (curiosity), kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and manaakitanga (kindness and care).
I create inclusive, relationship-based environments where tamariki feel a strong sense of belonging and are encouraged to explore with confidence. Through nature-based learning and the use of NZSL, I support tamariki to connect with their world, communicate and grow as caring kaitiaki (guardians).
Sue Ward
Qualified ECE Teacher
Working in early childhood education, I believe in forming strong relationships with children, their families and the team you are working alongside.
My passion is building a strong sense of belonging for the child and their family, and working together to achieve each family's aspirations, goals and dreams so tamariki become competent lifelong learners.
Becs Carrie
Qualified ECE Teacher
Kia ora, ko Becs tōku ingoa. I am a fun-loving, warm and enthusiastic early childhood educator who believes childhood should be filled with laughter, curiosity and plenty of adventure.
I love creating a happy, welcoming home away from home where tamariki feel safe, confident and excited to explore and learn. I approach children as I would my own, building strong relationships through kindness, humour, cuddles and positive guidance.
I bring lots of energy, creativity and imagination into each day, supporting tamariki to play, discover and grow at their own pace. I enjoy using my graphic design background to create colourful, hands-on and imaginative experiences.
Heidi Owers
Qualified ECE Teacher
Hi, I am Heidi, a fully qualified early childhood kaiako with over 20 years of experience, having qualified in 2000. I am passionate about supporting tamariki through their early years, creating a calm, nurturing and respectful environment where every child feels safe, valued and truly belongs.
Here at Wonderhub, building strong, trusting relationships with children and their whānau is at the heart of everything I do, and I especially enjoy supporting our youngest children as they settle in, grow and reach their milestones at their own pace.
Being a proud parent of three incredible children gives me a deep understanding of the trust families place in us when choosing care for their child.
Shaily Verma
Preschool Teacher
Kia ora! I am Shaily. I have been working in early childhood education for the past 11 years and feel truly grateful to be part of this profession. Teaching is more than a job for me, it is my passion, and I love guiding tamariki with strong values, care and respect.
I bring creativity, warmth and a touch of theatrical fun into my practice, helping to create joyful and engaging learning experiences at Wonderhub.
Nikita Turner
Qualified Primary Teacher
Kia ora! My name is Nikita and I am a registered kaiako at Wonderhub Early Learning Centre. I have a keen passion for special needs education and behaviour guidance. I hold a degree in professional education and majored in primary teaching.
My years teaching primary aged tamariki left me wanting to understand more about a child's early development, which led me to early childhood education. Over the past year I have discovered a true passion for working with babies and their whānau, and a deep appreciation for the trust and connection this work requires.
Watching tamariki and pēpi problem solve and use their creative intuition as they explore the world around them is one of the most fulfilling joys there is.
Sarah
Qualified ECE Teacher
Kia ora, my name is Sarah and I am one of the teachers here at Wonderhub Early Learning Centre.
With 8 years in ECE and now in my teacher role, I bring experience, calm and a genuine love for helping tamariki grow and thrive. As a mum of two grown children, I understand the trust families place in us and how important these early years are for laying strong foundations.
At Wonderhub ELC, I aim to create a safe and playful environment where children feel respected, listened to and encouraged to explore. I value teamwork, clear communication and building strong relationships with both tamariki and whānau.
What I hope to bring is practical knowledge, patience and a big heart. What children can gain is confidence to try new things, a sense of belonging, and the joy of learning through play every day.
Laura
Qualified and Registered ECE Kaiako
Kia ora tamariki, parents and whānau.
Ko Whakapunake te maunga. Ko Ruamahunga te moana. Ko Wairoa-hōpupu-hōngenge-matangi-rau te awa. Ko Takitimu te waka. Ko Ngāti Kahungunu te iwi. Ko Ngāi Tahu te hapū. Ko Ruataniwha te marae. Ko Paul tōku matua. Ko Monique tōku whaea. Ko Chapman/Browne tōku whānau. Ko Laura tōku ingoa.
My name is Laura and I am a fully qualified and registered early childhood kaiako. I have a deep passion for early childhood education and am honoured to be part of each child's learning and development.
I love creating a warm, inclusive and nurturing environment where each tamaiti feels valued, supported and confident in themselves. I especially enjoy having fun alongside tamariki through music and movement, messy play, imaginative play and dress up days.
Building strong relationships with tamariki and their whānau is an important part of my teaching philosophy. I believe that when tamariki feel a strong sense of belonging they are empowered to explore and thrive.
I am grateful to be part of the amazing team here at Wonderhub.
Machi
Centre Cook
Kia ora whānau, my name is Machi, and I am passionate about food!
I strongly believe that good nutrition plays an important role in supporting our growing bodies and minds. Every day, I aim to provide our tamariki with food that is healthy, nutritious and, most importantly, delicious!
I have a background in catering and have also worked as an ESOL Assistant in a primary school. I enjoy preparing wholesome, tasty meals and creating a positive relationship with food for our tamariki.
I look forward to seeing you around the centre and getting to know our Wonderhub whānau. If you have any questions about our menu, food, or your child's dietary requirements, please feel free to speak with me at any time.
Ngā mihi, Machi