Kia Ora my name is Jo

Centre Owner and Manager

I have called Papamoa home since I moved to NZ with my Kiwi hubby Jamie in 2007 and we have since had 3 children.  I have worked in childcare my whole life and recently found my year 11 school book when I said my dream job would be to own a centre.

I have a passion for quality childcare, providing a great service, growing amazing kaiako and leaders and supporting our community to help raise the next generation and The Blue Cottage enables me to combine all of my passions.

Outside of work, I cherish time spent with my family, going on adventures and making memories and enjoying time with my friends.

Kia Ora, my name is Jamie

Centre owner and maintenance man

As half of the ownership team I take great pride in what my wife and I have created here in the heart of Pāpāmoa. We set out to provide the very best in service and this still drives us everyday – the payback of which is the continued support of our community and the on-going relationships we have established over the years here at The Blue Cottage.

I am father of 3 school aged child – still on the journey that many of our whānau are just beginning. I am privileged to be a small part of that journey for so many families (high fives at the local primary school from past Blue Cottage kids are pretty darn cool!)

Day to day you will see me around The Cottage taking care of maintenance and improvements along with supporting the team where ever required. Outside of work you might spot me at the Domain reliving my youth and still trying to learn how to surf.

Kia ora my name is Millie.

I have lived in Papamoa since 2018, and completed my bachelor of teaching with Te Rito Maioha in 2021. I am a passionate Under 2’s teacher who loves nurturing little one.
On the weekends I enjoy socialising with friends, cooking, surfing, and hiking.

Kia ora my name is Cathy.

I am a qualified and registered teacher. I am originally from Zimbabwe and I have lived in Papamoa for the past 20 years with my husband and two children. I have worked in the ECE sector for the past 18 years. i love walking, cycling, swimming and being outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

Kia ora my name is Dani.

I grew up in Maketu and moved to Papamoa in 2018. I started at The Blue Cottage as a student on placement in October 2019 and have loved the place since them!!
Outside of The Cottage you will find me at the beach, drinking coffee or spending time with my whanau and friends.

Kia Ora, I’m Sam.

Since I was young I was always the person entertaining and looking after the children and since I started working I was always in childcare. After
taking time to stay home and raise my own 3 children I’m now proud to be part of The Blue Cottage team. I’m also super lucky that my youngest child, Jack is never far as he’s attends TBC too!
I love to bake, do arts and crafts and spend lots of time with family.

Kia Ora my name is Duck

I have been teaching for a very long time, both in homebased and centre based. I have 3 children who are all now grown and flown the coop.  We originally came from Rotorua, where I worked in a few centres before making the move over the hill to sunny Papamoa to be closer to family and we love it here!
I look forward to getting to know you all.

Kia Ora, my name is Tiana

Ko Hiku o te rangi tōku maunga

Ko Wairua tōku awa

Ko Ngunguru tōku Moana 

Ko Māhuhu-ki-te-rangi tōku waka

Ko Ngati wai tōku iwi

No Whakapara rāua no Whangārei ahau

Ko Tiana Cronin tōku ingoa

I am a fully qualified teacher and have been teaching for the last six years. I have recently moved to Papamoa from Whangārei. I am very passionate about working with tamariki and am looking forward to working alongside you all.

Kia Ora, my name is Lauren

I have always had a passion for tamariki, their inquisitive minds and willingness to learn. Papamoa has been my home since I was five after moving from England. In 2019, I began teaching at The Blue Cottage and gained a bachelor’s degree in teaching and now am qualified and registered. In my spare time I love being out in Papatuanuku (nature) with my dog Charley and going to the beach.

Kia Ora my name is Sarah

I moved to Papamoa in 2021 with my partner and our 2 girls.
I love being a part of The Blue Cottage team and seeing the children grow and learn.
Outside of work you will find me at home relaxing with my girls and enjoying a good laugh with family

Kia Ora my name is Bobbi

I moved to Auckland from the UK 14 years ago and then to the Bay of Plenty in 2013. I’ve been at The Blue Cottage almost since it opened! I’m a Mum to four girls and we live in a tiny home on wheels in rural Te Puke with our three cats and two dogs. I love working with your little humans and nurturing their uniqueness.

Kia Ora my name is Kristi

I am a qualified, registered teacher. I have been teaching over 20 years. I live in Mount Maunganui with my husband, daughter, grandson and mother.

In my spare time I waitress at Somerset Cottage, teach first aid, and am a co-driver in an Subaru Impresa in rallysprint and rallies

Kia ora My name is Jo Arnold
I am married with four daughters ranging in age from 10 to 22 years old. I am a fully qualified teacher and I have been working in ECE for the past 6 years.
I have a real passion for the preschool age group as I love the project based work & interesting topics they want to explore, I love the wild and wacky conversations we share. .

Kia Ora, my name is Mary or Merepeka

I grew up in Auckland and moved to Rotorua a few years ago and have 2 amazing tamariki. My son lives in Taranaki and my daughter is with me. I have been a
qualified teacher for many years and love learning and growing alongside the tamariki.

Kia Ora, my name is Kate

I am a fully qualified and registered teacher with primary school teaching being my main background with over 10 years experience. I moved to Papamoa in 2020 with my hubby and eldest daughter and since then we have welcomed our second and final daughter to our little whanau. In my spare time I love spending time at the beach and going on little adventures with loved ones.

Kia Ora, my name is Kellie
I live in Papamoa with my husband Reece, our 4 children, and our dog. Relationships are at the heart of my teaching practice and I love being part of a community. I am passionate about art, nature, Maori
culture, and music. I believe all children deserve the best opportunity to develop a lifelong love for learning.

Kia ora my name is Margie

I have lived in Papamoa for the last 22 years working in various roles in early childhood education. I gained my ECE teaching qualification in 2006. I have three adult children and 7 grandchildren (2 who attend The Blue Cottage). It is my passion to work with young children. In my spare time, I enjoy catching up with family & friends, yoga, trekking, & learning how to live more sustainably.

Kia Ora, I’m. Debbie

I was born in Bluff and seems very fitting and meant to be in the Paua room,  as the Paua in Bluff was a real icon especially with the Old Paua House that was just stunning back in the day, a place we visited often as kids. I am a fully qualified and registered teacher

I have two adult children who both live in Auckland In my spare time I enjoy walking my two dogs, George and Mildred, beach activities, gardening, and of course shopping, not to mention a great cuppa. I look forward to spending my day with your children and being part of an amazing Whanau and community at The Blue Cottage.

Kia Ora, my name is Aileen

Business Manager

Kia Ora, I am Aileen and I am The Blue Cottage’s Business Manager. I am from a teaching background and have a post grad in Accounting.
I have 2 daughters who are growing up too quick.
My door is always open and if there is anything I can help you with please don’t hesitate to ask, phone or email

Kia Ora, my name is Monique

Curriculum and HR

I have lived in Tauranga my entire life, teaching in centres since 2004. I graduated with my ECE qualification many years ago and have since been doing a Post grad in Psychology. I have 5  children who are all school age now and during the weekend we live a fun filled life.

I am passionate about supporting children, over time my passion has grown into supporting   teachers.

Kia Ora, my name is Karen

Centre Administrator

I’m the administrator and have lived in the Bay of Plenty all my life. I have 2 grown daughters
I am loving being part of The Blue Cottage Whanau and look forward to getting to know you and your families

Arohanui

Kia Ora, my name is Miranda

I moved to Papamoa in 2017 from Auckland and am originally from South Africa. I have a husband and my son Liam.

I love the team at The Blue Cottage, and I love bouncing between the rooms and having a variety of ages and building relationships with all of the children.

Kia Ora my name is Lesley

I have been a reliever at The Blue Cottage since 2017 and I have loved seeing the kids progressing through the rooms throughout this time.
In my spare time, I like acrylic painting,  reading and walking my dog.

Kia Ora, my name is Angela

I am married with 2 children.

I have been working within the education industry for 5 or so years. I love little people and the variety they bring while watching them learn and grow.

I love all things water – diving, snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, water skiing – just everything!

Kia Ora, my name is Kayah

I finished school in 2021. I come from a large crazy fun filled family

At the moment I am enjoying learning ECE alongside all the amazing Kaiako here,

In my free time I love to create/draw and read books. I love spending time with loved ones and going to the beach

Kia Ora, my name is Steph

I move to Papamoa in 2015 with my husband and teenager son. I am currently fully registered and have contributed to the Early Childhood sector for 18 odd years. I am deeply passionate in advocating for quality practice and strengthening my own bicultural pedagogy.

I believe children flourish in an environment that supports creative agency. A place where they can make decisions that matter to them and therefore learn through what they love. “Let’s embrace the unfolding that is learning”

When we empower our mana we build understandings of where were want to be in the world  ~ I am super pumped to learning alongside kaiako, whanau and your tamariki at Blue Cottage feel free to come chat I love a good korero Nga mihi Whaea Steph x

Kia Ora my name is Gurpreet

I moved to New Zealand in August 2022 from India. I am currently studying professional mentoring and leadership. I am also exciting to start my ECE studies in July 2023 as I love working and bin around kids. In my spare time I enjoy reading, hanging out with friends and family and going for walks.

I am also interest in learning about new te reo words and phrases to practice.