Kia ora!

 

I am Gina, a proud third-generation Pukekohe local—born and raised here, and feel a deep connection to the community that shaped me. I’m married to my husband Paul, and together we’ve raised our five children, who are now young adults carving out their own paths in life.

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I have 24 years of experience in early childhood education. My journey began in a home-based setting, where I also balanced roles as a foster parent and childbirth educator—supporting tamariki and whānau in the earliest and most important stages of life. I later moved into centre-based teaching and have never looked back. I hold a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) and am a fully qualified and registered teacher. I have held kaitiaki roles, Acting Assistant Manager and 2IC roles. I started the Centre Supervisor role here at Best Hope in September 2025. 

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At the heart of my teaching practice are the values of trust, kindness, love, respect and honesty. I believe these values are the foundation for strong relationships—both with tamariki and their whānau. When children feel truly safe, respected, and valued, they gain the confidence to explore, learn, and grow into the best version of themselves. My role is to work in partnership with parents and guide and support tamariki on this journey —encouraging them to make thoughtful choices, to be kind to others, and to show empathy, so that together we can nurture a learning environment where everyone feels a deep sense of belonging.

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“Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.”
With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive.