Kia ora & Welcome to Nature’s Nest
Our centre is a welcoming, natural space where tamariki (children) are treated with respect and dignity. We nurture tamariki to learn and grow alongside others in an environment that celebrates curiosity, kindness, and co-operation.
We believe every tamaiti is a capable and competent learner with unique interests and abilities. Our approach celebrates their individuality and potential, helping them develop confidence, curiosity, and a genuine love for learning.
Our Centre Leaders & Kaiako
Our team is made up of dedicated kaiako (teachers), supportive leadership, and hands-on directors who work together to guide each tamariki with intention and care.
By building meaningful relationships grounded in trust and connection, we ensure every tamariki, team member and all whanau, feel secure, valued, and empowered.
Hayley Hargreaves – Director
As a parent of two with over 26 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, I understand the hopes and stresses that come with choosing the right centre. My journey has also included raising a child with severe food and environmental allergies, giving me a deep appreciation for the importance of trust, safety, and truly responsive care.
These experiences have shaped my belief in the vital role early education plays in a child’s development and strengthened my commitment to excellence in our ever-changing sector. At Nature’s Nest, my goal is to create a beautiful, nurturing environment where tamariki feel safe, inspired, and supported to grow and learn at their own pace.
Arnika Kennedy –
Director
Born and raised in Warkworth, I’m a qualified and registered early childhood teacher and a parent of two. I understand the expectations families have when looking for a place where their children will be genuinely cared for, seen, and valued.
I’m deeply committed to the philosophy that guides Nature’s Nest, one that celebrates relationships, nature-led learning, and authentic connections with tamariki and whānau. Supporting children as they discover their strengths and step into their potential is one of the greatest joys of my work, and I feel privileged to help foster that here at Nature’s Nest Warkworth.
Jodi Norton –
Centre Manager
Kia ora, I bring over 25 years of experience in early childhood education across both New Zealand and Australia, along with a genuine passion for working alongside tamariki and whānau. I’m married with two wonderful boys who inspire my practice and remind me daily of the importance of nurturing environments.
My teaching philosophy aligns strongly with Nature’s Nest, especially our focus on nature-based play and placing children at the heart of every decision we make. I also enjoy guiding and mentoring teachers, supporting them to grow in confidence, capability, and connection within our learning community.
Ebaneē –
Kauri Room Leader
Ebaneē has been part of the Nature’s Nest whānau for over 8 years and is the proud Team Leader of the Kauri Room. She is a fully qualified and registered teacher, with relationships at the heart of everything she does. Ebaneē believes trust is built through care, consistency, and connection.
She is passionate about creating a space where whānau feel confident leaving their tamariki to learn and grow through play. Ebaneē strives to ensure every child feels safe and loved, and is committed to supporting them to build the skills they need for a positive and confident transition to school.
Mykaela & Teigan –
Totara Room Leaders
Mykaela is a registered teacher with over 14 years’ experience and a passion for learning alongside tamariki while celebrating their individual strengths. Inspired by teaching through nature and play, she creates environments that nurture curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning, while building strong, supportive relationships with whānau.
Teigan is a qualified and registered early childhood educator with over 23 years’ experience in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. She is passionate about creating nurturing, play-based spaces where tamariki feel they belong, and loves exploring the outdoors with children as they grow into capable, confident learners, grounded in respectful relationships with whānau.
Nicola & Shelly –
Matai Room Leaders
Nicola has been part of the Nature’s Nest whānau for over 10 years and deeply cherishes the centre as her second home. She is passionate about creating a strong sense of belonging and walking alongside families, recognising this is a significant step for both parents and tamariki. Building authentic relationships and trust with whānau is at the heart of what she does.
Shelly feels privileged to create a nurturing, welcoming space for the youngest members of the Nature’s Nest community, a place that feels safe, warm, and like a home away from home. She thoughtfully supports parents to feel confident and at ease, while remaining committed to helping each child learn, grow, and thrive.
Our Philosophy
Kaitiakitanga –
Nature & Respect
We nurture a deep respect for Papatūānuku (Mother Earth), all living things, and our unique natural environment. Tamariki learn guardianship, sustainability, and responsibility, exploring freely in all weathers and with natural resources.
Aroha – Love that Guides, Supports & Nurtures
Our teaching is heart-led: tamariki, kaiako, and whānau are seen, heard, and cared for. We nurture their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Whānaungatanga – Relationships & Respect
Meaningful, trusting relationships with tamariki, whānau, and our community are at the heart of our teaching. Respectful care nurtures individuality, empowers tamariki, and values open, authentic communication.
Tākaroko – An Unhurried
Space to Explore
We embrace each tamaiti’s identity, culture, and unique perspective. Tamariki have the freedom to explore, discover, and play in an environment that is inclusive, responsive, and unhurried.
ABOUT US
Our Approach
-
Guided by Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, our teaching is intentional and responsive to each tamariki’s needs, interests, and developmental stage. We work closely with whānau to ensure learning is meaningful, personalised, and supported at home and at Nature’s Nest.
-
We provide wholesome, homemade meals made from quality ingredients, often sourced from our own gardens. Our kai nourishes tamariki and fosters a lifelong love of healthy, balanced eating. Dietary needs, allergies, or religious requirements are carefully accommodated.
-
Our environment is vibrant, nature-inspired, and purposefully designed. Open spaces, greenery, and natural textures encourage creativity, curiosity, and hands-on discovery. Tamariki can explore, imagine, and play freely in an unhurried, supportive space that nurtures mind (hinengaro), body (tinana), and spirit (wairua).
-
Each tamaiti is chosen a dedicated whānau care kaiako, providing consistent, heart-led support. Daily routines and rituals are guided by the tamariki’s home life where possible, creating a sense of security and continuity. Through these nurturing, attachment-based relationships, tamariki develop confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of self.
Our kaiako work closely with whānau, sharing insights, milestones, and everyday moments, so families feel connected to their tamariki’s learning journey. These meaningful relationships give tamariki the freedom to explore, play, and grow with independence, knowing they are supported, seen, and valued at every step.
-
We model sustainable practices and empower tamariki to be kaitiakitanga (guardians of the earth). From eco-friendly cleaning and composting to gardening, caring for chickens, and upcycling materials, our tamariki learn to make mindful choices that protect and nurture the world around them.
YOU ASKED, WE ANSWERED
FAQ’S
-
We welcome tamariki from birth to school-age, with each stage supported in its own thoughtfully designed learning space.
-
Nature’s Nest is open Monday to Friday, from 7:15am to 5:30pm. We also offer a school session from 8:30am to 3:30pm. We are closed on weekends and public holidays.
-
We provide wholesome, nutritious meals and work closely with families to accommodate allergies, intolerances, or dietary requirements, ensuring each tamaiti’s needs are met safely.
-
Our curriculum is guided by Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, and is personalised to each tamariki’s interests, developmental stage, and needs. Tamariki learn through play, exploration, and nature-based experiences.
-
Each tamati has a dedicated whānau care kaiako who supports them during the settling-in period with settling visits. Daily routines are flexible and reflective of home routines, ensuring a smooth and secure transition into centre life.
-
We see whānau as partners in education. Regular updates on Storypark and our private families facebook page, open communication, and opportunities to be involved in activities and celebrations ensure that families are integral to their tamariki’s learning journey.
