Pauanui Pre-School is a community owned, not for profit early childhood centre based in beautiful Pauanui on the Coromandel Peninsula.    We are licensed for 25 children including up to 8 children under the age of 2. 

We are Pauanui's only Early Childhood facility and cater to the needs of the Pauanui, Hikuai and Tairua areas.

We work within the framework of Te Whāriki which is our national early childhood curriculum.  By following an emergent interest based programme we provide unlimited  opportunities for children to build more complex knowledge around things that interest them.  Teachers encourage tamariki to work both co-operatively and independently, to problem solve, practise social skills, question, and hypothesise.

As part of our philosophy we strive to provide a homelike environment that is rich in open ended equipment and materials, which empower thinking, open up possibility, inspire creativity and provoke thought.  Within this rich learning environment children's interests are fully supported and extended with numeracy and literacy incorporated within the course of the day.

For more information please download our information back below:

Empowerment/Whakamana – Through our curriculum children are empowered as interactive learners with control over their own learning.  Our curriculum is largely based around children’s own interests and they are supported and encouraged through a journey of discovery.  We aim to offer a rich and positive learning environment, which stimulates children’s learning, within which children can freely and safely explore.

Holistic Development/Kotahitanga – Our curriculum encompass’ all dimensions of children’s learning and development, considering the child as a whole, fostering respect for themselves and each other, and our beautiful environment.

Relationships/Ngā Hononga – We  foster warm, positive, responsive and reciprocal relationships with the children, valuing and scaffolding their learning and encouraging children to do the same with each other.

Family and Community/Whānau Tangata – We recognise that the centre is an important meeting place for parents/caregivers and extended family and friends.  Their involvement is valued and encouraged.  Our centre is very much part of the Pauanui and Hikuai community and believe strongly in the importance of fostering these relationships.

Head Teacher:  Monique McDonald    -    Diploma of Education (Early Childhood)                                            

Monique has been living in Pauanui and teaching as Head Teacher at the centre since 2010. Monique’s husband Aaron is a local landscaper/concrete layer and they have two adult children Ethan a local builder and Sophie can be seen delivering you your parcels in the NZ Post van. Monique enjoys hanging at home relaxing after a busy working week :)

Senior Teacher:  Melinda Rapson    -    Bachelor of Fine Arts/Graduate Diploma Early Childhood                                          

Melinda moved to Pauanui in 2001 and joined the teaching team in 2011. Melinda has a Bachelor of Fine Arts and completed her Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood in 2018.  Melinda lives with her partner Nico who is a local builder, her dogs and chickens.  Melinda also runs Kidz Art; afterschool classes for primary school aged children in Pauanui and Tairua since 2007.  She enjoys beach/bush walks, photography, painting, travel and has a passion for carnivorous plants. 

Teacher:  Kyla Santner    -    Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)                                         

Kyla first started at Pauanui Pre-School in 2023, she then set off on her OE around Europe, but later returned to Pauanui Pre-School as she just loves it here so much! Kyla lives in Pauanui with her Husband Andrew who is a local builder in town. In her spare time Kyla enjoys fishing, spending time at the beach and socialising with friends and family.

Teacher:  Paula Armstrong    -    Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)                                         

Paula joined the Pre-School whānau in 2024 relocating from Pāpamoa with her son Harry. Paula has been teaching since 2018 in Pāpamoa and is looking forward to sharing her love of the environment and the natural world with our Pāuanui tamariki. Her son Harry has started a building apprenticeship locally and with their dog Maggie and cat Lulu are settling into the beautiful lifestyle that the Pāuanui community has on offer.

Teacher:  Nicola Houghton   -    Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)                                         

Nicola joined Pauanui Pre-School team at the end of 2024 part-time and also runs a business: Tairua Homeschool and Nanny. Nicola lives in Tairua with her partner Mat who is a builder and they have just built their first home together. They love surfing, going out in the boat, laying in the sun, and socialising with friends and family. Nicola is excited to be part of the community here, and looks forward to getting to know all the tamariki and whānau.

Administrator / Teacher Aide:  Sarah Wallis    -    NZ Diploma in Business                                          

Sarah has been involved with Pauanui Preschool since 2009 as a parent, member of the Board of Trustees and was subsequently employed as the Office Administrator in 2012. Sarah lives in Pauanui with her partner Shane and together they have 3 children; Alexis, Brooke and Chloe. Sarah enjoys gardening, getting creative and spending time with her family and friends.