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 and they have two children Ethan and Sophie.  Monique and her family enjoy the wonderful lifestyle that this beautiful place offers.  In her spare time Monique enjoys netball, walking and mountain biking with her family.

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

Melinda has been working as a Teacher Aide with us since 2011 and has recently completed her Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood.  Melinda’s partner Nico is a local builder.  As well as looking after the smallest members of our community, Melinda has been taking junior art and craft classes here in Pauanui and Tairua for the past 10 years.  She enjoys photography, gardening and cooking.

Teacher:  Chloe Pender    -    Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)                                         

Chloe started at Pauanui Pre-School after relocating from Papamoa in 2021.  Chloe has worked in the education sector since 2009 as a teacher and centre manager.  Chloe and her husband Jared run the pro shop at Lakes Resort and along with their children Kobi, Rico, and Charlie have a strong passion for golf.

Teacher:  Deborah (Deb) Hamlyn    -    Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood)                                         

Deb joined the teaching team in 2017 shortly after moving to Pauanui with her husband Wayne from Auckland.  Deb previously owned an ECE centre in Auckland for over 20 years and brings a wealth of knowledge to the centre.  Deb enjoys classic cars, walking, gardening and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.

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

Sarah has been involved with Pauanui Preschool since 2009, firstly as a parent and member of the Board of Trustees and was employed as the Office Administrator in 2012 and in 2017 started working a few days a week as a teacher aide.  Sarah lives in Pauanui with her partner Shane and 3 children; Alexis, Brooke and Chloe.  Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, walking, and gardening.