Kia ora whanau, my name is Marieke and I am a full time teacher in the Little Adventurers room. I am originally from The Netherlands and first came to New Zealand in 2012 as an exchange student at Te Puke High School. During my exchange year I fell in love with my partner Nard and NZ. In 2017, after 4 years of being in a long distance relationship, I moved to NZ permanently after finishing my degree in Early Childhood. We are currently living up in the Papamoa Hills in our tiny house. When I am not at work I am either at the beach, playing tennis or hiking/tramping.
As a teacher I find it important that children feel safe and secure, so they can explore and develop naturally at their own pace. I support free play and believe that children learn many skills with and alongside tamariki. As a teacher I will support them through this process. I love seeing children engaging in their play and having lots of fun and I feel very privileged to play a part in each child’s unique learning journey.