Our new kaiako - Welcome to Hanna

This week we were lucky enough to welcome the wonderful Hanna Bramley into our teaching team and our kindergarten community.

Hanna and her new friends, helping her feel welcome at Mairtown

Hanna is a very friendly, engaging and welcoming person who has a great passion for teaching. She is enthusiastic, kind, motivated and has children’s best interests at the heart of everything that she does. Hanna is also resourceful and loves to tackle projects with the children. She has a wonderful sense of humour and is just a wonderful person to be around.

Our Kindergarten family waiting for Hanna's arrival

“There are no strangers here, just friends who haven’t met.” (Roald Dahl)

Hanna is new to Whāngarei and was looking for a teaching team that was supportive and welcoming. After visiting Mairtown and getting this vibe, she decided to apply for the job and we are so glad that she did. On her first official day at Mairtown our community come together to welcome Hanna with a mihi whakatau.

“A mihi whakatau is a welcome that can provide a sound basis for any kindergarten event whereby people are greeted in a less formal manner than that of a Pōwhiri… Mihi whakatau is traditionally used for welcoming, introductions, openings and general purpose which take place off the marae.  The mihi whakatau is a process which will protect Māori cultural practices while promoting an environment of inclusiveness.” (Roimata Macfarlane, 2016)

This was a lovely occasion and it was delightful to have many of our whānau stay for the special welcome. Hanna brought along some important people in her life to be with her through this process. After everyone had an opportunity to introduce themselves and sung waiata we then shared a delicious kai together.

Hanna’s first week has come and gone and already she has proved to be very engaging with everyone, making connections with the children, their whānau and her new colleagues. We are looking forward to all that Hanna has to offer our community and know that she has a wealth of knowledge and kindness to share.

Portrait of Hanna - Artist, Sharlee Bea.

He aroha whakatō,
he aroha puta mai
If kindness is sown, then kindness you should receive

Nāku noa, nā,

Zair