MEET OUR TEAM
Glynis Hibbott- Centre Owner/Director
Registered Teacher
I have been involved in many aspects of Early Childhood Education for the last 25 years, from Kindergarten teaching to lecturing and leadership in initial teacher education. I have a certificate in Early Childhood Development (developmental psychology), a Degree in Education specialising in Teaching ECE, a Post Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education specializing in ECE. My passion throughout all these experiences is a focus and advocacy for the rights of all children and their whānau, to experience the best environment, within an early childhood education centre, for their optimal learning and development. I believe that children learn best when they experience an environment that allows them to grow, physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually by providing a space where they are free to explore through play and real-life experiences, including animal husbandry, in a variety of natural environments. Where these children are empowered to take responsibility for their own and their peers learning, becoming a community of learners who share and care for each other.
Rhiannon
Centre Manager
Kia Ora, my name is Rhiannon and I am the centre manager here at Farm Friends. My passion for teaching has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember and I have been blessed to have been able to follow this passion professionally for over 12 years. At Farm Friends, I have found my hearts home. My passion within teaching is centred around respect and autonomy. Supporting children to make decisions, develop risk assessment strategies and advocating for learning through real-life authentic experiences. After working at Farm Friends for over four years and experiencing first hand how this unique environment supports the learning and development of the tamamriki have allowed me to truly understand the importance of being able to build an authentic connection with the natural environment and the endless opportunities that Papatūānuku provides for learning and exploration.
Hope Wright
Head Teacher
Konichiwa! My name is Hope and I am a fully qualified and registered Early Childhood teacher. I have been a part of the Farm Friends family since March of 2018 and have loved learning, growing, and thriving in such a unique environment; where children are given a plethora of opportunities to fulfil their urges in nature.
I am now into my 4th year of teaching and love that I am still learning so much every day. My favourite part of being a teacher is watching the extraordinary children I care for grow in their capability to be independent, world-changing, kind human beings. I value compassion above everything else and hope to inspire the children I teach to do everything with love and understanding. I definitely view teaching more as a passion rather than a job.
Outside of teaching, my passions include animals, photography, sustainability, being outdoors, vegetarianism and boxing.
Anja Hayward
Registered Teacher
I have been teaching for the last 25 years within the early childhood sector and have gained so much enjoyment and positive views from working with some extremely talented and motivated teachers. For the past three years, Educational Leadership Project (ELP) has been a great support in furthering my own personal education by working with children five and under, strengthening my documentation and assessments and providing me with a stronger understanding of learning theories. Along with CORE Education whom I attended pedagogical leadership workshops which involved working closely with Te Whāriki 2017 which was exciting and informative.
Chris
Registered Teacher
Ni Hao. My name is Chris, and I am a registered early childhood teacher. I originally came from Hong Kong, but New Zealand has been my second home since 2001. I have been teaching in the early childhood sector since 2008. After spending years working in non-profit childcare and commercial settings, I was keen on practising in a centre that views the environment as the third teacher in a practical way. It is my pleasure to be part of the Farm Friends whānau. My role as a teacher is to support tamariki preparing the journey of life, and together we will spark your child's humanity, creativity and curiosity through nature discovery and authentic learning provocations. I believe that engaging in positive interactions with the natural environment can enhance the holistic development of tamariki and lead them to discover the joy and wonder in the natural environment.
Rhian
Registered Teacher
Tēnā koutou katoa. I am so excited to work for Farm Friends and I could not think of a better learning environment. I look forward to walking alongside your tamariki mokopuna in their learning journey. I am calm, kind, and nurturing with a passion for Papatūānuku and the learning that can happen with positive interactions. I aspire to provide experiences with nature that encourage the next kaitiaki of our planet. With a passion for learning and teaching te reo Māori and Tikanga and as part of my commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, I aim to provide an ever increasing bicultural curriculum.
Roshini
Registered Teacher (Maternity Cover)
I am a fully Registered Teacher in New Zealand. I have been working in the Early childhood sector for the last 6 years. I am residing in New Zealand with my family since February 2018. I am a teacher who loves to be with children and encourage them to achieve emotional, social, physical and educational growth and development.
I look forward to building relationships with children and parents from different cultural backgrounds by acknowledging and respecting their culture. This will be my most positive factor as a person and a teacher as I strongly believe that understanding and acknowledging each other’s values are the base of education.
Eva
Centre Cook
Eva is our amazing chef. She makes us a delicious lunch every day as well as our afternoon tea trays. When she isn't in the kitchen, she'll be helping out on the floor with the tamariki.