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.
Hope Wright
Centre Manager + Registered 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 in my 8th 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.
Olivia Richards
Registered Teacher
Kia ora! My name is Olivia Harrison. I'm 25 years old and a proud mum of three. I've been working in early childhood education for the past six years, and it's truly where my passion lies. Supporting tamariki to learn, grow, and thrive brings me so mụch joy and purpose. I'm so excited to be joining the team at Farm Friends and can't wait to get to know all the wonderful tamariki and their whanau as I begin this new journey.
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.
Candice
Registered Teacher
Kia ora! My name is Xiaoxue YANG. Xiao means dawn and Xue means snow in Chinese, as I was born on a snowy morning. Please feel free to call me Candice. I’m a qualified Early Childhood Kaiako and a graduate of Auckland University of Technology, where I earned a Master of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood Education) with Distinction. Before moving to Aotearoa, I spent over two years teaching in China, supporting young learners through creative, play-based experiences. Since arriving in New Zealand, I’ve gained local teaching experience in kindergartens, preschools, and home-based settings, and have developed a deep appreciation for Te Whāriki and bicultural teaching practices. I’m passionate about building strong, respectful relationships with tamariki and whānau. I love weaving music, storytelling, baking, and outdoor adventures into my teaching. I believe in creating a warm, inclusive environment where every child feels seen, heard, and empowered to grow.
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.