Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti ka ārahi i ā tātou mahi.

Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work.

Meet our team

Our kaiako bring warmth, care and commitment to their work with tamariki and whānau each day. We value strong relationships, responsive teaching and a learning environment where each tamaiti feels known, supported and included.

Guided by Te Whāriki, we support tamariki to grow as confident and capable learners, strong in their wellbeing, belonging, identity, language and culture.

Centre Manager

Dominique

BSc majoring in Biological Science

Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Tiwhikete Whakaakoranga Tūturu | Full Practising Certificate

Tēnā koutou katoa
Ko Dominique ahau
Nō Āwherika ki te Tonga ahau
Ēngari kei te noho ahau i Whakatū ināianei
He kaimahi ahau i Te Puna Kōhungahunga o Piki Mai
Ko au te kaiwhakahaere pokapū.
Nō reira ngā mihi mahana ki a koutou
Tēnā tātou katoa

My name is Dominique. I’m a qualified kaiako and for 2026 I am also Acting Centre Manager at Rutherford Street Kindergarten.

I come from a background in biological science, specialising in marine biology, and I enjoy weaving that lens into early childhood education. I love supporting tamariki to notice, wonder, and explore the natural world. I especially enjoy fostering pākiki (curiosity) through hands-on experiences, and meaningful conversations that strengthen children’s working theories.

My teaching is guided by Te Whāriki and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, with a strong focus on manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and genuine partnership with whānau.

My leadership style is collaborative, relational, and calm. I value clear communication, consistent systems, and supporting kaiako wellbeing so that together we can provide a warm, responsive, child-led environment where every child feels safe, capable, and connected.

Our kaiako

Amber

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Tiwhikete Whakaakoranga Tūturu | Full Practising Certificate

Ko Ingarangi te whakapaparangi mi

Ko Otautahi te kāinga

Kei Whakatu au e noho ana

Ko Amber toku ingoa

My name is Amber. I was born and raised in Christchurch but have called Nelson my home since 2006, and where I raised my son. I am a qualified Early Childhood Education (ECE) Kaiako and have been teaching since 2012. I am passionate about child development and value warm and respectful relationships with tamariki and whānau.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy gardening and have a variety of house-plants, I have a special interest in growing food, particularly herbs and chillies. This hobby ties into my love of cooking, and making food for my friends and family is a way I express care.

I am also artistic, with a passion for painting and drawing, anything from miniature models to canvas. I stay busy with my involvement in local sports and committees.

As your tamariki's Key Kaiako, I am committed to facilitating and supporting their growth and learning journey, ensuring a nurturing and inclusive environment that fosters their curiosity and well-being.

Georgia

Studying a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Tēnā koutou katoa.

Ko Ōreti te awa.

Ko Tākitimu te waka.

Ko Ngāi Tahu me Kāti Māmoe ōku iwi.

Ko Murihiku tōku marae.

Kei Whakatū ahau e noho ana.

Kei Te Puna Kōhungahunga o Rutherford Street ahau e mahi ana.

Ko Georgia Mytton tōku ingoa.

Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.

My name is Georgia. I have been working in early childhood education since 2022 and became part of the Rutherford Street Kindergarten whānau in April 2024. I am passionate about creating a warm, inclusive environment where every child feels safe, valued, and empowered to learn through play.

I feel incredibly grateful to be part of the Rutherford Street Kindergarten team and look forward to sharing in the learning journey of the wonderful tamariki and families in our community.

Nikkie

BA in Theatre abd Performance Studies

Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Tiwhikete Whakaakoranga Tūturu | Full Practising Certificate

Kia ora I am Nikkie and I am a qualified teacher. I am originally from the uk where I studied and worked in ECE. I have lived and worked as a teacher in Nelson, as well as raise my 2 boys Jazz (12) and Soul (9) for the last 17 years and I love it here!

I like to connect with nature and have spent a lot of time exploring the Nelson outdoors with my boys. I have worked with tamariki of all ages, and I particularly love working with preschool age tamariki.

I worked and played along side my boys at Atawhai Playcentre for years, valuing child led play as well as whānau involvement in their learning. I am passionate about teaching and learning with tamariki equitably, nurturing their identity and culture whilst honouring the whānau aspirations for their tamaiti.

The curriculum area of Te Whāriki I most resonate with is dramatic/imaginary play as I have a background in performing and teaching theatre and performing arts. I also have a counselling background and value social competency highly when interacting with tamariki to help them grow up to be resilient and confident human beings.

My youngest son, Soul went to Rutheford Kindergarten, so the centre is very dear to my heart. I feel very lucky to be working here and look forward to getting to know the tamariki and their whānau.

Tina

Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)

Tiwhikete Whakaakoranga Tūturu | Full Practising Certificate

Kia ora, My name is Tina

I was born in Nelson and live in Atawhai with my partner, Tony and cat Coco.

I completed my Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) at the end of 2015 (through Canterbury University).

I started with Rutherford Street Kindergarten in 2016 and I work on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

My interests include travel, tramping, mountain biking, touch rugby, skiing, fun runs and the odd adventure racing event. I enjoy art and craft activities, cake decorating, cooking and sewing.

I'm passionate about tamariki learning to develop warm reciprocal relationships and treating each other with respect. I endeavour to help foster independence and a "love of learning" in a calm, nurturing environment ... while also having fun!

Administrator

Jess

Kia ora, my name is Jess Gilbertson, and I am the Office Administrator and Board Secretary at Rutherford Street Kindergarten.

Originally from Greymouth, I have spent most of my life in Nelson and have worked in administration and accounts for a number of years. I have two children, and as a family we enjoy spending time outdoors, whether that’s walking, biking, swimming, or skiing.

I really enjoy being part of the team at RSK and value the opportunity to support our children, whānau, and staff. I look forward to getting to know the children and their families and being part of their kindergarten journey.

Support staff

Hannah

Hello everyone, I'm Hannah,

I have been here at RSK for over 10 years now, and started as a volunteer first.

I have a degree in Christian Education which was done in Korea (where I originally came from). I worked through various churches involving education development programs for kindergarten children.

I have three daughters. Having a passion for music, they are skilled pianists and organists and contribute their skills throughout the community.

In my spare time, I enjoy tramping with my family. Milford Track was the most enjoyable experience.

My focus at RSK is to support the children in every way that I can, and maximise the fun and enjoyment that they experience here.

I look forward to getting to know you all!

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