Our Team

Marie Anderson – Owner/Centre Manager.

Marie has a Diploma of Teaching and over twenty years’ experience in the primary and secondary education sector. In February 2022 she bought Kereru Kindy and loves it. For her the pleasure is in providing opportunities for tamariki to experience joy and happiness while receiving a good foundation on which to enter primary school.

She says she is most pleased by the level of excellence provided by the teachers in the kindy’s exciting programme, along with the character-filled nature of their facilities.

Marie has three adult children and seven mokopuna (3 girls, 4 boys) aged 1 to 10 years. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her whānau.

Nicole “Nikki” Knight – Qualified Teacher

Nicole (known as Nikki) is a qualified early childhood teacher who brings over 11 years of experience to Kererū Kindergarten. She holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education as well as a Trade Certificate in Hairdressing, and brings a creative, hands-on approach to supporting tamariki in their learning and development.

Nikki is passionate about creating a safe, happy, and nurturing environment where children feel a strong sense of mana, belonging, and confidence to explore the world around them. She values supporting tamariki to grow in independence, curiosity, and wellbeing, laying strong foundations for lifelong learning.

One of the things Nikki loves most about Kererū Kindy is the calm, caring atmosphere and the close relationships between kaiako and tamariki, as well as the beautiful taiao (natural environment) that supports outdoor play and discovery. She enjoys being part of a community where whanaungatanga (strong relationships) and respect for each child are at the heart of everything they do.

Outside of work, Nikki enjoys gardening, bush walks, cooking, and swimming. In her free time she loves catching up with friends and whānau and heading to the beach on nice days to relax and recharge.

Madison “Maddy” Belfield – Qualified Teacher

Madison, known as Maddy, is a qualified teacher with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) and a strong commitment to supporting the learning and wellbeing of tamariki. Before returning to Kererū Kindergarten, she worked as a teacher aide at Whangārei Primary School for two years, gaining valuable experience supporting learners across different ages and stages.

Maddy has been part of the Kererū Kindy team for just over a year and also worked at the centre in 2016, giving her a strong connection to the Kererū community and its values.

What Maddy loves most about teaching is seeing tamariki think critically, reach important milestones, and experience moments of joy and laughter as they learn. She especially enjoys working within a strong, supportive team of kaiako, where collaboration and manaakitanga (care and respect) help create a positive and nurturing learning environment.

Outside of the kindergarten, Maddy enjoys walking and training her two dogs, Kiwa and Bones, and spending quality time with her nephews and nieces whenever she can.

Sherena Bowers – Qualified Teacher

Sherena Bowers is an early childhood teacher with over 10 years of experience. She trained in Whangārei through Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa in 2013. Her study was strongly based in te reo Māori and te ao Māori, and guided by kaupapa Māori principles. She has worked as a teacher, head teacher, and 2IC in both community and private ECE day care centres across Northland and Auckland, as well as for the Auckland and Northland Kindergarten Association.

Sherena grew up on a farm in Ruawai and now lives in Whangārei with her partner. In her spare time, she enjoys being at the beach, fresh seafood, listening to music, practicing yoga and meditation, and attending music festivals.

Her passion is working with children and supporting their learning, wellbeing, and growth. She believes the first 1000 days of life are vital, and that loving relationships and everyday moments help children thrive. Her practice is informed by Nathan Wallis’ neuroscience work, supporting her understanding of how the brain develops and how to respond to children with care and connection.

Sherena’s teaching philosophy is based on free play, empowerment, and self-help, inspired by Waldorf (Steiner) principles. She values natural materials, creativity, and gentle rhythms to support confident, kind, and capable children.

What Sherena loves most about Kererū Kindy is seeing children light up as they explore, create, and discover new things. She enjoys being part of their everyday adventures, watching them grow in confidence, kindness, and curiosity. She treasures the relationships she builds with the children, their whānau, and the team she works with, and feels grateful to be part of a place where laughter, creativity, and learning happen every single day.

Nicola Tana – Teacher Aide

Nicola joined Kereru Kindy in 2023 and has three years’ previous experience as an Early Childhood Education reliever. She loves watching the children grow, and finds it rewarding and fun, to see them reach their milestones. She loves Kereru Kindy for its smaller size yet great atmosphere, and she’s tickled to be working with a great team and awesome tamariki.

Nicola has a 19 year-old son, Isaac, and enjoys walking in the bush and local parks, beach trips, and music (piano and ukulele). In her free time, she enjoys relaxing with her family, supporting her husband’s band, and spending time outdoors.

Marcia Wilson – Van Driver

Marcia has been driving and liaising with parents and children for Kereru Kindy since late 2020. Combined with her love of communicating with children and adults alike, the job she has now is ideal. She’s thriving in an environment in which she can meet and communicate with children, parents, and colleagues but her fire is really lit by seeing happy little children at the end of the day.

Marcia is mother to two young men (33 and 42), and enjoys music, art, beach-combing and a spot of fishing. In her spare time a trip to the bach, boating up the harbour, fishing and collecting kai moana hits the spot, along with spending time with friends.