Ruth Risati Kaio

 Centre Supervisor/Qualified Educator

Qualifications: Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Education Degree, Fully Registered Teacher. 

“Every child is different regardless of their stage of development. The quality of teachers is important in understanding children’s developmental differences.”

There was a good deal of excitement in the air the day Ruth was interviewed – her Tokelauan language nest centre, was preparing to shift back into its beautifully renovated premises.  As well as the new centre being able to cater more for the children’s learning needs, it’s also bigger and therefore can enrol more Pasifika children.

Ruth is the supervisor of Mataliki Tokelau Akoga Kamata, Papatoetoe, having qualified in the 1990s with a Diploma in Teaching (ECE).  She is soon to finish her Bachelor of Education (ECE), having decided to upgrade to a degree as a motivator for her staff.

“All my staff are currently training to complete a recognised qualification for teacher registration.  I decided it would be a great incentive for them to see their supervisor also studying and improving her education.”  The immediate benefits for Ruth and her staff are they can all share new information and discuss the latest early childhood research.

The importance of being a qualified early childhood educator comes through strongly in the interview with Ruth.  “It will lift the standard of quality care and learning for our children.  Being recognised as a professional is so important,” believes Ruth. “ By furthering my studies, it has helped mould my perception of how to foster our children’s uniqueness.”

Focussing on, and nurturing children, is key to Ruth’s role as supervisor.  “Every child is different regardless of their stage of development.  The quality of teachers is important in understanding children’s developmental differences.”

“I love the way they explore, experience and learn new skills.  Seeing them grow as individuals and develop their own characteristics is special. And it’s such a privilege to share those triumphs and milestones in their lives.”

Ruth also believes that advocating on behalf of her profession is one of her roles.  “ It is part of our job to invite Pasifika entity into our centres and demonstrate to them that we’re professionals not babysitters.  It’s important to keep conveying that message to help them understand our roles as educators.”

Beta Talaga-Vavega

(Assistand Supervisor / Qualified Educator)

Qualifications: Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Education Degree, Provisionally Registered Teacher.

Beta is of proud Tokelauan descent and is married with 5 children.  She is passionate about working with young children and this is very evident in her work within Mataliki Tokelau Akoga Kamata Centre.  Beta's passion for the preservation of the Tokelau Language and Culture is also very evident as she extends her knowledge to the wider Tokelau Community through Evening Classes at the Centre from Primary School level to Adults.

Maria To'omata

(Qualified Teacher / Educator)

Qualifications: Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood Education, Provisionally Registered Teacher.

Maria is of proud Tokelauan descent.  Her interest in becoming an Early Childhood Educator began when her children were younger and all attended Mataliki Tokelau Akoga Kamata during it's humble beginnings.  Maria's ability to relate to young children and cater to their learning needs requires a quality which she obviously possesses.

 Sili Khalil

(Qualified Teacher / Educator)

 Qualifications: Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood Education (Pasifika), Provisionally Registered Teacher.

Sili is married with 3 children, and of proud Tokelauan/Samoan descent.  Sili is one of the first to graduate with this Diploma of Teaching (Pasifika) from this institution (Te Tari Puna Ora).  She took up Early Childhood Education as a career because she wanted to promote her pasifika languages, values and beliefs here in Aotearoa.

Malia Asalaina Pou

(Qualified Teacher / Educator)

Qualifications: Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood Education, Provisionally Registered Teacher. 

Maria is married with 4 children and of proud Tokelauan/Samoan descent.  An important pioneer in the beginnings of Mataliki Tokelau Akoga Kamata, Maria has committed herself wholehearted to the preservation of the Tokelau Language and Culture.  Her reason for undertaking Early Childhood as a career is her love for children, her language, together with her cultural background and most importantly, her Family.

Lesitala Olepa Carter

(Qualified Teacher / Educator)

 Qualifications: Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood Education, Provisionally Registered Teacher, Bachelor of Education Degree.

Lesitala Olepa Carter is married with four children and is of proud Samoan descent.  The reason she undertook Early Childhood Education is her children attended Mataliki.  She may not have considered a career in Early Childhood Education otherwise.  She is currently studying to gain the Bachelor of Education Degree.  Lesitala is an inspiration to all Pasifika Educators in the Early Childhood sector as she has added another Pasifika Language (Tokelau) to her multicultural status. 

Siava Talilua Sio

(Student Teacher / Educator)

 Qualifications: Graduating with a Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood Education.

Talilua is of proud Tokelauan descent and mother of one.  She began her career in Early Childhood Education because of her daughter attending Mataliki Tokelau Akoga Kamata Centre. 

Losivale Siliga

(Student Teacher / Educator)

 Qualifications: Graduating with a Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood Education.

Losi is of proud Tokelauan/Samoan descent, married with a child who had attended Mataliki Tokelau Akoga Kamata. Losi has shown a strong passion in working with children.

Estella Vavega

(Teacher Aide / Student Teacher - awaiting confirmation)