Ō Mātou Tāngata
Our People
Meet Our Team
We employ 100% qualified and registered Kaiako/Teachers, along with a strong support team of Kindergarten Administrators, Teacher Aides, Cooks and Drivers, who are dedicated to ensuring best possible outcomes for tamariki, whānau and staff.
Our support office (Kindergarten House) provides administrative, operational and management support to our 24 kindergartens, as well as educational leadership and professional development for over 250 staff.
Association Office Team
Viv Standen
Reliever Co-ordinator and Administration Assistant
Liz Collins
Payroll and HR Administration Support and Health and Safety Officer
Suzette Cole
Operations Analyst & Facilities and Services Team Leader
The Board
We are an Incorporated Society governed by our Board – an elected group of parents, whānau and a staff representative.
The Governing Board is responsible for setting and monitoring Kindergarten Taranaki’s strategic direction and goals and employs the Chief Executive. Board members take responsibility for all aspects of governance and stewardship.
Matt Verry
Board Chair
Kieran McCorkindale
Finance, Audit and Risk Sub-Committee Chair
Tara Morrison
Board Co-Deputy Chair
Jo Walker
Jaydn Hammond
Elected Staff Representative
Finbar Kiddle
Michelle Atkins
Calling for Nominations
Calling for NOMINATIONS for election to the Governing Board of Kindergarten Taranaki.
At a Special General Meeting on 22 October 2025, members voted in favour of a merger between Kindergarten Taranaki and Whānau Manaaki Kindergarten Association. Kindergarten Taranaki will officially join Whānau Manaaki on 2 March 2026.
Until that time Kindergarten Taranaki continues to operate and requires a Governing Board to meet our Constitutional requirements. The 2025-2026 Kindergarten Taranaki Governing Board will operate from 28 November 2025 until 1 March 2026.
On 2 March 2026 the Kindergarten Taranaki Board will become the Taranaki Kaitiaki Rōpū and two members of the Rōpū will join the Whānau Manaaki Board.
Governing Board Vacancies – There are four (4) member vacancies to be filled at the Annual General Meeting to be held at the Devon Hotel, 390 Devon Street East, New Plymouth, on Thursday, 27 November 2025 at 7 pm.
Nominations are now open and close at 12 noon on 11 November 2025.
Collect a nomination form from your Kindergarten, or download and print the document below.