The Associations Board Members

At Kaitiaki Kindergartens we only employ fully qualified ECE trained teachers to educate the children in our care.

Our Constitution
Welcome to Kaitiaki Kindergartens
Paul Geden - Board Member,

I am a father of six, who lives in Hobsonville Point. It has been my absolute privilege to serve on this board for the last few years, the last two as Board President. I have my youngest son still in a Kaitiaki centre, with my older child now at school. Therefore, I know first-hand the huge benefit that kindergarten provides our tamariki, with school often commenting on how well my daughter transitioned into school.

We have had many challenges over the last few years, and I feel continuity on our board is critical to continue the long-term aims of our Association: Our continued work with sister Associations to further the Kindergarten movement, identified growth areas such as potential new sites in our communities, focus on growing our social media content to demonstrate the amazing role we play in local communities and focus on understanding the needs of our local communities so the service we offer is fit for purpose.

I am committed to our long-term stability and future, making sure our communities receive the amazing service our centres offer for years to come.

Anna Celligoi - Board Member,

I’m Anna, and I’m delighted to be a member of the Kaitiaki Kindergarten Board of Trustees.

I live in Hobsonville Point with my wonderful partner and two fantastic kids. My youngest attends our local Kaitiaki Kindergarten, Hobsonville Point Early Learning
Centre, and my oldest attends the neighbouring primary school. Both children have thrived within the kindergarten environment, and it’s amazing to see the ways in
which their experiences have guided and supported them in their broader lives. The importance of high quality early childhood education to children cannot be
understated.

My background is in education, both early childhood and primary, and in the nonprofit sector where I have both mentored young people and managed a pilot
mentoring programme for young parents. More recently, I have transitioned into a People and Culture role, where I am lucky enough to get to spend my time providing
support with all things people management. I enjoy the continuous improvement and creative solution focus of my current role, as well as getting to engage daily with a
wide variety of people.

I’m so thankful for the excellent early childhood education my children have received, particularly my youngest through Kaitiaki Kindergartens. I see the value they’ve
received from their experience every day, and would welcome the opportunity to help ensure that Kaitiaki Kindergartens continue to excel in the amazing service they
provide to our communities.

Ivor Peksa - Board Member,

I have been a board member since 2021. As a parent with a child enrolled at Oaktree Kindergarten and with a son who has already benefited from the Kindergarten experience, I have a strong personal interest in ensuring that all children have access to high-quality early childhood education.

With my lifetime of experience in technology and business leadership, I bring valuable skills to the Board. I am passionate about supporting the growth and development of young children, and I believe that my expertise can continue to be utilised to help ensure that we are ready for future challenges and that as many NZ children as possible can have the enriching Kindergarten experience that my son and daughter have enjoyed.

I believe that Kindergarten is a special part of New Zealand life, and I am committed to working collaboratively with other board members and the Kaitiaki to ensure that the Association continues to provide the best early childhood education and care for our children.

Kimberly Chalmers - Board Member,

As a mum to two preschoolers (one of whom attends a Kaitiaki Kindergarten) I am determined to make this world a place where tamariki thrive. I believe that all tamariki should be given the opportunity to learn in an environment that nurtures their creativity and provides a safe space to explore. Given the opportunity I would be honoured to serve Kaitiaki Kindergartens on the Board.

With 20 years experience in the NFP sector in health, social service and education and a background in quality management I understand the regulatory environment of ECE and bring expertise in risk management, privacy, child protection, policy, complaints, evaluation, and health and safety. I have experience in governance and have worked alongside a number of Boards.

I have an interest in the socio-political environment and the creative arts, have completed the Oxfam Trailwalker, climbed Mt Taranaki, and enjoy mountain biking and spending time outdoors in and around beautiful Muriwai with my family. I am also the secretary for Muriwai Community Association, supporting the community in the aftermath of cyclone Gabrielle with fundraising and recovery initiatives.

Rebecca Brehmer - Board Member,

I am a Mum of two: one who attends a Kaitiaki Kindergarten and another who will be joining later this year.  Our eldest has grown, developed, and found so much joy in the centre’s nurturing environment. I would love to contribute my skills and experience to support Kaitiaki Kindergartens on the Board.

In addition to my role as Mum, my professional background in law and policy has equipped me with a range of skills that I believe can be of value to the Kaitiaki Kindergartens Board. I have worked in a wide range of areas of law, spanning the private and public sectors. I also have previous experience in governance roles.

While I believe my professional experience would be an asset to the Board role, I feel that it is my passion as a parent and connection to our community that would be most valuable. I am deeply committed to the welfare and development of our tamariki, and I welcome the opportunity to uphold the excellent standards and reputation of Kaitiaki Kindergartens.

Jessie May Dean - Board Member,

My family has been so lucky to have found a home in the Kaitikati Kindergarten community at HPELC. Both of my daughters have thrived surrounded by nurturing and caring teachers, and an environment that allows them to explore their interests and learn through play.

I would love to give back to this community that has embraced my family so warmly and continues to give my daughter a space place to grow and learn. Below are some key areas of my working career that I believe help demonstrate some of my skillset I could bring to the Board.

During the last decade I have spent my career in the payroll and workforce management domain, and its application to many varied industries. My time at Te Whatu Ora and AMS in particular gave large exposure to public and health sector that are highly complex with their collective agreements, benefit schemes, and additional reporting requirements.
Sitting on the Senior Leadership Team of a midmarket NZ Tech company navigating a product re-launch improved my strategy skillset and provided governance opportunities with our key clients and project stakeholders.

My current role leverages my understanding of system complexities, as well as organizational processes, inputs, and challenges that can influence the ability to achieve legislatively compliant outcomes, while navigating political impacts and changing structures across Health NZ.

Overall, I have an analytical and strategic mindset, coupled with a people first focus that I allow me to problem solve and foster bonds with those around me. I hope to be a great addition to your Board if my nomination is successful.

Zane McRae - Board Member,

I am Zane and I joined the board of Kaitiaki Kindergartens in early 2025 to give back to the community that has played such a big part in my family’s life.

With three children who have flourished in the supportive and creative environment the Kaitiaki kindergarten offers, I am excited to help other families have the same positive experience. Through Kaitiaki Kindergartens, my two daughters and son have learned to explore their creativity, make friends, and gain the confidence to try new things. I want to support the kindergarten in continuing to provide this for future generations.

With a background in accounting and commercial management, I bring a practical skill set to the board. My experience in managing finances and planning for growth will help the kindergarten track its financial performance and plan for the future. I am looking forward to helping the team ensure the kindergarten’s financial health as it continues to grow and evolve.

I am committed to making sure Kaitiaki Kindergartens stays a great place for children to learn and grow.

Matt Sommers - Board Member,

I live in Orewa with my wife and young son, who currently attends Orewa Beach Kindergarten. Seeing my son and his friends thrive in the Kindy environment confirms to me the importance of quality early childhood education. I am excited to join the Kaitiaki Kindergartens Board of Trustees to contribute to delivering exceptional kindergarten experiences for tamariki and their whānau.

I have 16 years of experience in the banking and finance sector across New Zealand and Australia, and bring expertise in strategic planning, financial management, and operational oversight. I look forward to applying these skills to support the governance and strategic direction of Kaitiaki Kindergartens.

As a former kindergarten student myself, it’s rewarding to see the system now benefiting my own family and the wider community. It’s a privilege to support the dedicated teachers and staff who work hard to provide a high-quality educational environment every day. I look forward to collaborating with fellow board members and ensuring that Kaitiaki Kindergartens continues to serve our communities effectively now and into the future.