About us

A foundation
for lifelong learning

Discover, grow and thrive together.

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Our
philosophy

Aurea is a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where relationships are at the heart of learning. Inspired by Te Whāriki and grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we honour the unique identity, voice, and learning journey of every child.

Children are encouraged to follow their interests, make choices, and explore at their own pace. We see children as capable, curious learners, full of ideas and potential.

Through a balance of free play and focused experiences, including STEM, literacy, art, movement, and social-emotional learning, our kaiako support each child to develop confidence, critical thinking, and a strong sense of self.

Relationships with whānau are deeply valued. We work in partnership with families, recognising the importance of shared knowledge, trust, and community in supporting each child’s growth. At Aurea Preschool and Nursery, your child is seen, heard, and celebrated.

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Nutrition & wellbeing

Mealtimes are a calm, social part of the day where tamariki are encouraged to build independence, enjoy a variety of foods, and develop positive eating habits.

Newlands
We serve fresh, balanced meals and snacks every day with a special focus on ensuring each food portion provides proper nutrition for growing children. We believe that introducing balanced nutrition early in life supports optimal growth, brain development, and the formation of lifelong healthy eating habits. We happily cater to a wide range of dietary needs, including:

  • Vegetarian and vegan preferences
  • Cultural or family-based dietary choices
  • Allergies and intolerances (e.g. dairy, gluten, egg, nut-free)


Kelburn
Currently children bring their own lunch boxes. We provide morning and afternoon tea and snacks.

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Features & facilities

Our facilities are designed to inspire and support

Bright, well-resourced facilities provide inviting spaces for exploration, and creativity. Outdoors, our tamariki enjoy natural gardens, sandpits, climbing structures, and a mud kitchen for sensory play. Calm, cosy areas help infants and toddlers feel safe and settled.

We prioritise your child’s comfort and well-being with central heating, modern security systems, and plenty of parking for smooth drop-offs and pick-ups. Our centre exceeds all Ministry of Education licensing and health and safety standards.

To help you stay connected, we use Educa, a secure, easy-to-use online platform where our kaiako share updates, learning stories, photos, and daily routines. It’s a window into your child’s day and a meaningful way to stay involved in their early learning journey, wherever you are.

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Our spaces

Our centres house spaces that are carefully designed to support the different stages of early childhood. They offer a sense of calm, safety, and belonging, which help our tamariki to settle in and feel at home.

Our spaces for younger children provide a quiet, nurturing setting where strong, responsive relationships are at the heart of daily life. With age-appropriate resources and familiar routines, our youngest learners are supported to grow at their own pace. Spaces for our older preschoolers are designed to offer rich opportunities for independence, creativity, and extended learning.

Our outdoor environment allows tamariki to play, explore, and build friendships. With a sandpit, climbing structures, balancing logs, and natural play elements, the outdoor area fosters imagination and active exploration.

“The outdoor play spaces are beautiful, and I love how cultural celebrations are respected and embraced.”

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Meet our team

Our teaching team reflects the rich cultural diversity of our whānau. Many of our kaiako are multilingual and bring a wide range of life experiences to their work, creating a warm, inclusive environment where every family feels welcome, including those new to Aotearoa.

Over 80% of our team hold formal early childhood qualifications and are continually growing their knowledge through professional development. Most importantly, they’re passionate about what they do, helping your child feel safe, supported, and excited to learn every day.

Craig is the owner of Aurea Preschool & Nursery. He has been involved with Early Childhood Education for the past 20 years and understands the importance of quality early education to create and nurture inquisitive minds. In the last few years he has also opened a sister school in Wuxi, China and looks forward to fostering this relationship to allow the children of Aurea Preschool and Nursery to create new friendships internationally.
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Owner
Craig Johnson
“It is a privilege to work with our amazing team of early childhood educators led by Megan Watson but also to be part of the day to day journey of learning and discovery for our tamariki. As a parent myself, I know just how quickly these early childhood years go and I am honoured that our team have an opportunity to be a part of each and every family’s journey.”
Megan is our Manager and licensee of Aurea Preschool & Nursery. She has been working in early childhood education for over 20 years and values relationships while being committed to building reciprocal, responsive and meaningful connections with tamariki, their families/whānau and teachers. She is a mother to a son and enjoys spending time with her family and going on bike rides.
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General Manager
Megan Watson
“I am passionate about Early Childhood education because it provides the foundation in curiosity and confidence that children will need as they learn and develop valuable social, mental, emotional and physical skills and knowledge in preparation for their next challenge in life.”
I am Maria Czarina B. Vergara, and I hail from the Philippines. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, specializing in Early Childhood Education. Most of my professional experience has been in Singapore, and I’m thrilled to have moved to New Zealand, where I can continue sharing my passion for teaching.
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Teacher
Czarina
“It is a great privilege to be called to teach. Each day, I step out in faith, challenging myself to make a difference. I always pray that I will have a positive impact on the lives of the children under my care. After all, teaching is not just a job—it's an adventure filled with laughter, learning, and lots of little surprises!”
Grace is a graduate of Bachelor of Elementary Education Major in Preschool from Ateneo de Davao University, Philippines. She has 2 years experiences teaching in the Philippines and 8 years in Singapore. She just arrived in Wellington with her husband in May 2024. They are planning to grow their family here in the windy city.
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Teacher
Grace
“I firmly believe that they are naturally curious learners and that it is my responsibility as an educator to give them opportunities to explore, discover, and solve problems by working with families and various organisations, in order for children to achieve holistic development.”
Mabel came from Singapore to New Zealand with her husband and two daughters to be closer to nature and seek a slower pace of life. Before moving to New Zealand, she spent 10 years teaching in the special education sector. Mabel is passionate towards teaching, and genuinely loves being around children. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, and particularly enjoys a good hike or bike ride.
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Teacher
Mabel
“I truly cherish the privilege of being part of the children’s formative years, whereby they are so eager to learn, grow and explore the world around them. I take joy in the small moments – whether it’s a child proudly sharing their creation, asking an inquisitive question, or grooving with the music. I also find it important to create an environment where our tamariki feel safe, seen and valued.”
Lily was born in Nanchang, China. She has previously studied and worked in China, Thailand, and the United States. She worked with various age groups of students, ranging from early childhood to primary school, in China for three years. She completed her Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) this May in Auckland and relocated to Wellington afterward.
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Teacher
Lily
“I believe in nurturing the unique potential within each child, providing them with a safe and stimulating environment that fosters holistic development and empowers them to become confident and competent individuals.”
Nita is from South Africa, where she worked as an early childhood educator for nearly 8 years. Driven by her curiosity and passion for learning, she came to New Zealand to explore how children learn in a different cultural context. Outside of work, Nita enjoys going for walks, reading and quality time with family and friends.
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Teacher
Johanita
“I love working with children because I enjoy all the little stories they tell me. I believe in the value of ako – where they teach me just as much as I teach them, helping me grow as an educator. I particularly enjoy creating art with them - be it painting or playing outside, as that is where I witness their creativity and curiosity shining through!”
I am originally from the Philippines; I moved to New Zealand in 2024 with my husband and three school aged children.  Outside of work time I enjoy exploring Wellington with my family and meeting new people, cooking meals from all different cultures and reading.  I want to instill 5Cs in the tamariki that I teach or interact with: Character, Collaboration, Competence, Creativity, and Commitment to Achieve. I am proud to say that all these values are found in Aurea Preschool. 
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Teacher
Bea
“I always believe that young children should be well cared for and treated with respect even at a very young age. As ECE teachers, we not only take care of their well-being but we are also tasked with a big responsibility aiding in the holistic development of the child. Working hand in hand with the parents or entire whanau and having that strong home-school collaboration is important to me because our end goal is for the child's best interests. Teaching for me is more than just a job. It is my passion and one that gives me my purpose in life.”
Originally from China, I spent 20 wonderful years living in Los Angeles, USA, before moving to New Zealand in 2022 with my Kiwi husband. Throughout my career, I’ve worn many hats — most recently as a Chief Financial Officer for US-listed companies and joint ventures in China — but my true passion has always been early childhood education. In 2024, I followed my lifelong dream and completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Early Childhood. In my teaching practice, I aim to create a nurturing, engaging environment that balances focused learning with joyful, open-ended play, while honouring and celebrating each child's unique cultural background.
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Teacher
Spring
“As a mother to a bilingual daughter, I appreciate the richness that language and culture bring to learning. My diverse cultural background and professional experience help me connect with children and families in meaningful ways, and I am committed to supporting every child to grow, explore, and thrive. I believe that a caring and dedicated teacher can have a lasting, positive impact on a child's life.”
Hi, I’m Srilatha — but most people call me Latha. I’m originally from Hyderabad, India and moved to New Zealand in 2013. Before moving here, I graduated with a degree in IT in India. I have a wonderful son who was born and raised here in Aotearoa, and my journey into early childhood education began through Playcentre with him. That hands-on experience sparked my appreciation for the importance of the early years, and once my son started primary school, I began relieving in early childhood centres. This eventually led me to a full-time teaching role — something I truly enjoy and am passionate about.
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Teacher
Srilatha
“I believe that children thrive in a calm, nurturing environment where they feel safe and supported to explore, learn, and grow.”
Aude moved to New Zealand from the beautiful region of Champagne, France and has been calling Wellington home since 2008. She has spent the last 12 years teaching French while raising her daughter in the windy city. In 2020 she compelled to complete her postgraduate diploma in early childhood education as she enjoyed engaging with children and is passionate about understanding what truly interests them to support their curiosity.
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Teacher
Aude
“I believe in treating children with respect and providing warm loving interactions. I aim to provide children with a safe, fun and stimulating environment in which they can learn new skills and develop their interests. Et voilà!”

Your child's learning journey starts today
We’re privileged to be part of your child's golden beginnings, offering a space where they feel safe, valued, and free to grow into confident, curious learners.
Follow Us
Locations

Aurea Kelburn
4-6 Ngaio Road,
Kelburn,
Wellington
04 475-3599
hello@aureapreschool.co.nz

Aurea Newlands
160 Newlands Road,
Newlands,
Wellington
04 475-3599
hello@aureapreschool.co.nz

Aurea St. Mary's
170 Karori Road,
Karori,
Wellington
04 475-3599
hello@aureapreschool.co.nz

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