I am passionate about caring for myself, others and the environment, believing that personal wellbeing and a strong connection to nature are essential foundations for living and leading well Living in beautiful Mohua provides endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, and I spend my free time walking, tramping, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, fishing and exploring our local environment I also enjoy practising yoga and living a healthy lifestyle by being mindful of my wellbeing and the food I eat These interests help me maintain balance, resilience and a positive outlook, while continually reinforcing the values of wellbeing, sustainability and lifelong learning that underpin both my personal life and my teaching practice
Rebecca Olney
Golden Bay,TAS
Summary
Dedicated and experienced Head Teacher with more than 30 years in early childhood education, including 14 years leading Golden Bay Kindergarten. Passionate about creating inclusive, high-quality learning environments where tamariki, whānau and kaiako thrive. Recognised for building collaborative, high-performing teams, mentoring future leaders, and fostering strong partnerships with whānau and the wider community. Committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, implementing Te Whāriki, and creating authentic, nature-based learning experiences that inspire curiosity, resilience and a lifelong love of learning. A calm, reflective and values-driven leader who believes every decision should place the child at the heart of the matter.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Teacher
Nelson Tasman Kindergartens
Mohua, Aotearoa
10.2011 - Current
- Volunteered at Golden Bay Kindergarten to build whanaungatanga, which led to relieving and temporary term contracts covering staff on leave, culminating in my application for the head teacher role.
- I was successful in this application and have been the head teacher for the past fifteen years. We have a strong teaching team that strive to be the best for our tamariki, their whānau, and the wider community. Our philosophy is very strong in bicultural practices, nature learning, physical capabilities, trying hard, setting goals, inclusive practice with strong Tikanga to maintain the culture of our Kindergarten.
Kaiako
Harakeke Early Learning Centre
Upper Moutere, Aotearoa
05.2010 - 07.2011
- Collaborated with owner and her daughter as a kaiako to foster a creative learning environment. This was a very close team with a strong philosophy based around nature and creativity. The only reason I left this job was because my whānau and I moved to Mohua.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Kaiako
Bounce Early Learning Centre
Māpua, Aotearoa
05.2008 - 05.2010
- Assisted in establishing Bounce ELC by coordinating setup activities and supporting team. I was offered the manager's position but didn’t feel it was the best timing given I had 3 young tamariki of my own and was studying full time.
- Collaborated with owner to set up new Early Learning Centre, employing kaiako, developing policies, creating philosophy, and organizing equipment and open days.
- The reason I left this job is that my whānau moved into our new home we had built and this pre-school was closer to home.
Supervisor
Bizzikids Early Learning Centre
Māpua, Aotearoa
03.2001 - 09.2004
- I visited the pre-school after moving to the area and accepted a position as a qualified kaiako due to staffing shortages.
- Managed transition of operations during closure of Bizzikids. and I was asked to continue working as the supervisor under new management when it reopened as Mapua ECC.
- Took maternity leave for family responsibilities in 2002. on maternity leave in 2002 for a few months with our second tamaiti and again in 2004 with our third tamaiti.
Supervisor
Stepping Stone Kindergarten and Early Learning Centre
Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa
08.1999 - 09.2000
- Supervised team operations prior to maternity leave.
- Chose not to return after maternity leave. as my whānau and I moved to Te Waipounamu.
- Supervised daily operations to ensure compliance with educational standards and regulations.
- Developed and implemented curriculum enhancements to improve learning outcomes for children.
- Mentored staff through training sessions, fostering professional development and teamwork.
Supervisor
Kiwi Corner Early Learning Centre
Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa
09.1997 - 08.1999
- Led daily operations in a supervisor role, managing staff and activities in absence of owner.
- Navigated challenges in a primarily office-based position, seeking a supervisory role that allowed for direct teaching engagement with tamariki.
- Supervised daily operations to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Developed and implemented engaging educational programs to enhance children's learning experiences.
- Trained and mentored staff on best practices for child development and classroom management.
Kaiako
Country Bears Early Learning Centre
Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa
09.1995 - 09.1997
- Taught full-time at a local school, engaging students in diverse learning activities.
- Received guidance from owner/operators to enhance teaching methods and professional development.
- Explored leadership opportunities with support from management to advance career.
Education
Bachelor of Teaching - Early Childhood Education
Te Rito Maioha
Whakatū Aotearoa12-2022
Diploma of Teaching - Early Childhood Education
Te Tari Puna Ora Aotearoa
Whakatū, Aotearoa12-2008
Diploma of Teaching - Early Childhood Education
Creative Learning Environments
Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa12-1997
Teachers Certificate - Early Childhood Education
Kindercare Learning Centres
Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa12-1995
Skills
- Staff management
- Inclusive education
- Role model and mentor
- Community engagement
- Cultural sensitivity
- Relationship building
- Serving diverse communities
- Fundraising
Interests
Timeline
Head Teacher
Nelson Tasman Kindergartens
10.2011 - Current
Kaiako
Harakeke Early Learning Centre
05.2010 - 07.2011
Kaiako
Bounce Early Learning Centre
05.2008 - 05.2010
Supervisor
Bizzikids Early Learning Centre
03.2001 - 09.2004
Supervisor
Stepping Stone Kindergarten and Early Learning Centre
08.1999 - 09.2000
Supervisor
Kiwi Corner Early Learning Centre
09.1997 - 08.1999
Kaiako
Country Bears Early Learning Centre
09.1995 - 09.1997
Bachelor of Teaching - Early Childhood Education
Te Rito Maioha
Diploma of Teaching - Early Childhood Education
Te Tari Puna Ora Aotearoa
Diploma of Teaching - Early Childhood Education
Creative Learning Environments
Teachers Certificate - Early Childhood Education
Kindercare Learning Centres