Kakapo Room  |  3.5 - 5 years

The Kakapo room  host children  from around 3.5 years until they go to school at 5 years old or later.

Our preschool program is fun filled and play based driven to give your child all the opportunities to develop their skills to be ready for school.  We are very proud of our transition to school successes. 

When you come for a visit our teachers will answer all your questions regarding the details of this preschool program.

Meet the Teachers


  • Madeleine | Team Leader

    Kia ora, my name is Madeleine and it is wonderful to be part of the Small Fries community. I've been at Small Fries since April 2019.I am a qualified fully registered teacher with a Bachelor in Primary Education.   I immigrated to NZ in 2012 with my husband and two daughters.    God blessed me with two grandsons and a granddaughter born in NZ.  I have been teaching for the last 35 years  and  in childcare, new entrance and year 1 for the last nine years in NZ.  

    The most important part of being a teacher for me is to love your children as if they were my own as well as building solid relationships with the Whanau!  I truly believe that care, nurturing, play and education  go hand in hand.  When I am home, I love playing with my grand children  and relaxing with my family.  I love laughing and making the most out of every day with lots of laughter and fun with whoever wants to join in. 


  • Inge

    Kia Ora,

    My name is Inge and I joined Small Fries in 2016. I am a qualified fully registered ECE teacher with a Bachelor in Early Childhood Education (Montessori specialty). I have been working in the ECE sector for over 12 years and have mainly spent my time working with preschoolers. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to do fun things with our tamariki (children), share God's unconditional love for us, and be part of their journey to be a blessing to others. 

    Outside of work, I love gardening, playing with my dogs, eating out, relaxing and spending time with my family and friends

  • Mihee

    Hi, my name is Mihee and am originally from South Korea.

    I have been at Small Fries since May 2015 and feel so blessed to be part of the community here. 

    I have been working with children for 10 years. I completed my Graduate Diploma in ECE Teaching and am a fully registered teacher. I love working and learning with children. I believe that children are gifts from God and each child has a special spot in God’s heart. God also teaches me lots through children everyday.

    When I am not working, I love spending time with family and friends and traveling around.

  • Joanna

    Kia Ora, 안녕하세요!

    My name is Joanna and I am originally from South Korea. I completed a Bachelor’s of Arts in Education in 2011. My journey started with studying Education at Auckland University and completing my Graduate diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education). I truly believe that every child is the greatest gift God gave us and I feel so blessed to be part of tamariki’s starting journey in Small Fries. My passion is working with young children and I love being a part of their learning. Outside of work I love spending fun times with my two beautiful sons and a wonderful husband.