Teacher wins special award
Excellent teaching by a Kaikohe early childcare educator has been recognised with a special award.
Trivia Barrett-Howard was the only person north of Orewa to be honoured with an ASG National Excellence in Teaching Award (NEiTA).
The Little Gemz Childcare Centre educator was one of 19 regional recipients of the award, selected from just under 300 nominations throughout the country.
Barrett-Howard says she is extremely proud of the award that rewards not only her achievements but the support of those around her.
‘‘It’s a great achievement for Kaikohe and I intend to always teach up here.’’
After graduating from university as a primary school teacher, 25-year-old Barrett-Howard turned her hand to early childhood education in 2012.
Barrett-Howard was also awarded a taonga in honour of the founder of Little Gemz Childcare, Nga Roimata Yorke, presented by Yorke’s daughter Deborah.
Yorke says they wanted to acknowledge Barrett-Howard as a centre and on behalf of early childhood education as well.
‘‘We were blown away when we found out she had won.
‘‘We are all so proud.’’
Whaea Makere Moon also received a special taonga for her dedication and outstanding commitment to Little Gemz Childcare.
The day was also about celebrating 10 years of the centre in operation and Moon has been part of the journey since the beginning.
Centre Director Neil Clements says the teaching award is a great recognition of BarrettHoward.
‘‘She’s been an outstanding leader, she’s one in a million.’’
The awards feature early childhood, primary and secondary school categories.
Four education experts from New Zealand and Australia selected the winners.
Of the 19 regional recipients, six national award recipients will be selected.
The national winners will be announced on September 13 by the Minister of Education in Wellington.