Radhika is recognised for her compassionate, community-focused leadership and unwavering support for both her team and families. She creates a warm, inclusive atmosphere while actively connecting with the wider community. Her practical support – providing kai, clothing, and resources – directly uplifts families. Parents report increased confidence and self-worth in the children who interact with her. Radhika has initiated impactful programmes including reading clubs with high school students, kapa haka, and weekly music sessions for teen mums and babies to build connection and feel supported. Through regular parent check-ins and genuine care, she fosters strong relationships and meaningful engagement across all levels of her community.

Preety is celebrated for her extensive knowledge, versatility, and commitment to continuous learning. She actively invests in building expertise and supports her teams with strong guidance and encouragement. Her leadership is demonstrated through the launch of Quliance, showcasing her ability to drive innovation. Preety is a passionate advocate for systems, practices, and sector-wide improvements that uplift early childhood education. She inspires those around her with her motivational approach and forward-thinking mindset, consistently encouraging growth and excellence. Her influence extends beyond her immediate team, contributing to meaningful change and progress across the wider sector.

Amanda demonstrates outstanding leadership and innovation through her management of three centres that offer 100% discounted fees, ensuring equitable access to high-quality early childhood education. She is deeply committed to every child having the opportunity to succeed and works closely with the Ministry of Education to provide tailored support for families. Her leadership is firmly grounded in core values: Tūturutanga (Integrity), Pūkengatanga (Professionalism), Tūmanako (Strength-based), Kaitiakitanga (Social Responsibility), and Whānaungatanga (Relationship). Amanda’s approach combines strong values with practical impact, making a significant difference to children, families, and communities.

Amelia is recognised for her research, innovation, and leadership in culturally grounded education. She developed the Nesian Narratives Toolkit to support Pacific tamariki aged 4–5, strengthening culturally responsive approaches to health education. Her work extends into academic and professional spaces, where she has presented at two Pasifika-focused medical conferences and contributed journal articles. Amelia’s efforts demonstrate a strong commitment to community impact and knowledge-sharing, influencing both practice and understanding within the sector. Through her leadership, she empowers others to adopt inclusive, culturally relevant approaches that benefit children and communities alike.

Jo is recognised for her dedication to professional growth, leadership, and inclusive practice. She has completed seven professional development courses and excels in her team leader role, while also mentoring a post-graduate student. Jo has driven sustainability initiatives, including establishing a community drop-off point for hard-to-recycle items and securing a waste minimisation grant. She is deeply committed to supporting neurodivergent learners, applying her learning to transform environments to better meet their needs and earning praise from a visiting psychologist. Jo’s proactive approach, innovation, and commitment to inclusion make her an outstanding contributor to her centre and community.