Reggio Emilia Aotearoa Christchurch
REACH is the network group for the Canterbury area.
Lindi Newth, primary teacher at Bromley School (REANZ trustee), Kylie Morgan, leader @ Seedlings Early Learning Centres (REANZ trustee), Karen Turnock, lecturer in early childhood at the University of Canterbury, Letisha Derham, manager Woolston Community Childcare, Mandy Jenkins, head of preschool, Maree Gray, professional practice leader Best Start.
Contact: kylie.morgan@seedlingspreschool.co.nz
A little bit about our network members
Lindi Newth
Lindi spent a number of years teaching English as a second language in New Zealand and overseas before extending her teaching passion to primary school education, where she has worked at Bromley School for the past 15 years. As the Junior School Team leader, she works alongside kaiako to support them on their own Reggio Inspired journeys, with the goal of promoting Reggio inspired practices through a primary lens in Aotearoa. She has a passion for child lead projects, and strongly believes in the Reggio principles as the foundation of successful teaching and learning in the primary sector.
Lindi facilitates the REACH network in Christchurch. She has also participated in a NAREA study tour in 2012, Reggio Children Digital study tour in 2021, and the Reggio Study tour in 2023 and 2026.
Kylie Morgan
I am a mother, professional leader and co-owner operator of Seedling’s Early Learning Centres in beautiful Otautahi Christchurch.
The last several decades I have spent teaching along with leading teams to succeed in becoming the best they can be in their mahi with tamariki and whānau, I believe relationships are foundational to the great work we do, I feel thankful to love what I do.
I am passionate about leadership and continuing to grow myself and are privileged to be able to support the growth in others, I see growth as essential for success. As a coach and mentor, I view reflection, collaboration and conversations for learning essential building blocks for building knowledge and practice over time.
Our approach and practice to support our pedagogy at Seedlings is driven by aspects of the Reggio philosophy, we are inspired by the principles and hundred languages of Reggio and work with our people in making these visible in our practice and centre context with all ako.
I have a strong belief that high quality teaching and learning environments where there is a strong focus on the environment as the third teacher is a driver for tamariki being able to explore and discover the many possibilities they deserve to encounter. Creating spaces for tamariki that are inspiring and spark curiosity and wonder where they are enriched with choice and materials creates many possibilities for tamariki to lead their own learning and experience joy through their play.
I think it’s important to bring a positive energy, kindness, curiosity and inquiring mind along with the best version of our self to our learners each day.
I enjoy immersing myself in creativity and have an appreciation of the arts and design, I get great pleasure out of being in nature and support my own wellbeing through yoga practice and surrounding myself with great people.
Over the years I have had had the opportunity to attend two Melbourne study tours and aspire to one day visit Reggio Emilia to further my knowledge, continuing to grow and enrich my work with others.
Kāhore taku toa i te toa
Takitahi, he toa takitini
We cannot succeed without the support of those around us.
Maree Gray
Maree is privileged to be an early childhood educator. I have worked within the early childhood sector for more than 30 years, and I continue to love and value this work deeply.
I have been inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy for many years and was fortunate to serve on the REID committee in Wellington for a number of years. During this time, I worked alongside and learned from inspirational leaders and thinkers, including Anne Meade, Lisa Terreni, Ann Pairman, Rachel Denee, and many other dedicated and inspiring colleagues.
Relocating from the North Island to the beautiful South Island provided me with the opportunity to join the REACH team, where I continue to feel inspired and motivated. I am passionate about sharing the rich provocations, reflective practice, and sense of wonder that the Reggio Emilia approach offers, always striving for meaningful learning outcomes for tamariki.
Letisha Derham
Letisha the centre manager at Woolston Preschool. She has been teaching for over 25 years. Most of which has been in community preschools.
She first became involved with REACH in 2015.
Letisha is passionate about the Reggio Emilia approach. Particularly around the image of the child- viewing children as capable, curious, and full of potential,
the environment as the third teacher and children teaching each other.
I love how well the Reggio Emilia Approach links in with Te Whāriki.
I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge with others and seeing more teachers, centres and schools incorporating aspects of this approach.
Mandy Jenkins
Mandy is Head of Pre-school at St Andrew’s College Pre-school. Her personal philosophy of teaching and learning is strongly influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach, especially the idea that relationships are at the heart of all learning.
Kia pai tō mutunga wiki!
Karen Turnock
Karen Turnock is an early childhood pūkenga in Te Kaupeka Ako | Faculty of Education at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. Her work is grounded in a deep interest in curriculum, particularly the ways in which Te Whāriki and the principles of Reggio Emilia can enrich and inspire early childhood teaching and learning in Aotearoa. Karen is passionate about environments, relationships, and pedagogical approaches that honour children’s curiosity, agency, and diverse ways of knowing.
