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About Us

We believe every child is naturally creative, curious, and capable. Our work is built on more than twenty years of combined experience in early childhood education in Aotearoa. What inspires us most is the children! Alongside Te Whāriki and The New Zealand Curriculum, our practice and philosophy are rooted in the Reggio Emilia Approach and the Project Approach. Ways of learning and being that value children’s thinking, celebrate creativity, and see relationships as the heart of education .

As trained teachers and practicing artists, we bring together two unique perspectives:

  • One of us comes from a background in traditional art and design, with a Bachelor of Art and Design, a Postgraduate Honours Dissertation in Fine Arts, a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE), and a Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership (ECE).
     

  • The other brings expertise in digital media and creative technologies, holding a Bachelor of Design (Digital Design, with a minor in Creative Sound Design), a Bachelor of Art and Design Honours, and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE).

Together, we create learning environments where children can explore ideas through a rich range of materials and media. For families, this means your children are not just attending an art class or holiday programme. They are stepping into inquiry-based, project-focused learning where play, art, and exploration lead to real outcomes: problem-solving, collaboration, self-expression, confidence and much more!

Whether your child joins us for after-school classes, holiday workshops, or art parties, our goal is the same: to nurture their imagination, honour their unique voice, and support their growth with creativity at the centre. Every child deserves a place where their ideas are taken seriously, their questions spark projects, and their creativity is celebrated. We’re here to make that happen!

Meet Mary! 

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Kia ora, I’m Mary, I’m an early childhood teacher, artist, and studio leader with over a decade of experience creating and working with children, kaiako, and whānau. I am wholeheartedly enthusiastic about inquiry-led, child-centred learning. I enjoy creating spaces where children can think, wonder, and express their ideas creatively. At Whimsy & Co., we design experiences that honour children’s voices, curiosity, and creativity. It is a pleasure to help nurture confident learners who love to explore the world around them.

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