---
title: Tiny Nation Educator - Otago - Mariana T
description: Meet our Tiny Nation educators. Visit our educators' webpages, explore their profiles, their philosophies, their learning environments and programmes.
image: https://info.tinynation.co.nz/hubfs/Mariana%20T-1.jpg
---
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# Mariana
Tiny Nation Educator - Tokarahi, Otago
[Enquire Now](https://tinynation.co.nz/contact-us/)
### About Me
With 15 years' experience as a primary school teacher, I've worked with children right across early to upper primary, building a deep understanding of how young learners grow, think, and thrive. My own journey into the early years began when I became a mother myself — watching my children develop gave me a first-hand appreciation for the power of secure attachment, early literacy and numeracy, and calm, predictable environments in shaping confident, capable learners.
My family and I recently relocated to New Zealand from Western Australia, bringing with us a decade of living and working in small, close-knit communities. That experience has shaped my belief in the value of community connection, and I'm committed to giving our young people rich opportunities to learn, explore, and belong.
I bring both professional expertise and genuine, personal insight to early years education, and I'm passionate about creating a warm, secure, and enriching environment for the children in my care.
## Places We Like To Visit
## Tiny Nation events Pop-up playgroups Local parks Nearby playgrounds Nature Walks
## My Availability
I am available Tuesday - Thursday, 8am-4pm (with some flexibility available around start and finish times to suit families' needs).
## My Philosophy
I believe children learn best through play. In the early years, a child-led program that weaves in rich exposure to literacy and numeracy allows children to explore, discover, and develop at their own pace, laying strong foundations for a lifetime of learning.
A caring, safe, and predictable environment is vital to healthy development. When children feel secure, they gain the confidence to explore the world around them, engage with their environment, and build the respect and curiosity that shape them into lifelong learners.
I also believe children thrive when their educator and family work together. Consistent, open, and regular communication with families is central to my practice, ensuring each child's learning journey is supported both at home and in care.
I place great value on children and families having an established relationship with their future school, as this helps create a smooth and confident transition into beginning school. I work closely with our local schools to support this process, ensuring kindergarten-aged children are well prepared, both socially and academically, for the exciting step into school life.
## My Environment
We're fortunate to live on a lifestyle property in Tokarahi, surrounded by beautiful outdoor space with established gardens and plenty of room for children to explore the natural world — from bugs to birds. We keep a range of farm animals, including cows, sheep, and chickens, and children have the chance to get hands-on, feeding baby lambs and playing with baby chicks when the timing is right.
We're also joined by our much-loved family dog, Layla — an 8-year-old mastiff cross with the softest nature. Having grown up alongside our own children, she's playful, gentle, and wonderfully patient.
Indoors, there's plenty of space to explore too, with a dedicated playroom, a range of toys, and dress-ups that encourage open-ended and imaginative play. Books are always close at hand — I love reading, and children's books are within easy reach throughout the house.
We regularly get out and about as well, making the most of our local playgroup and nature walks to extend learning beyond our own backyard.
## My Training
I hold a Bachelor of Education, which I completed in Melbourne, and went on to complete my Master of Education after relocating to Western Australia. Together with 15 years of classroom experience, this academic background underpins my approach to early childhood learning and development.
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[](http://tinynation.co.nz/)
- [ABOUT US](https://tinynation.co.nz/about-us/)
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- [CONTACT US](https://tinynation.co.nz/contact-us/)
**CONTACT US**
[0800 846 9628](tel:08008469628)
[info@tinynation.co.nz](mailto:info@tinynation.co.nz)
PO Box 8703, Havelock North
Hawke’s Bay 4157
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