BestStart Longbay

Kia Ora, my name is Shawnee Whaanga. I live in Torbay and belong to the local iwi Ngāti Manuhiri and Ngāti Maraeariki. I have two children who have attended BestStart Long Bay. My son still attends, and my daughter graduated in February. My daughter still misses her teachers Sammy, Joy and Thelma. They had such a positive and lasting impact on her that she still talks about wanting to come back. The team at BestStart Long Bay feel like whanau to us now. I also don’t have enough words to express the aroha and respect I have for the Centre Manager, Rashika. I am so impressed by her hands on approach with the tamariki. She is caring, sincere and professional, and it is clear that she genuinely cares about the children, the families and the wider community. I also appreciate how Rashika welcomes my whanau to share our history, culture and stories. The trust and respect my whanau and I have for her is huge. We would do anything to support her because we know how deeply she cares for our tamariki. As a parent, I fully support Rashika and the amazing team at BestStart Long Bay. This photo is of my dad/kaumatua, Rashika, Sammy and joy with my daughter on her graduation day.

My daughter loves going to daycare everyday and is so happy. She had so much fun and her learning in development goals are cared for.

I don’t think a daycare centre can get any better than this! I just feel so blessed that our son gets to go there every day, he always looks forward to it 🩷