Our Kaiako
At Manu Kindergarten we have a small and stable team of fully trained teachers.
Scott Miller
Kia ora kotou, my name is Scott Miller. I have been in my role as head teacher at Manu since early 2025, and before that I was a year 1 and 2 Primary School Teacher at Norfolk School. I originally trained as a fitter welder, dabbled in physical theatre (clowning), and was lucky enough to do lots of overseas travel before completing my teaching degree at Canterbury University. I love getting out for adventures on our amazing maunga. I am passionate about ecology and bring my knowledge about native plants and growing food into kindergarten, as well as many practical skills that I learnt from my dad! I live with my wife Lucy and two children Fred and Olive just down the road from Manu.
Head Teacher
Liz Cooksey
Kia ora e te whānau; my name is Liz Cooksey and I moved from the UK to New Plymouth in 2007. After several years of study, teaching and starting a family I was very lucky to secure a teaching position here at Manu back in 2018 and have enjoyed the journey ever since. I am passionate about relationship-led pedagogy, using sustained shared thinking and engaging dialogue to support every child's social and emotional growth. I live in Merrialnds with my partner Dan, daughter Olivia and son Oscar and together we enjoy walking, watching movies and spending time with friends.
Registered Early Childhood Teacher 
Registered Early Childhood TeacherClare Wismans
Kia ora koutou. My Name is Clare Wismans, I grew up in New Plymouth and am now luckily to be raising my two girls, Maggie and Georgia alongside my husband Rob in our beautiful town.
I have been a qualified early childhood teacher since 2017 and love creating experiences and environments that instill a lifelong love of learning in our youngest tamariki.
My family and I love to spend our spare time exploring the many playgrounds, beaches, walks and coffee shops that New Plymouth has to offer.
Customer Service ManagerKarl Holland
Friendly, attentive, and always ready to help, our customer service manager ensures every interaction is a positive one. They keep communication clear, timely, and human.