A warm place to belong

About Us

A community-focused early learning centre with a nurturing environment grounded in Christian values and guided by Te Whāriki.

Little Blessings Early Learning Centre is based in Māngere East, Auckland. We provide a warm, inclusive environment where tamariki are supported to explore, learn, and grow at their own pace.

We believe strong relationships between kaiako, children, and whānau are the foundation for learning – creating a sense of safety, belonging, and joy.

Leadership

Led with purpose and care

Meet the founder behind Little Blessings.

Nelunika De Silva

Kia ora,

My name is Nelunika and I am deeply grateful to God for planting the seed in my heart and the opportunity to build Little Blessings Early Learning Centre from ground up.

As the owner of Little Blessings, my vision is deeply personal. As a mother of two boys, I understand the profound responsibility and joy that comes with raising children. I truly believe that every child is a blessing—a unique gift to be loved, nurtured, and respected.

My commitment to early childhood education is grounded in the following core principles:

  • Faith-Filled Foundation: Our centre is built on Christian values, where virtues like kindness, compassion, and humility form the basis of how we relate to one another and care for our world.
  • Holistic Learning: Guided by Te Whāriki, New Zealand's early childhood curriculum, we focus on the holistic development of every child—flourishing in mind, body, and spirit.
  • Inspired Pedagogy: We blend the Reggio Emilia approach with play-based learning to foster curiosity and creativity. I see the environment as a "third teacher," where children are empowered to explore and lead their own learning through hands-on discovery.
  • Nurturing Environment: Above all, I strive to provide a safe, inclusive, and empowering space where every child is celebrated for who they are.

I look forward to welcoming your family into our community and partnering with you to support your child’s unique journey.

Nelunika De Silva

Our approach

Play-based learning with meaningful routines

A calm day, responsive care, and learning guided by children's interests.

Children learn best when they feel safe, loved, and known. Our programme blends play-based learning with gentle routines that help children feel settled and confident throughout the day.

We observe children's interests and extend learning through purposeful play, conversation, creativity, movement, and outdoor exploration.

Our people

Meet our amazing team

Our educators are professionals at supporting your child's learning.

Maria Fuifui

Maria (Maria) Fuifui

Head Teacher

My name is Maria & what's important to me is being of service to other's via teaching & learning.

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Tanya Malhotra

Tanya (Tanya) Malhotra

Registered Teacher

My name is Tanya Malhotra, and I am originally from India.

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Xiu Sun

Xiu (Susie) Sun

Registered Teacher

My name is Susie, and am a registered and qualified Early Childhood Teacher.

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Danielle Niñal

Danielle (Dani) Niñal

Teacher Aide

My name is Danielle and I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Children and Learning from AUT.

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Aliitasi Leaumoana

Aliitasi (Tasi) Leaumoana

Teacher Aide

My name is Tasi, and I am a motivated, family-oriented Samoan woman.

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Thushari Gamage

Thushari (Thush) Gamage

Centre Administrator

My name is Thushari and I am originally from Sri Lanka.

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Our environment

A calm, welcoming space

Designed to support wellbeing, exploration, and confidence.

Our centre provides a peaceful, welcoming environment that feels like a second home. We balance learning, rest, play, and care – respecting each child's unique needs.

We work closely with whānau to understand routines and preferences, supporting a smooth, reassuring experience for both children and families.

Next step

We'd love to meet you

Come and experience Little Blessings in person.