Meet us

Hello, we are Catherine and Steve, the proud owners of Gumboots & Grasshoppers Childcare and Learning Centre.

We live locally in Te Kowhai and have four beautiful children. We started our childcare journey early in 2017 when we recognised the need for a Centre in Te Kowhai. It felt like a natural fit for us and lined up with our family values and community focus.

We are really excited about being able to offer childcare and learning services because as working parents we understand the difference a quality daycare can make in the lives of busy families. We are also excited about being able to offer not only a lovely indoor learning space but also a beautiful rural setting with lots of outdoor space, grass, animal friends and gardens as we believe there are so many learning opportunities outdoors.

Our Commitment

We are committed to ensuring Gumboots & Grasshoppers delivers the highest quality of education and care, as well as being a real ‘home away from home’ for your child. We believe it is a huge privilege to care for your precious little people, so thank you for considering us.

Meet The Team

Our Centre Manager

Sandra

Kia ora, my name is Sandra and I’ve had the privilege of working in early childhood education for almost 30 years. My journey has taken me through a variety of roles, from teacher to owner, to professional development facilitator, and mentor. I've also had the opportunity to contribute to the education system through a secondment at the Ministry of Education. Throughout these experiences, one core belief has remained central to my practice: every child has their own special gifts, and it is our responsibility as kaiako and whānau to empower them to unwrap and celebrate their unique strengths.

I live in Eureka on a lifestyle block with my husband, where we share our space with some sheep, chickens, and our two beloved fur babies. Family is at the heart of my life—I have two married sons living in Thames with their families, and I am blessed with four grandchildren who bring me endless joy and inspiration.

My educational philosophy is grounded in the importance of positive relationships. I believe that strong, respectful connections between children, families, teachers, and the wider community are the foundation of a successful and nurturing learning environment. As the saying goes, "Children are made readers on the laps of their parents"—and I would add, "they are made successful through the love and respect of all who care for them."

I am deeply passionate about supporting the growth of both children and educators, and I’m always eager to continue learning and sharing the gift of early childhood education.