MEET THE TEAM

DEBBIE WOOD

I am the owner/coordinator of the programmes. The Kaiapoi site was started in Dec 2009 holidays and was only operational for a few months, before the roll increased and further staffing was required. The Waikuku site was then opened in February 2010 after being approached by the principal when I was seeking assistance with furniture that the school may no longer need and wish to expose of.
My personal achievements were my studies towards a Certificate in Small Business studies undertaken at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa which I completed in Mar 2009. Further self development from then on were the OSCAR certificate and further relevant studies and workshops within the OSCAR sector. Another successful challenge for me was to undertake studies in Poupou Huia Te Reo (Certificate in Te Reo Maori) and the latest being through Open Polytechnic and studying Teacher Aide Certificate. As for studies, I think I will never stop as it just provides me with so much more skills and interest in my sector. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Social Services with Otago Polytech which I am looking to complete at the the end of 2020.
I thoroughly enjoy my time with the OSCAR groups and everyday is a new exciting experience. I remind colleagues and families that I meet, that children are the most rewarding experience any adult or caregiver can have, not matter how challenging. Each child is unique and it's our responsibility to recognise and build on their unique experiences.

LYNETTE KOTZE

Hi, my name is Lynette. I am originally from South Africa and immigrated to New Zealand with my family in February 2003. I am married and my husband and I have 3 boys.

My favourite thing to do is spending time with my family and I enjoy dancing and taking long walks with my boys. My previous employment was at Farmers and then also worked for a cleaning company called Spotless.

I have been a part of the OurKidz OSCAR team for the 3 months now and I am enjoying every minute of it. Every day is different, and I look forward to seeing the children again, to hear all their stories and to continued playing games with them at OSCAR care.

DONNA PARKER

Hi all, well as you can see I am still here, it’s been number of years now.I have seen a lot of children come and go during my time at OSCAR care, or should I say grow and still enjoy my time at with all the current and new families.
I'm now another year older and still up for a game of rugby or a kick of the ball. I have lived in Woodend for 20+ years and have two adult kids, my daughter is now 25 and my son 22. I have traveled a fair bit in the last 5 years and really enjoy visiting other countries.
As I always say to others, I believe I will still be working with the children in OSCAR for many years to come and they will eventually wheel me out due to old age.

GERALDINE VAN GREUNING

Kia Ora,
My name is Geraldine Van Greuning. I'm 35 years old ,married for 14 years. Originally from South Africa. I've been in New Zealand for 9 months now ,and have been working at OurKidz OSCAR for 4 months so far and I am enjoying every minute of it. I don't have any children of my own but all the kids in our care have a special place in my heart. Every one of them are unique in their own way.
I love food 😋, spending time with my husband, walking about my neighborhood and enjoying all there is to see.
Can't wait to see what the future holds and hope to be at OurKidz NZ OCSAR for a very long time to come.