Staff Profiles

Chris O’Neill, Centre Co-Owner/Manager, Waiuku

Centre Co-Owner, Chris O’Neill, worked within the horticultural industry for a number of years before taking the opportunity to join the team at Lollipops Educare. Chris jointly owns the Waiuku Lollipops Centre and is the Centre Owner of Lollipops Pukekohe. As co-owner of Waiuku, Chris is involved in the general management of the centre including invoicing, financial budgeting, maintenance, enrolments and head-office reporting. Chris enjoys the regular contact he has with parents and families of the centre and is passionate about creating an atmosphere where children, parents and teachers enjoy a harmonious, positive environment.

“Working within the early childhood education sector is extremely rewarding and I feel very fortunate to be involved in the learning and development of our future generation.”

Hailee Minty, Centre Manager, Waiuku

Centre Manager, Hailee Minty, joined the team at Lollipops Waiuku in 2008 and has worked within other Lollipops centres since 2005. Hailee has a solid background in the early childcare education sector and holds a Bachelor of Education (ECE) and is a fully registered teacher. Hailee’s strong communication and management skills are a vital asset, ensuring the centre runs smoothly and the children’s needs are being met. Parents of the centre know that Hailee’s ‘open-door’ policy means she is always available to discuss any aspect of their child’s care. Hailee has grown up and spent most of her life in Waiuku. As a mum to two young children, Hailee knows how important quality early childhood education is and she enjoys providing this valuable service for the parents, children, and wider community of Waiuku.

“Our staff have developed excellent relationships with the families and whanau of the children who attend and it is very satisfying to be working within a centre where there is such a strong community atmosphere.”