Directors
Kate Webber and Simon Walker (the hairy one) are the proud directors and kaitiaki of Junky Monkeys.
Kate has been involved with Junky Monkeys since it’s creation. Back in 2018 she fell in love with the programme while watching kids delightedly slide down hills on frying pans and make swings out of suitcases.
Kate has moved through most roles at Junky Monkeys from play coach, to lead facilitator, to social media creator, to operations manager, and now director.
Kate is a total play geek. In her time not watching kids play with junk, she is coaching primary teachers about learning through play with Longworth Education, and supporting other play inspired start-ups in education.
Simon is an events organiser extraodinaire. He specialises in making events as sustainable as possible. Simon is just one of those people who can make a table out of wood, some rubber bands, and a dozen eggs. His event organisation skills and crafty resourcefulness will be a real asset to the programmes.
To find out more about Kate Webber and Simon Walker we suggest doing some friendly internet stalking!
OUR INCREDIBLE Play Coaches
Tracy Jeffery – Play Coach
Tracy is a compassionate, gentle, and hard working human, and it is an honour to have her on our team. As an ex playcentre parent she understands the benefits of open ended play and risky play. Tracy is passionate about sustainability and sewing, and owns Holly View Creative. Where she creates eco friendly sewing projects and runs community workshops teaching kids and adults how to sew.
Esta Takuira – Play Coach
Esta brings a huge kete of practical experience in play after working in nearly every outdoor play initiative we have in Tāmaki Makaurau. Her warm, playful, and open demeanour make her easy to connect with for both kids and adults. Esta is a constant learner and is always reflecting on her studies in Te Reo Māori, and alternative health remedies. Alongside Junky Monkeys Esta works as a kaiako at Ako, an alternative school here in Auckland.
Tineke Sutton – Play Coach
It is such a blessing to have Tineke on our team, as she’s someone who embodies a culture of kindness. Tineke has a background in ECE both as a kaiako and a centre owner. She is extremely passionate about how we treat our tamariki and meeting children kanohi ki to kanohi. Tineke runs Nurture People, a not for profit organisation that facilitates workshops for parents and educators, that has evolved around Pennie Brownlees mahi with the pikler philosophy.
AlUmni Founder
Junky Monkeys was conceived by Ann Langis. With a professional background in teaching and a personal passion for the zero waste movement, Ann was inspired by UK-based play pods and keen to develop a loose-parts programme for tamariki in Aotearoa. With the enthusiastic support of Jane Walters, former Director of Waste Education at the Devonport Recycling Centre, they began amassing a stockpile of interesting junk items and ran the first trial programmes at local primary schools and community events in autumn 2018.
Ann now independently consults with schools, play centres, and organisations about PLAY with her own consulting organisation Ann Langis Play.
Our Approach
We Facilitate Safe Learning Spaces
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