About Wilding Haven..
Wildling Haven is a nature-inspired, child-led playgroup where children can explore, create, and connect alongside their parents or caregivers. We believe in a mix of natural and playful resources, both inside and outside, with our philosophy and environment guided by nature.
Founded by two passionate and qualified Early Childhood Teachers, Pip and Rosie, Wildling Haven was created from a love of the early years and a desire to provide families across Te Puke and the wider Bay of Plenty with a welcoming haven to learn and grow together.
We believe parents are a child’s first and most important teachers. That’s why our sessions are designed for both children and caregivers to learn, explore, and grow together, all at the child’s lead. Through free play and gentle provocation, we encourage you to trust your child’s natural instincts, creativity, and ability to discover the world around them.
Each Wildling Haven session features play stations that invite exploration and connection. From the infant mat with open-ended resources to spark curiosity, to a cozy book nook for moments of rest, every space is created to nurture both mind and body. Children can immerse themselves in sensory play at the playdough or potion table, dive into themed dry or messy play, pour and mix at the water station, or paint freely at our non-toxic art station; whether that means creating a keepsake or simply enjoying the process.
More than just a playgroup, Wildling Haven is a haven where creative minds run free, friendships grow, and
the very best memories are made.
Come stay, play and see the world through your child’s eyes.
Want to know more about our
Stay & Play
the creators behind Wildling Haven and your Facilitator
Meet Rosie ---->
Hi, I’m Rosie.
I was blessed to grow up between Tauranga and Te Puke, where the beach was our backyard and saltwater ran through everything we did. My childhood was filled with sandy feet, long days swimming, climbing rocks and exploring the harbour. The ocean has always been my grounding place. It is a space for adventure, reflection and feeling truly free. I also spent seven beautiful years living in the South Island, where my love for wild landscapes, community and nature deepened further.
These days I live with my husband Dan, my partner in crime, and our little dog Obi. I’m learning to slow down from the rush of everyday life and enjoy the simple things: baking, reading, walking, tinkering with projects and spending time with the people I love.
I’m a qualified and registered early childhood teacher with over 16 years of experience. For me, teaching has always been about relationships. Connecting with children, supporting their whānau and being part of each child’s journey brings me purpose and joy.
I’m passionate about nature-based, creative and open-ended play, and I believe deeply in the power of slowing down, getting messy and discovering the world together. I strive to foster a love for learning and a strong sense of independence in every child. I want to empower children to trust their ideas, explore at their own pace and grow into confident, curious learners.
Why Wildling Haven?
Wildling Haven was born from a desire to create something meaningful. A place where children can be truly themselves: curious, messy, wild and free.
It’s also a space where adults are encouraged to slow down, reconnect with their children and rediscover their own inner child. In a fast-paced world, I believe in the power of simple joys. Barefoot play, shared laughter, muddy hands and meaningful connection.
Through nature-based, child-led play, Wildling Haven offers families a space to connect, grow and feel like they belong. It’s more than a playgroup. It’s a place to breathe, to be and to find the wild within.
Wildling Haven brings together so many things I value deeply: curiosity, connection, community, creativity and simply giving things a go, even when it feels a little scary.
Wildling Haven also holds a special place in my heart because it began as a shared dream with my dear friend Pip - pictured with me above on the left). While Pip has now stepped away from Wildling Haven, I wouldn’t be here without the encouragement, ideas and courage we shared in those early days. I’m incredibly grateful for the part she played in bringing Wildling Haven to life and I know she’ll always be cheering from the sidelines as it continues to grow.
I feel incredibly lucky to be creating a space where wildlings and their grown-ups can play, explore, connect and have a little more wildness in their lives.
Please reach out if you have any questions.
I can’t wait to meet you.
Rosie x
