Who we are
Bodhi was founded by two passionate early childhood educators, Kim and Kerry, who bring over 40 years of combined experience in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) sector. As mothers, kaiako, leaders, managers, and mentors to hundreds of students, their shared vision was to create a new standard of ECE qualifications in Aotearoa—programmes that are deeply respectful, biculturally grounded, and centred around the child.
At Bodhi, we believe that high-quality education begins with educators who teach from the heart. Our qualifications are designed to reflect the rich bicultural and multicultural environment of Aotearoa New Zealand, empowering students to embrace play-based, child-initiated learning and to foster the holistic development of tamariki. We are proud to graduate educators who are innovative, responsive, and truly excited about their roles.
Our vision is to cultivate a deep respect and understanding for the unique needs of pēpi, tamariki, and whānau. Through a journey of self-discovery, our students not only build strong foundations in child development, neuroscience, and respectful care practices—but also grow in confidence, clarity, and connection to their own values and teaching identity.
At Bodhi, students are never just a number. You’ll join a small, close-knit cohort and receive one-to-one support from a dedicated tutor who walks alongside you throughout your learning journey. Our team is made up of experienced, specialised kaiako who are committed to your success. Co-directors Kim and Kerry also serve as tutors, alongside our Academic Dean Julie Dent, and dedicated tutors ensuring every learner is personally known, supported, and valued.
The name Bodhi means "to awaken"—and this awakening is at the heart of everything we do. Our logo, the Bodhi tree, symbolises our four core values: Whānaungatanga, Ako, Māramatanga & Mōhiotanga. These values shape our approach, guide our teaching, and support our mission: to grow passionate, knowledgeable educators who make a meaningful impact in the lives of tamariki across Aotearoa.
Quality Assurance
At Bodhi, quality is at the core of everything we do. Our programmes are designed to meet the highest standards of early childhood education in Aotearoa and are continuously reviewed to ensure they remain relevant, evidence-based, and responsive to the needs of the sector.
Our commitment to quality is supported by robust governance structures, including our Academic Board and Advisory Board. These boards provide expert oversight, strategic guidance, and independent review of our programmes, ensuring academic integrity, regulatory compliance, and alignment with best practice in teaching and learning.
The Academic Board oversees programme development, assessment moderation, and curriculum quality, maintaining the integrity and credibility of our qualifications.
The Advisory Board, made up of respected leaders and professionals from across the ECE sector, ensures our teaching remains sector-informed and grounded in real-world practice.
The Programme Review Committee at Bodhi meets quarterly to review all aspects of our programmes, incorporating stakeholder feedback to ensure ongoing quality and improvement.