Future Focus Early Learning Centre started as an ambition to create a nurturing and innovative early learning environment.

Now, it has evolved into one of the most sought-after early childhood education providers in the region – serving as a model for how to empower both children and educators alike.

Future Focus recently earned the Business of the Year Runner-Up and Excellence in Māori/Pasifika Business titles at the Farmer Autovillage Tauranga Business Awards 2025.

Conveyor of Judges, Jamie Lunam, says Future Focus impressed judges with its pioneering approach to disrupting the early childcare industry, and its unique community-centred vision.

Future Focus is an example of what can happen when you combine incredibly passionate people with a bold vision for change,” says Jamie Lunam, Conveyor of Judges.

“Ray and Courtney are setting new standards in their industry, by going beyond normal childcare and leaving a lasting, positive societal impact.”

‘Something has to change’

In 2019, Ray and Courtney Everest made the bold decision to turn the New Zealand early childhood education sector on its head.

“Future Focus was built out of frustration,” says Ray.

As a school teacher, Ray witnessed firsthand how outdated methods were failing to meet the needs of today’s children.

It wasn’t just about curriculum delivery – it was about creating places where children feel heard, supported, and respected, he says.

When Ray became a principal at 26 years old, he set out to make big changes. But bogged down in bureaucracy, Ray realised that even with the best intentions, the traditional model wouldn’t foster the kind of education he believed in.

 We need environments where educators can thrive, where tamariki feel empowered to step into their mana, and where whānau can actively engage in their children’s learning journey,” says Ray Everest.

“It was clear the traditional school system wasn’t going to allow me to achieve that, so we had to build something new.”

This led Ray and Courtney to leave New Zealand for Qatar. There, they saw how nurturing environments in education positively impacted children’s growth and development.

For Ray, the trip confirmed that creating spaces where children felt supported and heard was key to fostering a love for learning.

After returning to New Zealand, Ray and Courtney turned their attention to the early learning sector and launched Future Focus in 2019 with a single site in Papamoa.

This achievement still stands as one of their proudest moments in business.

Building a solid foundation

Ray and Courtney set Future Focus apart with their “know me before you lead me” approach: a philosophy emphasising the importance of building strong, personal relationships with every child and teacher.

The holistic approach ensures each individual’s identity is honoured and nurtured, creating a space where people are respected for who they are, says Courtney.

“When children and educators feel valued and supported, that flows through to everyone, including the whanau. It’s become a truly collaborative environment.”

As a result, Future Focus has become a trusted community hub – providing an inclusive, enriching environment, and much-needed support for a diverse range of children and families, including those with special needs.

The role of staff wellbeing

After experiencing the frustrations that come from a constrained educational career, Ray was determined not to replicate these limitations for the teachers they work with.

Drawing on their experiences in the Middle East, Ray and Courtney have created workplaces where teachers can genuinely flourish.

“We are committed to making sure our teachers are empowered and supported to meet today’s challenges,” says Ray.

“Our focus on staff wellbeing, growth, and a culture of gratitude, underpins everything we do, and it’s been a big part of our success.”

This focus has not only attracted talented educators but has inspired them to pursue their professional passions within and beyond the center’s walls.

Expanding impact through innovation

 The success of Future Focus’ model is evident in their growing reputation, not just in Papamoa, but across the wider region and beyond.

In six years, Future Focus has expanded from a single site to five locations, with three more projects underway.

The commitment to fostering a nurturing environment has also led to the creation of innovative platforms such as the ‘Future Focused’ podcast, which has garnered attention for its transparency and valuable insights.

With more than 150 episodes, the podcast serves as a tool for engaging with the community and beyond.

And the innovation continues with the upcoming launch of Auro Focus: a tech and health startup aimed at supporting early intervention for educators, children, and families.

“Auro Focus is another way that we can improve the wellbeing of educators, tamariki and their whanau beyond the classroom,” says Courtney.

Embracing cultural connections

At the heart of Future Focus is a community-centred approach that blends modern educational practices with Māori cultural values.

Future Focus has gained significant recognition for creating opportunities for Māori within a mainstream educational framework while honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

“We embrace Māori values deeply,” says Ray. “Our work is guided by the principles of whakawhanaungatanga (relationship-building), manaakitanga (care and respect), and Kotahitanga (unity), and we are committed to integrating these values in a meaningful way.”

These values also extend past the classroom.

Future Focus is now collaborating with local iwi, Nga Potiki, in the development of a Māori-medium early childhood education centre, Puna Reo, in Pāpāmoa.

“Puna Reo will provide a dedicated space for Māori children to engage with culturally affirming education, while also giving Māori teachers the opportunity to thrive.”

Looking forward

Tauranga Business Chamber CEO, Matt Cowley, says Ray and Courtney’s journey is a testament to the power of vision and persistence.

With their focus on relationships, inclusivity, and cultural empowerment, they are not only shaping the future of education in Papamoa, but fostering a community where tamariki and whanau can thrive together’, says Matt Cowley, CEO Tauranga Business Chamber.

“We’re just getting started,” says Ray.

“There’s so much more we want to do, and we’re committed to continuing our journey with the same passion and purpose that has guided us from the very beginning.”