Elaine Fountain absolutely loves children. And she shows it.

Because even though this committed kindergarten teacher has retired after 41 years of service to the early childhood education sector, she's back volunteering for the benefit of our children.

Champion of the children – Elaine Fountain with chairperson Tauranga Regional Kindergarten Association board chairperson Sandie Hine.

'She is an amazing woman with lots of knowledge, compassion and wisdom,” says Tauranga Regional Kindergarten Association board chairperson Sandie Hine.

And for her 'massive contribution” to kindergartens, to the children and to the board, Elaine has been made a life member of the association.

Elaine has served the organisation in Tauranga since 1974 as a teacher, head teacher, senior teacher, board member and board chair.

Now in her 70s, Elaine can be found at Merivale Primary School helping teachers and in particular helping children with their reading skills.

'There is a lot of experience and a lot of knowledge still being put to very good use – and in her own time.” That is the measure of Elaine.

She retired to go travelling, but even when travelling she's working. In every new destination Elaine will seek out a kindergarten to see how others do it. Then she brings that knowledge home.

Talk of Elaine and you talk of carpentry. She always made sure there was always enough wood for the children to saw, hammer and nail.

'It was an area for which she had a lot of extra passion,” says Sandie. And Elaine liked to watch the children progress and make amazing structures. 'Good for their motor skills,” says Sandie.

Elaine has gone from Tauranga's kindergartens but she's not lost to them. The legacy lives on.