Salesh and Bikashni keep Whenuapai School sparkling since 2015
Whenuapai School has become like a second home for North Harbour franchise owners Salesh Chand and Bikashni Devi. For the past 10 years, they’ve been the friendly, familiar faces keeping the school sparkling, and they’re still just as cheerful as the day they started.
They’ve been part of the Whenuapai community for so long, they’ve outlasted most of the staff.
“They could tell you all the staff that have worked here and all about their lives – everything,” says Deputy Principal Rebecca Archer.
“They can also tell you who’s been the cleanest teacher… and who’s been the messiest.”
Keeping customers for this long speaks volumes, and Salesh and Bikashni clearly know how to do it right. For them, it’s about going above and beyond and always doing it with a smile.
“Honestly, they are just the friendliest people,” says Rebecca.
“They’re always smiling. Nothing is ever a problem.”
Over the years, the couple have become part of the Whenuapai family. When they went through a challenging time, the staff rallied around them, sending flowers and messages of support.
“They are part of the Whenuapai family,” says Rebecca.
The school has seen huge changes in the past decade, growing from 350 to 700 students and splitting into junior and senior campuses. Salesh and Bikashni look after the junior campus but enjoy catching up with staff from the senior campus whenever there’s a chance.
“We honestly cannot say a bad thing about them. Everyone here recognises them as part of the family,” says Rebecca.
“They’re an important part of our school.”
