PRINCIPAL

tania@kawarau.school.nz

I feel so very privileged to be the foundation principal of Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau. I lived in Lawrence for the majority of my life and my husband and I have loved being able to permanently relocate to Queenstown, a place where we enjoyed many wonderful holidays with our three children over the years.

Prior to taking on this exciting new role, I was principal at Milton School and before that Deputy Principal at Lawrence Area School. When I manage to pull myself away from school, you will find me enjoying time with my family, reading, and dreaming of the next overseas adventure.

My ultimate goal as principal of Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau is to work in collaboration with our incredible teaching team and community to develop a school where our children are at the centre of every teaching and learning decision that is made. That we create for them an environment that supports curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and risk taking. A place where everyone feels a sense of belonging, unity, and nurturing.

My approach to leadership is strongly centred on a collaborative team model, leading from the centre, and developing capacity in others. I feel very strongly about how important it is to get to know the people of our school community and build relationships which are genuine and authentic. That our parents and whānau know that their voice and partnership is valued and genuinely sought.

I am dedicated to upholding the intent of our school vision - our place to gather, learn, and grow, and look forward to working in partnership with you in your child’s schooling.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

cameron@kawarau.school.nz

I am very excited to be part of the foundation Senior Leadership Team at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau. It is an amazing opportunity with a great deal of responsibility to be able to continue to develop our new kura for our future learners and community.

I grew up over the mountains in Te Anau and spent many summer and winter holidays here in Queenstown. After finishing at Otago University, I spent about six winters back to back coaching snowboarding here in Queenstown and in Colorado - this is what drew me to teaching. I first started teaching in Dunedin and then decided to explore the world so moved to the United Kingdom, and ended up there for 13 years! After having an amazing experience teaching and leading in schools in the UK education system, my wife and I decided to move our family back to New Zealand. We love getting out in the mountains, lakes and rivers and exploring and having adventures. You might see us with our little boy out biking in the neighbourhood.

My passions are in engaging all learners - children, teachers and parents; applying the psychology of learning and development, assessment for learning; tracking progress and pastoral improvements; education outside the classroom experiences and developing our tamariki to be holistic, motivated, curious, reflective and adaptable future focused

I hope to see you all around our school and in the community!

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

lara@kawarau.school.nz

What a privilege to be part of the foundation team here at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau. I grew up in Queenstown and have also spent part of my teaching career here before now. It’s amazing to be part of the leadership team at a new school in my home town!

I taught in schools around New Zealand and across the world for 14 years. I love being part of a teaching team, a community and being part of young people’s learning journeys. Many of my ex-students are now back in the Queenstown community as adults themselves and it’s awesome to run into them and find out what they’ve been up to, even though it makes me feel a little older than I’d like to feel!

Before stepping into this role I spent three years working as a technology trainer/facilitator for schools and businesses all over NZ and abroad. This was an incredible opportunity to connect with a range of diverse teams within schools, as well as develop my understanding of strategic planning and learning design.

All of these experiences helped me to develop my passion for school culture, professional learning and ways in which we can best serve our young people. Two of my key drivers are helping others and being creative so I’m incredibly grateful to find myself in this role where I get to do those things every day.

JUNIOR TEAM LEADER

HOPE Hapori | New Entrants

megan@kawarau.school.nz

I feel incredibly honoured to be the Junior Team Leader and part of the Foundation Team at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau. My family, including two gorgeous children, and I have developed a special connection to Queenstown over the many years of family holidays in our Queenstown property. We are so excited to now finally call this beautiful part of the country home.

I have 25 years experience in teaching and leadership and was previously Assistant Principal at Woodend Primary, where I taught for 14 years. I consider it a privilege to be part of a child’s school journey and I am passionate about providing a safe, supportive and nurturing environment for our learners in their first years of school. I believe that building authentic connections between children, parents and whānau and our school community helps foster a sense of whanaungatanga, belonging. Starting school is an exciting time in a child’s life and I am dedicated to working alongside you to support your child to successfully transition to school so that they can learn and grow at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau.

HOPE Hapori | New Entrants

brie@kawarau.school.nz

I feel very lucky to be a part of the team here at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau. I am looking forward to working alongside the amazing staff here. Being from Dunedin, I have been coming to the beautiful Queenstown for family holidays and feel very privileged to now call this place home.

I attended Otago University where I completed a science degree majoring in exercise science and minoring in physical activity and health. I went on to complete a post graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching at Canterbury University. I am a beginning teacher and I feel so fortunate to be able to start my teaching career at this amazing kura.

As a teacher, my goal is to create strong positive relationships with ākonga, whānau and the community. I wish to create a safe, welcoming and inviting space where students can strive and what better place than here with our stunning facilities?! Starting school is a big transition for our ākonga, so I aim to be that warm, friendly face that makes starting school as smooth as possible. My hope is to make school engaging and fun so that ākonga love school and love learning.here

ALTA Hapori | Year 1

nicole@kawarau.school.nz

I’m so excited to be part of such an amazing school as Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau. I’ve been teaching for 17 years in New Zealand, and more recently in London. Throughout my career I’ve taught throughout the primary age groups and have loved each year group for different reasons.

I feel so fortunate to be a small part of the journey your children take in their education, and in such an amazing place as this. The views the children are growing up with, on a daily basis, are awe inspiring and phenomenal. What better place is there to grow up? I believe that amazing environments lead to amazing things. I ensure that my classroom environment is welcoming, fun and safe for the children, where creativity blossoms and friendships grow and strengthen.

I believe that childhood is such an important time in our lives and love the fact that I get to work with such powerful minds on a daily basis.

My family and I have recently moved back to Aotearoa from the UK and we’re loving experiencing all that Queenstown has to offer. Did I mention the stunning environment?

ALTA Hapori | Year 1

brenna@kawarau.school.nz

I am very excited and extremely grateful to be part of the team at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau this year. I am looking forward to working alongside such an incredible team.

I grew up in Te Anau before moving to Dunedin in 2016 to complete my degree. I began my teaching career in Queenstown 5 years ago and I am extremely grateful to continue this in such a beautiful kura.

I aim to create strong and positive relationships with all students and I am passionate about creating a safe and positive learning environment where each child can strive to reach their full potential. I am looking forward to building connections with whānau and the community.

CECIL Hapori | Years 2 and 3

dee@kawarau.school.nz

I feel very privileged to be a part of the foundation teaching team at Te Kura Whakaipu o Kawarau. It has been inspirational working with the rest of the team to create an engaging and nurturing kura for our tamariki to grow and blossom.

I grew up in Dunedin where I studied and began my teaching career before making the move through to Central Otago to further and grow as a teacher. I have most recently been teaching in Brisbane, Australia for the past few years. Although my time in Australia has been enjoyable, I am very delighted to be back in the stunning scenery of Queenstown and working with the fabulous foundation team setting things up for 2022.

I believe that creating strong and positive relationships with our tamariki is a key concept for establishing a core base for learning. I enjoy creating inclusive and inspiring learning spaces that motivate our tamariki. I am looking forward to connecting with everyone in our community.

CECIL Hapori | Years 2 and 3

true@kawarau.school.nz

What an amazing opportunity to be involved with a fabulous team and a beautiful school! I was born and raised in Dunedin, and almost all of my family still live in Otago. I always say “I have travelled across the globe and witnessed some stunning places in my 27 years, but Central Otago is still the most beautiful place in the world”.

Using my experience in the Sciences I love to bring new experiences into the classroom for ākonga, ones that challenge their ideas and inspire new passions. Because of my background in zoology and ecology, I am extremely passionate about conservation and Kaitiakitanga, which led to me spending 6 months working on a wildlife reserve in the Amazon Jungle. Soon after I spent 5 years working in Early Childhood Education before becoming a Primary Teacher.

I love to bring a sense of excitement and sparkle into the learning environment, drawing on my love of the Arts. Watching and guiding tamariki to create amazing artwork is one of my greatest enjoyments in the classroom. Whenever I’m not planning for the next dress-up day or driving to Dunedin to visit my partner, you will find me in the kitchen making a tasty mess, face painting with my niece, or making fun and colourful earrings to match my extensive collection of clothes and Doc Martens. Let's take chances, make mistakes and get messy!

TUI | Hapori Years 2 and 3

donna@kawarau.school.nz

TUI | Years 2 and 3

alice@kawarau.school.nz

TEAM LEADER | Wye and Lochy Hapori

WYE Hapori | Years 4, 5 and 6

jo@kawarau.school.nz

I am incredibly excited to be part of the amazing Foundation Team here at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau. It is inspiring working with such a collaborative group of educators who are excited to continue building the culture of our kura.

I grew up on a farm in Central Southland, before moving to Dunedin to study at Dunedin College of Education. My teaching career started in Wellington over 15 years ago and I have taught across most year levels, both in NZ and in London. I have been both a Team Leader and an Associate Principal, which has led me to work alongside some amazing people. It’s important to me that learners feel happy and safe in order to reach their potential.

I feel very fortunate to now be living in the place where we spent many holidays as kids. The list of tracks and places to explore seems to be endless!

WYE Hapori | Years 4, 5 and 6

caitlin@kawarau.school.nz

LOCHY Hapori |Years 4, 5 and 6

nikki@kawarau.school.nz

I’m so excited to be joining the community of Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau! It feels like an incredible opportunity to work in a school so close to its inception, and to be a part of a team building towards such a strong vision.

I believe that teaching and learning are underpinned by strong relationships, and I can’t wait to get to know all of the students in Cecil and the rest of our kura this year. Teaching is such a privilege, and I feel lucky to be in a position to work alongside tamariki as they grow into themselves and discover their own strengths and passions.

In my six years of teaching, I’ve worked at schools in Auckland and London, but now I’m so excited to be living in the incredible South Island. I love being outdoors - hiking, waterskiing, playing netball and spending time at the beach or in the bush. I’m looking forward to exploring the rest of Central Otago, and further afield in Te Wai Pounamu now that I’m lucky enough to live in such a beautiful location!

LOCHY Hapori | Years 4, 5 and 6

fran@kawarau.school.nz

BAYONET Hapori | Years 7 and 8

joseph@kawarau.school.nz

I’m really excited to be part of the Foundation Team at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau. Being part of designing, creating and growing a kura in my community is very special. I can’t wait for the 2 minute commute!

I have 11 years of teaching experience, and have taught from 5 year olds up to adults and everything in between. However, the bulk of my teaching experience has been with Intermediate students. I spent the first 5 years of my teaching career teaching Health and Physical Education, in a High School near Bristol, Enlgand. After arriving in NZ I made the transition to Primary Education and spent 5 years At Queenstown Primary School. Here I was introduced to the fantastic Outdoor Education opportunities that we have in our backyard. Designing these for our tamariki is something that I am very excited about!

My passion is ensuring that students feel safe, happy and successful in their education. I try to create an environment where students can see their success and are motivated by this. As my background suggests, I enjoy incorporating exercise, fitness and movement into my teaching. Our sports facilities at our kura are exceptional and I can’t wait to see our tamariki using them!

BAYONET Hapori | Years 7 and 8

sarah@kawarau.school.nz

I am so grateful to have joined the awesome team at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau. Growing up in Auckland, Queenstown has always been a holiday destination, now, it's not just a vacation spot; it's home sweet home!

I’ve been an intermediate teacher for 7 years - 6 years as a classroom teacher, followed by 1 year as a Sports Science & Media Specialist teacher.

My passion lies in Physical Education, exploring the ever-evolving world of digital technologies, and most importantly, building relationships with ākonga, parents and whānau, and our school community, all of whom I’ve loved meeting so far!

I believe that creating strong relationships is at the forefront of teaching. I also enjoy crafting and delivering engaging learning activities that captivate students’ interests. I am committed to going the extra mile to inspire and support my ākonga on their learning journey!

I’m looking forward to new adventures, and, of course, the stunning landscapes of the South Island!

victoria@kawarau.school.nz

I am thrilled to be part of the foundation team here at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau. As an educator, it’s incredibly inspiring to be working with a group of people who are all striving to create a brand new school where learners will thrive.

It’s been a privilege to have taught hundreds of students in Wellington, London, Queenstown and Marlborough. I’m excited to have returned to Queenstown for this role and I feel like all the amazing students, their families, school leaders and other educators I’ve met along the way have contributed to the educator that I am today.

Holistic education and brain-based learning form the basis of my educational beliefs. This includes incorporating knowledge of brain-development, brain-chemicals, emotional regulation and resilience into teaching and learning. I love music, health and physical education, literacy and learning outside in nature.

My husband and I have two daughters who are very social and adventurous! You’ll find me on the go with them when I’m not at school.

Teacher

lucy@kawarau.school.nz

Teacher

krystle@kawarau.school.nz

Office Adminstrator

office@kawarau.school.nz

I am proud to be joining the fantastic team at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau as Office Manager. It’s clear to see the passion and dedication within our team.

I come from a strong administration background, with over 8 years in an owner/operator role in the hospitality industry. Building strong relationships and connections within our community is very important to me, I believe that this is a very integral part of helping our students, staff and families feel like they are an important part of our school.

I have been part of the Queenstown community for over 3 years now, along with my husband and two children. Fitness is a really important part of my life, I love to be active in some way every day and I hope to encourage my children to be the same.

Learning Assistant

alisonvdw@kawarau.school.nz

Queenstown has always been a big part of my life. I have many happy memories of family holidays here and I am now thrilled to be living here permanently in this beautiful part of New Zealand. Robert, my younger son lives with me in Queenstown and Michael, my older son is married to Margot and lives in Wellington. I have two little dogs who get me out each day enjoying the many walks around Jacks Point.

My career has been mostly in Early Childhood Education working in Preschools in Christchurch. I also trained as a Primary School Teacher and relieved in Schools in Christchurch.

In Queenstown I have relieved at Preschools, before joining the team at Te Kura Whakatipu O Kawarau. I am loving my role here as Learning Assistant. I help in the classrooms where needed assisting the teachers and supporting children that need a little extra help with their learning.

Learning Assistant

ellie@kawarau.school.nz

I am so grateful and excited to be apart of the amazing team at Te Kura Whakatipu O Kawarau. I relocated to beautiful Queenstown in May 2023, I have been absolutely loving my time in New Zealand and can’t believe I get to call Queenstown home. I have a background in Occupational Therapy, and worked as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist in Sydney, Australia - where I strived to help children grow, build confidence and achieve their therapy goals in safe and supportive environment.

My background as an Occupational therapist and life experiences has given me a greater insight and understanding of the importance of building meaningful relationships and engaging in meaningful everyday activities. I am a passionate, caring and adventurous person, and I am enjoying bringing these attributes into the classroom. I am loving my new role as a Learning Assistant and helping children and families in a fun and holistic way.

Prior to jumping the pond, I spent a year sailing the east coast of Australia on a Catamaran and chasing adventures overseas in South Africa. When not at work, you’ll find my partner and I chasing waterfalls, hiking, camping, fishing, snowboarding and doing ALL things outdoors!

Learning Assistant

helen@kawarau.school.nz

I am thrilled to be part of the team at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau, a school with such a beautiful sense of community and strong vision for the future.

Originating from South Africa , I have had the privilege to call NZ my home for many years, most of which have been here in glorious Queenstown.

I come from an ECE teaching background and have qualifications in teaching and psychology.

After 15 yrs of teaching, I have had a break from the classroom bringing up my own two children,learning new skills & trying my hand at running my own business.

I am excited to be returning to my true passion of supporting and nurturing tamariki.

As a learning assistant, I love getting to facilitate in creating a holistic learning environment, promoting inclusion and support for each child to reach their full potential.

Outside of work, I enjoy being in nature soaking up our beautiful backyard and spending time with family & friends.

Caretaker - Keeping our place looking gorgeous!