Our Team

  • Tania McNamara

    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.

  • Cameron Beer

    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!

  • Lara Kirk

    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.

  • Brie Shea

    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

  • Megan Watson

    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.

  • Brenna Stock

    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.

  • Donna Walsh

    Alta Hapori | Year 1

    donna@kawarau.school.nz

    After moving here with my whanāu in January, I have enjoyed the whole process of joining the Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau team. There are fantastic learning programmes for the tamariki, and I feel privileged to learn better, more effective teaching methods each day. Learning and working alongside an amazing team and getting to know all the tamariki and whanau is a privilege. Did I mention how beautiful the view is:)

    I studied social science, community and youth work before teaching and have worked in the community sector, older age care and the disability sector. Through my experiences, I believe strongly in building relationships and empowering people to achieve. I see the classroom as a learning community and encourage all learners to look out for each other and be kind and responsible for our school and their success.

    I began teaching nearly four years ago after studying for my Master of Teaching and Learning at Waikato University. I have taught Years 1 and 2 for over three years and have experience using structured literacy in the classroom.

  • Jaime Lamond

    ALTA Hapori | Year 1

    jaime@kawarau.school.nz

    I am incredibly grateful to be joining the team at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau. I originally hail from a small town called Rakaia just outside of Christchurch. After moving to Queenstown in 2019 to study hospitality management, I took a turn in my career after discovering my love for teaching.

    I have recently completed my Bachelor's Degree in Primary Teaching with the University of Canterbury. I decided to study remotely as I fell in love with the lifestyle Central Otago has to offer. How could you not! I have completed placements in a range of year levels throughout different schools within the Whakatipu Basin.

    I am a beginner teacher but have been working within early childhood centers for the last two years. I strive to create a classroom environment where students feel welcome, safe and valued. Creativity within the classroom is important to me as well as ensuring I am helping students to make connections between content and real life.

    I am particularly passionate about music and the arts. In my spare time you can find me playing my guitar and singing at the local markets or busking on the waterfront. I am looking forward to meeting our beautiful community!

  • Alice Phillips

    CECIL Hapori | Years 2 and 3

    alice@kawarau.school.nz

    My name is Alice, and I am thrilled to be a teacher at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau. Before teaching, I was working towards becoming a clinical psychologist. However, in 2022, I pursued my long-term desire to teach and completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning. This has been the best decision of my life—I truly feel I was born for this vocation.

    Each day as a teacher brings me joy. It's a privilege to inspire and be inspired by our amazing ākonga. I believe that positive relationships with ākonga and whānau are fundamental. My goal is to collaborate with ākonga to create a warm, happy learning environment where curiosity flourishes and we feel safe taking risks in our learning journey.

    I am passionate about the excitement that learning brings. Tamariki are naturally drawn to expanding their knowledge, and every day I strive to spark enthusiasm, foster rich discussions, and provide high-quality education.

  • Ashley Miller

    CECIL Hapori | Year 2 and 3

    ashley@kawarau.school.nz

    I feel super lucky to be a part of the Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau team. I have been born and raised in the mighty Waikato but have always spent many holidays down in the area going skiing and boating with my family and now feel very fortunate enough to call this beautiful place my new home. 

    I have spent several years teaching up in Auckland and in Hamilton as well as spending time travelling overseas.

    I have a passion and love for teaching and building relationships with my students, families and the wider community.

    I always love being a part of my students' learning journey, making learning fun and engaging for everyone. I pride myself on building a safe, caring and supportive learning environment where your child loves school and feels successful. 

    I am super excited to be a part of what wonderful Queenstown and the beautiful South Island has to offer and to get to know all the amazing students and families here at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau. 

  • Samantha Delarue

    CECIL Hapori | Year 2 and 3

    samantha@kawarau.school.nz

    After over 10 years of teaching in Australia, my family and I finally made our dream of living in Queenstown come true. Since our arrival, I have been amazed by the kindness and generosity shown by the Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau community.

    I have experience in a range of positions including classroom teaching, leadership and inclusive education in rural and metropolitan schools across Queensland, Australia. I am particularly passionate about evidence-based pedagogy and the effective teaching of writing. I am committed to creating engaging and inclusive learning spaces that support strong and effective relationships and believe that a safe, supportive learning environment is key to learning and growth.

    I am so excited to be a part of the Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau community where the values of Whanaungatanga, Kotahitanga and Manaakitanga are key to all that we do.

  • True Wilson

    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!

  • Nesa Prasad

    TŪĪ Hapori | Year 2 and 3

    nesa@kawarau.school.nz

    Bio coming soon!

  • Nicole Dolamore

    TŪĪ Hapori | Year 2 and 3

    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?

  • Jessica McLeay

    WYE Hapori | Years 4,5 and 6

    jessicam@kawarau.school.nz

    I’m excited to be joining the incredible team here at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau.

    Originally from Gisborne, I moved to Queenstown in 2022 and have since fallen in love with the outdoor lifestyle. When I'm not at school, you'll find me skiing or mountain biking, making the most of Queenstown's stunning landscapes.

    I completed my Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 2018 however after five years in the dental profession my passion for education led me to pursue postgraduate studies in teaching. I find immense joy and fulfilment in the classroom and I am excited to bring my enthusiasm for teaching, along with my background in health and science, into my practice. Through my practice I aim to create a positive, supportive learning environment and foster a lifelong love of learning.

  • Jo Milne

    YEAR 4 - 6 TEAM LEADER

    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!

  • Caitlin O'Neill

    LOCHY Hapori | Years 4, 5 and 6

    caitlin@kawarau.school.nz

    I feel so lucky to be a part of the amazing team at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau! I grew up in Dunedin where I also completed my Bachelor of Primary Teaching degree at the University of Otago in 2023. I am a beginning teacher and am endlessly grateful for the opportunity to work with such an outstanding group of learners, teachers and staff.

    Living in Queenstown almost feels like coming home, as I’ve been fortunate enough to have many family holidays just over the gorge in Cromwell; now I’m even closer to the stunning Kawarau maunga! It feels very surreal living in this beautiful area and feeling the mana and pride our students have for our environment.

    My teaching philosophy revolves around empowering learners to feel confident and proud of themselves and their work. Fostering a class culture where everybody feels safe and comfortable being themselves is important to me, as well as taking risks with their learning, is my ultimate goal for my learners.

    When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my friends, family and dog, boating, reading and playing netball. I’m looking forward to building relationships with ākonga, whānau, and the wider school community!

  • David Rankin

    LOCHY Hapori | Years 4, 5 and 6

    david@kawarau.school.nz

    Bio coming soon!

  • Nikki Beedie

    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!

  • Jessica Wilson

    BAYONET Hapori | Year 7 and 8

    jessicaw@kawarau.school.nz

    I feel very lucky and grateful to be joining such an incredible team at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau! I grew up in Ōtepoti, Dunedin where I have recently completed my Bachelor of Teaching degree at the University of Otago. I am a beginning teacher and feel so fortunate and excited that I get to start my career at such an amazing kura with such wonderful staff.

    Growing up in Dunedin my family and I frequently visited Central Otago for holidays throughout all times of the year. Moving up here to get to start my teaching career has made me fall more in love with Central Otago more than I already was and it is so amazing that I get to live here and work in such an outstanding place. 

    My goal as a teacher is to create a safe space where all tamariki are able to express themselves, feel empowered and take risks within their learning so they can strive to do their best. I aim to create strong and positive relationships with all my learners and get to know them for who they are so I can empower them to reach their full potential.  

  • Joe Wearne

    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!

  • Riley Chandler

    BAYONET Hapori | Year 7 and 8

    riley@kawarau.school.nz

    Bio coming soon!

  • Dee Brockie

    Teacher

    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.

  • Lucy McKenzie

    Teacher

    lucy@kawarau.school.nz

    I am very lucky to be a member of the wonderful team here at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau. I have been living within the Whakatipu Basin for the last 8 years and in Hanley’s Farm for the last three. It has been great meeting the community and getting to know our families better!

    I grew up on a farm down South and once I had graduated University in 2015, I moved to Queenstown to start my first-ever teaching job. I have been in Queenstown ever since and what a place to be! I love the hiking trails, spending time at the Lake, skiing in the winter, and anything related to the outdoors. It's the perfect place to hang out with my toddler and golden retriever.

    I'm especially excited to be part of a school that puts its children at the heart of its decisions. I value learning-focused relationships and believe that to get the most out of a child, we need to have trust. I am passionate about inclusive education and working with our students and whānau to get the best outcomes. I also value the use of te reo Māori and integration of te ao Māori in our units of learning. I love the learning programmes at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau and I truly believe our tamariki get a great educational experience here!

  • Lynda Thomas

    Teacher

    lynda@kawarau.school.nz

  • Megan Coombes

    Teacher

    meganc@kawarau.schoo.nz

    I am very excited to join the amazing team of teachers at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau and to be part of the Cecil Hapori.

    I have recently moved to Queenstown and have been enjoying all the wonderful experiences it has to offer.

    Throughout my teaching career, I have loved working in all the year levels of the school. I have been a lead teacher, a Special Needs Coordinator and for the last 8 years, I have been a Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour. 

    These positions have allowed me to develop my skills and knowledge to work with tamariki, especially with neuro-diversity. I have a strong sense of fairness for all tamariki so they have the opportunities and resources to reach their full potential. 

    I am passionate about teaching, making connections, and making a difference for all tamariki.

    I look forward to meeting the school community.

  • Victoria Jenkins

    Teacher

    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.

  • Kim Duggan

    Teacher

    kim@kawarau.school.nz

    I am excited join the amazing team at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau. I was already part of the school community as a parent, so when the opportunity came up to work here part-time I jumped on board. I can’t wait to continue my journey here as a teacher.

    I grew up in Queenstown and have spent the majority of my 15 year teaching career across a number of schools in my hometown and in Southland. My passion and specialist teaching area is Physical Education and I have helped develop and teach school-wide P.E programs across many primary schools.

    I enjoy working in a team collaborating, inspiring and supporting each other and our learners. The role I am in gives me the opportunity to work alongside many teams and across all year levels. I aspire to create a supportive and challenging environment for students to feel safe, inspired and confident learners.

    I am a mum to two amazing young boys and I have been privileged to spend the last 5 years focussing on my growing family, whilst still keeping my hand in teaching through some relief work. My husband and I both love what the region has to offer and Queenstown pulled us back.

    When I am not teaching I am busy with our boys and our family in the area. We love spending time at the lake in the summer and out biking all year round. You can often find us at the pump track as our boys absolutely love doing laps there! I feel so lucky to have grown up in this area and now raise our own family here.

  • Krystle Dawe

    Teacher

    krystle@kawarau.school.nz

    I feel very fortunate to to be part of the amazing team at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau. I grew up in Dunedin and loved spending many summers in Wanaka and Queenstown.

    My husband and I decided to move back to NZ once our boy was born and knew that Queenstown was a special place where our family could settle and enjoy everything that this place has to offer.

    I have been teaching for 18 years and began my career in Dunedin before venturing to Wellington and Brisbane. I am experienced in teaching all year levels and am enjoying the diverse role I am taking on this year.

    I find it incredibly rewarding to work alongside our tamariki and to be part of their journey growing into confident, engaged life-long learners.

    I enjoy working collaboratively as a team so that every student can receive the best possible education suited to their learning needs.

    When I am not teaching I am busy raising our two children with my husband. We love to go boating, exploring Queenstown, travelling and catching up with family and friends.

  • Andrew Bell

    Teacher

    andrew@kawarau.school.nz

  • Bob Miller

    Teacher

    bob@kawarau.school.nz

  • Alison van de Water

    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.

  • Eleanor Mcglynn

    Learning Assistant

    eleanor@kawarau.school.nz

    I am so grateful that I have been able to join the amazing team here at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau. Relocating from England in January to start a new adventure in Queenstown has been a dream!

    For the past 8 years I have worked for The National Autistic Society, starting as a Learning Assistant and then became Behaviour Coordinator for the school, it was amazing to be part of the puzzle that was supporting the lovely children and their families.

    I am loving being back in the classroom as a Learning assistant, working with the amazing teachers to make it a fun and holistic environment for the children to learn in.

    Outside of work, I’m trying to see as much of New Zealand and the world as possible! Spending time with my friends whether that be on hikes, trips away or just taking in the amazing views that surround my home in Hanleys Farm.

  • Angelina Baroux

    Learning Assistant

    angelina@kawarau.school.nz

  • Helen Bygate

    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.

  • Nick McKenzie

    Caretaker - Keeping our place looking gorgeous!