About

"I grew up in Rotorua, but came to university in Canterbury and never really left (except for a 2 year soujourn on the West Coast)! I've been a member of my children's school Board of Trustees, and I was part of a group of parents who initiated a study, needs analysis, and business planning for an early childhood centre in Diamond Harbour. I enjoy gardening and playing the ukelele for relaxation."

"I was born and raised in Christchurch, and have been living in Dunedin since 1990. I am married to a wonderful lady called Jane, who is a speech language therapist and is working hard towards her PhD. We have two teenage children.

I have been in ICT PD in different roles for the last 10 years, and an active blogger since 1996. I live in a household with way more devices that connect to the internet than people."

“I am passionate about making a positive difference for our tamariki and I am always striving for ways to do this. I believe that no-one can make change in isolation and that we have to see where we fit into THE BIG PICTURE in our role of helping a young child on their journey to being a successful, happy adult who feels valued and is able to participate fully in life in Aotearoa – culturally, economically and socially.”

"My main interests are my whānau, te reo and tikanga Māori and sport, central to all these are relationships.

My classroom philosophy has always been based around productive teaching and learning relationships in the classroom. My life experiences and passion of Māori education and sport has helped me to realise this belief and it continues to inform my future development. 

I am interested in the integration of tikanga Māori and e-learning to strengthen teaching and learning programmes."

"Born and raised in Christchurch, I love living in Canterbury and seeing as much of the area as possible. I enjoy travelling to both familiar and unfamiliar locations whenever I find the time, and like to cook and read in my spare time."

“I consider myself to be a people orientated person both professionally and on a personal level. I enjoy working with people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds. I have had extensive experience dealing with people both over the phone and face-to-face in a customer service role and have developed excellent communication skills.

I enjoy working hard and consider myself to be conscientious ,well organised, efficient, adaptable and with a strong work ethic. 

The mix of organisational, people and administration skills make this a dream job for me.”

"I have been fortunate enough to have taught in schools that have enriched my life with their cultures and their beliefs. From my humble beginnings of being a kaiako at the Kohanga Reo through to becoming a Principal teaching my own whānau has been a blessing and an honour. My husband has been my greatest support in my career and I must acknowledge him. My parents, kaumatua and kuia of Ngatirehia have supported me has made me into the person I am today.

My interests are doing a job well and enjoying the journey with everyone beside me. Children have always been my focus and their laughter and successes are what makes life all worthwhile.

I am currently working on modernising our local Marae facilities. Encouraging whānau to participate in wananga at the Marae that includes waiata from the area and nga korero o te takiwa.

I am interested in research work especially around historical place names."

"I am a new recruit to this whānau (family) and am very excited at the challenges and rewards this experience will bring. I really enjoy talking, laughing and listening to people. I also have a love of young children and the natural yet pragmatic wisdom that they have in relation to the world and their role in it.

I am enthusiastic and proud of the importance of ECE and especially the skills and strengths that professionals utilise and introduce in the lives of young people. I look forward to meeting and working with you in the near future."