Staff – Te Puke Primary School

Senior Leadership

Andrea Dance

Principal

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau, Ko Andrea tōku ingoa. I am privileged to serve as the Tumuaki of Te Puke Primary School, a role I hold with immense pride and dedication. My passion lies in guiding and empowering our tamariki on their learning journeys, ensuring they grow into confident, capable, and connected individuals. Beyond my professional role, my greatest joy comes from being a mother to three incredible children who inspire me every day. I am also a proud nana to two energetic grandsons and a beautiful granddaughter. They certainly keep me on my toes and constantly remind me of the importance of nurturing curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love for learning! At Te Puke Primary, I am committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and culturally rich environment where every child feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. I strongly believe in the power of community, working in close partnership with our whānau, teachers, and the wider Te Puke community to create opportunities for success. Embracing our cultural heritage is at the heart of our school. I am dedicated to integrating te reo Māori, tikanga, manaakitanga, and whanaungatanga into everything we do. By nurturing identity and belonging, we strengthen our tamariki’s confidence and connection to Aotearoa. As a lifelong learner myself, I continually strive for professional growth to ensure our kura remains a place of innovation, excellence, and warmth. Together, we can equip our tamariki with the skills, values, and confidence they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Ngā mihi nui, Andrea Dance Tumuaki

E: principal@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Krystal Cooper

Deputy Principal

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau, Ko Krystal Cooper tōku ingoa and I am the Tumuaki Tuarua (Deputy Principal) here at Te Puke Primary School. Since 2008, I have been dedicated to teaching and supporting the children of Te Puke, ensuring that they receive the care, guidance, and educational opportunities they truly deserve. I feel fortunate to be working alongside educators who foster a positive, supportive and inclusive school culture. We have an extraordinary team of teachers and support staff here at Te Puke Primary School who love and value our tamariki. Their happiness and well-being are at the heart of everything we do. I am excited about the future of our school and the continued growth we can achieve together. Collaborating alongside Andrea, our kaiako, students, whānau and the wider community, we create a learning environment that nurtures and empowers every individual. Beyond my professional life, I am a proud mother to two sports-loving boys who keep me busy. Additionally, I am blessed with a supportive husband who also works here at our kura as the CRT kaiako. It is a privilege to be part of this remarkable journey, and I am committed to making a positive difference in the lives of our tamariki and our community. Nāku iti noa, nā Krystal

E: krystal.cooper@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Ngākau Māhaki

(YEARS 0-6)

Ngākau Māhaki

Liam Van der Drift

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora whānau, ko Liam tōku ingoa, he uri tēnei nō ngā maunga kaha ō Ngāi Tai, Ngāti Porou, me Ngāti Hauā. I feel incredibly privileged to be a kaiako within Ngākau Māhaki for 2026, working alongside an amazing group of young men from Years 4–6. As a passionate Māori man, I am dedicated to bringing the heart of Te Ao Māori, including Kapa Haka and Mau Rākau, into our daily life at Te Puke Primary. My teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the power of whanaungatanga, creating a space where every student feels a genuine sense of belonging and kinship. I believe in fostering a tuakana/teina culture where we all learn from one another, allowing our older students to lead with mana and our younger students to grow with confidence. Above all, I am driven to ensure our tamariki are fiercely proud of who they are and where they come from, as a strong sense of identity is the foundation for all success. Outside of the classroom, I am a huge fan of all sports and competition, and I love using these passions to teach our boys about resilience and teamwork. Nau mai ngā hua o tēnei tau hou, I look forward to another year of growth and pride with our whānau.

E: liam@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Luther Hirini

Kaiako

About Me

Coming soon...

E: luther.hirini@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Storme Barclay

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora rā koutou katoa, Ko Storme tōku ingoa. He uri ahau nō ngā waka o Te Arawa, Mataatua, me Tākitimu ki Tauranga Moana. After spending my first four years teaching at Ōtamarākau School, I am honoured to be joining the TPPS team and excited to be the kaiako in our whānau class. I have a strong passion for te ao Māori, Aotearoa history, well-being, and science, particularly te taiao (the natural world). When I’m not at school, you’ll often find me up Te Rae o Pāpāmoa or Mauao, or enjoying the beach or river. I also love cooking and spending time with my whānau in Maketu, where I was raised. I’m looking forward to working alongside whānau, building on the interests of our tamariki while creating a safe, happy, and vibrant learning environment.

E: storme.barclay@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Future Force

(YEARS 5 & 6)

Future Force

Mike Douglas

Leader Of Learning

About Me

Fakalofa lahi atu - kia mutolu oti. Koe higoa haaku ko Mike Douglas. Hau au he maaga ko Avatele i Niue mo Tunangamanono mo Vailima i Samoa. Koe haaku a hoana ko Holly, tokoua e ha maua a tau fanau. Tama fakamua ko e tama taane ko Cole, mau a ia kia Millie ti taha e tama taane ha laua ko Hezekiah laua ko Ali-Ella. Tama ke ua aki ha maua koe tama fifine ko Amelie. I’m thrilled to be leading the charge in Future Force! My philosophy is simple: students learn best when they feel safe and connected, so I put building genuine relationships at the heart of everything I do. I’m also lucky enough to share a classroom with my wife, Holly - we’re a package deal dedicated to seeing our tamariki thrive in both their core curriculum and those all-important soft skills. I’m looking forward to a year of growth, school values, and hopefully getting the kids to laugh at at least one of my jokes. It hasn’t happened yet, but it will happen…I think!

E: mike.douglas@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Holly Douglas

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau, ko Holly Douglas tōku ingoa. I am lucky to be a kaiako in the Future Force this year. I began my journey in education here at TPPS as a kaiawhina in Ngākau Māhaki, where I was inspired to become a teacher. After teaching for two years at Te Puke Intermediate I have returned here to continue to support our tamariki in the community I love. Here I have been working beside my husband, where we have created a whānau- focussed learning environment. With a background in design, I am passionate about creating engaging, authentic learning experiences that will help grow amazing future citizens of Te Puke.

E: holly.douglas@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Navjot Kaur

Kaiako

About Me

ਸਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੇਰਾ ਨਾਮ ਨਵਜੋਤ ਕੌਰ ਹੈ Satsriakal mera naam Navjot Kaur hai. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of Future Force, working alongside such amazing kaiako. In my teaching, I aim to create an inclusive and supportive environment where tamariki feel valued and encouraged to do their best. I am committed to nurturing a genuine love of learning while helping my students develop the confidence to take risks, embrace challenges, and grow. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, being at the beach and outdoors. It is an honour to be part of this meaningful journey, and I am dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of our tamariki and the wider community.

E: navjot.kaur@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Nicole Mills

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora e te whanau, Ko Nicole toku ingoa, Nō Whanāgrei ahau, Kei Maketu tōku kāinga ināianei. I will be one of the Kaiako teaching in the Future Force team for 2026. I have lived in Maketu for over 16 years where my whānau also live and are heavily involved in the local community. I have been teaching for 9 or so years including 2 years in London. Outside of the classroom I enjoy boxing and have had 2 corporate fights, I am active at the gym, enjoy spending time with whanau and friends and anything outdoors, I am also a wedding celebrant during the season. I am looking forward to building positive relationships between us, your tamariki and whanau and am excited to see where the 2026 learning journey takes us.

E: nicole.mills@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Talented Tuis

(YEARS 3 & 4)

Talented Tuis

Nikita Pakura

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau, ko Nikita Pakura tōku ingoa. I feel very lucky to be the team leader and kaiako in the Talented Tui’s team this year, working alongside Whaea Tayla. I have a keen interest in Physical Education and also STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), which I love to incorporate into the classroom. I am passionate about creating learning experiences that are fun, engaging, and hands-on, where tamariki can explore, create, and learn through doing. Outside of kura, my husband Troy and our son Rome (aged 2) love spending time with our whānau and friends. We also really enjoy getting outside and going to the beach, the park, or for a hīkoi. I am looking forward to being part of your child’s primary school journey, and welcome you to come and check out our akomanga or have a kōrero anytime - nau mai, haere mai.

E: nikita.pakura@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Tayla McCormick

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau, Ko Tayla tōku ingoa. I am thrilled to be a part of the Talented Tuis team this year, working alongside Nikita! In my teaching, I strive to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels truly valued and supported. I am dedicated to fostering a genuine love for learning and helping my students build the confidence to take risks and grow. Outside of school, you’ll still find me making the most of the outdoors-whether I’m at Lake Rotoiti, camping, or spending quality time with my friends and whānau. I’m so excited to be working in this amazing space and look forward to another year of making a positive impact alongside our wonderful students!

E: tayla.mccormick@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Creative Critters

(YEARS 2 & 3)

Creative Critters

Denise Henson

Leader Of Learning

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau, ko Denise tōku ingoa. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of this amazing kura for the past 15 years. Currently, I am the Team Leader of the Creative Critters Syndicate, working alongside Sharon and Zoe. I am passionate about my role and dedicated to ensuring every child feels valued, safe, and happy at school. A key part of my work is to help build children’s confidence, which I believe is essential for their learning progress. Outside of work, I enjoy being outside. I have completed all 11 Great Walks of NZ. And this year I will be walking the French Way of the Camino de Santiago walking for 40 days across the top of Spain.

E: denise.henson@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Sharon Cooney

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora koutou! Ko Sharon tōku ingoa (Whaea Shaz), and I’m thrilled to be entering my fifth year here at TPPS! Working within the Creative Critters team with Mrs Henson and Whaea Zoe is fun and rewarding. My philosophy is simple: when children feel safe and loved, their "can-do" attitude flourishes. We have a wonderful, supportive team here, and that energy makes every day a highlight for me. Outside of school, my world revolves around my beautiful family—my husband, four kids, and our two fur-babies. We love making the most of our stunning local area, from beach trips to family runs. I value the connection between home and school, so my door is always open to you and your whānau.

E: sharon.cooney@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Zoe Simpson

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora, Ko Zoe tōku ingoa (aka Whaea Zoe). I’m thrilled to be back for my second year at TPPS. I have been teaching since 2015, spending most of my career in Auckland before making the move to the beautiful Bay of Plenty last year. This year, I am loving life in the Creative Critters with my wonderful Year 1–2 class. My teaching philosophy is centered on creating a fun, safe, and inclusive environment where my tamariki feel happy, confident, and eager to learn every single day. When I’m not in the classroom, my whānau love the outdoor lifestyle here. You’ll usually find me with my two children, Violet (9) and Jack (7), surfing at the beach, cheering from the sidelines at the rugby and football clubs, or running the trails up the Papamoa Hills. I’ve also recently caught the triathlon bug, having already completed two events this year! I feel so lucky to be part of this community and can’t wait to support our learners on their journeys throughout 2026.

E: zoe.simpson@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Curious Kiwis

(YEAR 0 & 1)

Curious Kiwis

Sheree Sutherland

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora whãnau, ko Sheree tōku ingoa. I am excited to join TPPS in the Curious Kiwis. I am honored to be a part of the exciting chapter in your child's life as they begin their journey at TPPS. It's a joy watching them learn and grow during their first year at school. Outside of kura I am kept busy creating memories with my husband, three children, whānau and friends exploring our beautiful country.

E: sheree.sutherland@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Mollie Smith

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora whãnau, ko Mollie tōku ingoa. I am absolutely thrilled to be back at Te Puke Primary School after a few years away! This school has such a special community, and it feels wonderful to be back. This year, I have the joy of teaching our New Entrants. Starting school is such a significant milestone, and my goal is to ensure every child feels safe, seen, and excited to walk through the door each morning. I also have a huge passion for dance and love bringing movement into our daily routine. I can't wait to see our newest learners grow, dance, and discover their potential!

E: mollie.smith@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Specialists

Millie Rowe

Specialist Kaiako

About Me

Kia Ora koutou, ko Millie Rowe tōku ingoa. I am incredibly excited to be our specialist Kaiako this year. This is my 5th year at Te Puke Primary, and I have absolutely loved working in a school with such a focus on hauora (wellbeing) for our tamariki and staff. My teaching passions lie in supporting all students to be successful, confident learners. I am looking forward to continuing to support improved academic achievement in all areas. I also lead Performing Arts in this school, providing opportunities for dance, drama and music. Please reach out if you have any questions, ngā mihi.

E: millie.rowe@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Anton Sunde

Sports Coordinator

About Me

Kia Ora whānau, ko Anton tōku ingoa. I have been a part of TPPS for 6 years now. I began in 2020 as a teacher aide in Ngākau Mahaki and it was a great opportunity to be amongst some of our tamariki to teach and support them in a classroom environment. In June 2021 I then became our Sport Coordinator so anything and everything sport-related, whether in school or out, runs through me. My life has always revolved around Sport and Physical Education so having the chance to share my knowledge and skills with our tamariki, whilst enjoying some amazing trips and experiences with them has been and is an amazing job.

E: sport@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Anna Wing

Kaiako

About Me

Kia Ora my name is Anna Wing and I am a teacher here at Te Puke Primary School. I absolutely love teaching part time throughout all areas of the school. I am passionate about teaching and learning and aim to provide a safe, caring and fun environment for your children to thrive. When I am not teaching I help out my husband with our family business and spend time with my two energetic sons. I am really interested in health and fitness and when I am not at work I love to run, hike, swim and spend time outdoors with my family.

E: anna.wing@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Roni Sayer

Learning Support Coordinator

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau. Ko Roni Sayer tōku ingoa. I am proud to have been part of the Te Puke Primary School whānau for six years. My journey here began as a kaiako (teacher), and for the past three years, I have had the privilege of serving as the Learning Support Coordinator (LSC). Originally from Horowhenua, I moved to this area to be closer to my three amazing sons and their partners. Since then, my heart has grown even larger as I am now a proud nan to two beautiful grandsons. I have truly fallen in love with Te Puke and its incredibly supportive community. I feel privileged and blessed that you allow me to be part of your tamariki’s lives. I have a deep passion for teaching and learning, and I especially love working alongside whānau. I work alongside an amazing, creative team of kaiako and kaiawhina (support staff) who are continually striving to enrich our students' lives. I love and encourage whānau involvement and I welcome you to come in for a kōrero any time.

E: roni.sayer@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Michaela Southon

Leader Of Learning

About Me

Coming soon..

E: michaela.southon@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Dail Walding

CRT Kaiako

About Me

Coming soon...

E: dail.walding@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Grant Cooper

CRT Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau, Ko Grant tōku ingoa. I am excited to be part of the team here in Te Puke. It has been a few years since I last taught in Te Puke (at TPI). I have been lucky enough to have taught at some fantastic schools and in many different classrooms throughout my teaching career. I have a passion for Te Reo Māori and Sport, and I look forward to teaching both in each class I go into at Te Kura Tuatahi o Te Puke. Outside of school I enjoy surfing, hanging with the family and just tinkering around my house, making and fixing things.

E: grant.cooper@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Support Staff

Gayle Manson

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora whānau, ko Gayle tōku ingoa. I have been working as a teacher aide at Te Puke Primary school for 6 years. I absolutely love working with our tamariki in the Talented tuis. I work one on one with ORRS tamariki. I am passionate about supporting them with their learning to work towards and achieve their individual goals. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my 4 grandchildren, friends and gardening, upcycling furniture and doing crafts.

E: gayle.manson@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Gloria Bradford

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora whānau, ko Gloria tōku ingoa, I have been a part of TPPS for 5 years. This year I am blessed to be working in Creative Critters as a teacher aide. I’m very grateful to be working alongside amazing kaiako. I enjoy my mahi with our tamariki.

E: gloria.bradford@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Kayleen Metcalfe

Office Manager

About Me

Kia ora whānau, ko Kayleen tōku ingoa. I work in the school office here at Te Puke Primary and have spent the past eight years in education administration. I love being part of such a supportive kura community and working alongside a team who care deeply about our tamariki and whānau. Outside of school, my family and I live on a lifestyle block near the coast where life is usually busy with animals and outdoor adventures. When we’re not at kura, you’ll most likely find us fishing, horse riding, enjoying the beach, or spending time together at home with our animals.

E: kayleen@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Lisa Lawson

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora whānau, ko Lisa tōku ingoa. I have been a member of the support staff at Te Kura tuatahi ō Te Puke for close to 17 years in a number of different roles. This year I am working across the School running ESOL programmes. My passion is our tamariki and the support I can offer them to enable them to have a positive learning experience. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my partner and family.

E: lisa.lawson@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Monique Verwey

Finance Manager

About Me

Kia ora, my name is Monique Verwey and I have worked at Te Puke Primary School for 22 years. I started as a teacher aide assisting high health need students which I loved and then moved onto being a class teacher aide helping wherever I was needed. It was a privilege to help our tamariki be the best they can be. I changed tack 15 years ago, utilising my finance background as the resource and finance manager in the school office which I really enjoy. Working with an awesome team makes coming to work a pleasure. In my spare time I love catching up with my 2 adult children, family and friends and also tackling DIY projects on my house.

E: monique.verwey@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Moni Ngakuru

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora whānau, ko Moni tōku ingoa. I am new to the Te Puke community as a Teacher Aide here at Te Puke Primary School and I really enjoy engaging with all of our tamariki. I have been fortunate to play professional rugby here in New Zealand, in America, and most recently in France, so it feels like a full circle moment to be back in my home province. I’m looking forward to helping our tamariki grow in confidence, develop new skills, and experience the fun and enjoyment that comes with learning. Whether it’s playing games, building new skills, or book work, my goal is to help our tamariki reach their full potential while having fun along the way. I’m very grateful to be part of such a supportive school community and look forward to the year ahead. Ngā mihi, Moni

E: moni.ngakuru@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Sharon Ward

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora my name is Sharon and I have been a Teacher Aide at Te Puke Primary for nearly 6 years. This year I have the pleasure of working in Creative Critters and Future Force. I enjoy making strong connections with the students I work 1:1 with, seeing them open up to new learning experiences and grow in confidence. I have 2 sons that attend Te Puke High School whose attitude to life and giving things ago I admire immensely. Outside of work, I enjoy hanging out with the family, catching up with friends and spending time in the garden.

E: sharon.ward@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Sue White-Parsons

ESOL

About Me

Kia ora, my name is Sue White-Parsons. I have the wonderful role of Teaching ESOL at Te Puke Primary. What a privilege it is to work alongside our tamariki supporting them on their learning journey. I have been at TPPS for at least 12 years. Out of school I enjoy time with my family. My husband and I have 4 Adult children. I enjoy meeting new people, the outdoors, cake decorating, and crafts.

E: sue.white-parsons@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Tony Collins

Caretaker

About Me

Kia ora, Ko Tony tōku ingoa, I am the caretaker at the school. I have been here for nearly five years. I live in Te Puke with my wife and we have three children and 5 grandchildren. In my spare time I love to go fishing and I also love music, I am in two bands which I enjoy playing in. I am a real home body. I try to keep everything in order at school the best I can.

E: tony.collins@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Ali McGee

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora, My name is Ali and I have had the pleasure of joining the awesome Te Puke Primary School whānau as a Teacher Aide since Feb 2024. I LOVE children! I have the privilege of supporting and nurturing our ORRS tamariki within the Creative Critters space this year, and around the kura, when needed: helping in any way I can! My Whānau shares a passion for Rugby League. We are a musical and creative family who love exploring the outdoors together.

E: ali.mcgee@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Marata Moorehead

Teacher Aide

About Me

Coming soon..

E: marata.moorehead@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Kelly Muriwai

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia Ora , Ko Kelly tōku ingoa. I've had the privilege to be a teacher aide at TPPS for coming up one year now. I work closely with our tamariki whom need extra guidance and support with their mahi and being a part of our Kura. I am passionate about all our tamariki success, but have a special place for the ones I work with. If I can help them to achieve their goals, feel safe, happy and included in our Kura, then my heart is happy. I have a brother with ASD who has now grown into adulthood, whom I supported through some of his schooling, which led me to work in a special school of very high needs for about 4years. I'm also a hairdresser by trade, have worked in high-end Auckland salons and also ran my own salon here before I came to TPPS.

E: kelly.muriwai@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Mitchell Dance

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora, My name is Mitch, and I am enjoying being a part of the Te Puke community. I am excited to contribute to the growth of our tamariki. As a teacher aide, I enjoy watching the progress and success of our tamariki, particularly in the realm of sports. I am passionate about promoting teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship both in and out of the classroom with our tamariki. Ngā mihi, Mitch

E: mitchell.dance@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Kathy Corin

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora whānau, ko Kathy tōku ingoa. I am so excited to join the staff here at Te Puke Primary. My background is in Physiotherapy and I am enjoying the move into the incredibly supportive, caring learning environment at TPPS. When not at school I am involved in musical theatre, enjoy exercise, and love exploring new places.

E: kathy.corin@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Jagdeep Kaur

Teacher Aide

About Me

Coming soon..

E: jagdeep.kaur@tepukeprimary.school.nz