Staff – Te Puke Primary School

Senior Leadership

Andrea Dance

Principal

About Me

Kia ora whānau,
Ko Andrea tōku ingoa. I am honoured to be the Tumuaki of Te Puke Primary, a role I hold with great pride. As a dedicated educational leader, my passion lies in guiding and supporting our tamariki on their learning journeys.
Beyond my professional endeavours, my most cherished role is that of a mother. I am blessed to have three children who constantly inspire me. They are my motivation to create a nurturing and empowering environment for all the children at Te Puke Primary. In addition to being a mum, I am also a proud nanna. I am fortunate to have two energetic and spirited grandsons who keep me on my toes. Watching them grow and learn fills my heart with love and a sense of purpose.
Through my role as Tumuaki, I strive to create a positive and inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. I believe in fostering a strong sense of community and whānau, working collaboratively with parents, caregivers, teachers, and the wider community to ensure the success of our tamariki.
I am committed to embracing our unique cultural heritage, incorporating te reo Māori, tikanga, and the values of manaakitanga and whanaungatanga into the fabric of our school. By doing so, we can create a sense of belonging and cultural pride for all our students, nurturing their identity and connection to Aotearoa.
As Tumuaki, I am dedicated to continuous growth and improvement, both personally and professionally. I am passionate about lifelong learning and fostering a love of learning within our school community. Together, we can empower our tamariki to become confident, resilient, and compassionate individuals who make positive contributions to our ever-changing world.

Nāku noa, nā,
Andrea

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 wellbeing is 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 can create a learning environment that nurtures and empowers every individual.
Beyond my professional life I am a proud mother to two enthusiastic and sports-loving boys who keep me busy. Additionally, I am blessed with a supportive husband who also works in the field of education.
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 Ngāi Tai, Ngāti Porou mē Ngāti Haua. I am very privileged to be one of the amazing kaiako that is a part of Ngākau Māhaki for 2023. We are built of some beautiful tamariki from year 0 to 6. I am a passionate Māori man who loves all things Te Ao Māori, such as Kapa Haka, and Mau Rakau. I am a huge fan of all sports and competition. And I love being able to bring these skills and passions to Te Puke Primary.

E: liam@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Olivia Parata

Leader Of Learning

About Me

Tēnā koutou e te whānau. Ko Olivia Parata tōku ingoa and I am the team leader of our reo rua whānau class, Ngākau Māhaki. I have been teaching now for 14 years with 6 of those years here at Te kura tuatahi o Te Puke. My teaching experience is inclusive of Te reo me ona tikanga Māori across year levels 0-8 and performing, singing and visual arts. Our tamariki and their whānau sits at the forefront of everything I do. I am a māmā of three and a grandmother of one. Between my ataahua wahine and I we have e rima ngā tamariki me e rima ngā mokopuna. “I believe that education is more than teaching a curriculum. It takes dedicated, caring and real people with a genuine heart and love for our tamariki! I am looking forward to the duration of 2023.

E: olivia.parata@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Senior Syndicate

(YEARS 5 & 6)

Senior Syndicate

Igna Meyer

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora, whānau. With 4 sons and 4 daughters-in-laws, 12 grandchildren and about 43 years of teaching behind me, children have always played an overwhelmingly important role in my life. As you can see, I love numbers but also science and reading and gardening - loads to keep me busy. My soul is strengthened by my faith in Christ but also by being around children - we think we are teaching children, but really, they are teaching us! Cherish your children.

E: igna.meyer@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Isaac Cochrane

Kaiako

About Me

Kia Ora, My name is Isaac Cochrane. This is my first year teaching here at TPPS. I have been teaching for 23 years from year 3 up to year 8. I am passionate to see all students succeed and follow their passions. I enjoy building relationships with my students, learning about their whanau and their interests. Outside of school, I love time with my family. I enjoy gardening, house renovations, keeping fit and attending church. I recently completed the Taupo Ironman and Queenstown marathon. My next goal is to compete in the Mount half Ironman in January. I love adventures and setting personal challenges. It's a privilege to be a part of the TPPS community.

E: isaac.cochrane@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Mike Douglas

Head of ICT/Kaiako

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. Tama ke ua aki ha maua koe tama fifine ko Amelie.

It is great to be back teaching in the Senior Syndicate after a year of study and working alongside Whaea Millie, Whaea Roni and Matua Isaac. I am looking forward to incorporating Pasifika and Performing Arts into our classroom programme as well as throughout our kura as these are two areas I am passionate about. One thing I enjoy about teaching is getting to know people and learning about their story. The more you know about others, the more you can connect in a genuine and authentic way. This breaks down barriers to learning and gives everyone a space to learn.

E: mike.douglas@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Millie Rowe

Kaiako

About Me

Kia Ora whānau, kō Millie tōku ingoa. I am one of our Senior Syndicate teaching team. This is my fourth year teaching, and I am thoroughly enjoying working alongside some very talented and passionate Kaiako. I particularly love doing dance, drama and singing both with our tamariki and in my spare time, and look forward to seeing our school production come to life in 2023.

E: millie.rowe@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Talented Tuis

(YEARS 3 & 4)

Talented Tuis

Michaela Southon

Leader Of Learning

About Me

Kia ora, talofa lava. Ko Michaela tōku ingoa. I am so proud to be a kaiako in the Talented Tui’s again for 2023, collaborating alongside Mollie and Nikita. I have a natural passion for Te Ao Māori and Pasifika Education, and also Visual Arts. Outside of kura, I enjoy spending time with my whānau, especially my partner and our two daughters, Jada (4) and Mila (2). We love going back home to Te Kaha when we can. I love the fun, vibrant, culturally responsive and safe space we have at TPPS. Our door is always open for our TT whānau/aiga. We love connecting with you whenever we get the chance. Nau mai, haere mai!

E: michaela.southon@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Mollie Smith

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau, ko Mollie toku ingoa. I am thrilled to be a part of the Talented Tuis team for the third year running and have the privilege of working alongside two awesome kaiako. As a member of the Talented Tuis team, I am committed to creating an environment where students feel able to express themselves and reach their full potential.

Outside of the classroom I like to spend my spare time hanging out with my whānau, going to the beach and dancing. Dancing is a passion of mine and is something I love to incorporate into the classroom. I can often be found encouraging not only tamariki to dance but also the staff. I look forward to a year filled with joy, growth, laughter and dance.

E: molliejanesmith@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Nikita Pakura

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora whānau, ko Nikita Pakura tōku ingoa. I feel very lucky to be a part of the Talented Tui’s team this year. Six years ago, I began teaching in Kirikiriroa (Hamilton), I have since lived and taught in Australia and am super excited to be back in Aotearoa to continue my love for education. I have a keen interest in Physical Education and also STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics). In my spare time, I love to be out exercising, playing sports, watching movies and spending time with my husband, whānau and friends.

E: nikita.pakura@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Creative Critters

(YEARS 2 & 3)

Creative Critters

Denise Henson

Leader Of Learning

About Me

Kia ora, my name is Denise Henson. I am Team Leader of the Creative Critters Syndicate which is a class made up of Year 2 and Year 3 students. I love my job and feel very passionate about making every child feel valued, safe and happy to be at school. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, playing golf and I am currently in the process of conquering all of the Great Walks of NZ.

E: denise.henson@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Sera Cookson

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau ko Sera tōku ignoa, I feel very lucky to be a part of Creatives Critters as my first year at Te Puke Primary and work alongside two amazing teachers, Mrs. Hensen and Whaea Shaz. My first experience in teaching, I worked in Whakatāne for 2 years before starting my new chapter here, at Te Puke Primary. My goal in Education is to make a happy and safe environment for all children to feel comfortable in finding their interests, making mistakes and to enjoy being at school. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with whānau and friends, tramping, camping and spending time near the water every chance I get.

E: sera.cookson@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Sharon Cooney

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau. Ko Sharon Cooney tōku ignoa. I am part of the Creative Critters team collaborating with two amazing kaiako, Whaea Sera and Mrs Henson, our team leader, alongside our wonderful caring TA’s Liana, Gayle, Gloria, Sade, Sharon, and Lisa. I started my journey at TPPS in 2021 as a specialist teacher and reliever but have been involved in schools for years with my own beautiful four children, Lily (19), Grace (17), George (15) and Pearl (13).. I absolutely love your tamariki and all their curiosities and individual nuances they bring to school every day. I feel very privileged to be part of their learning journey of life and want the very best for them. Please know the door is always open. In my spare time I love to run (hence why if your children are in my hāpu they will do a lot of running, but they will get fit), and go on adventures with my whānau.

E: sharon.cooney@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Curious Kiwis

(YEAR 0 & 1)

Curious Kiwis

Collen Wills

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora koutou Te Puke Primary whānau. Ko Colleen Wills ahau. I am the newest member of the skilled Curious Kiwi team and I am thrilled to be coming home to Te Puke Primary and becoming part of the dynamic team that Mrs Dance and her teachers are building. After growing up in Te Puke and being a past pupil of Te Puke Primary, it has been wonderful to reconnect with local whanau, friends, community and Iwi. I strongly believe that parents are their child's first and most important teacher, and look forward to rolling my sleeves up and developing effective learning partnerships with all my students, parents, and colleagues.

Kelly Lewer

Leader Of Learning

About Me

Kia Ora whānau, kō Kelly tōku ingoa. I am the team leader of the Curious Kiwis who are the new entrants of Te Puke Primary School. I feel very privileged to be a part of this next chapter of your child's life as they start their schooling journey. I enjoy seeing children learn and grow during their first year at school. I have been teaching for the last 9 years in Taranaki but after having our second child we decided we wanted to be closer to our whanau and friends for their support. My husband and I love to spend time with our two children who are six and two, we love making memories together on our family adventures.

E: kelly.lewer@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Suzanne Hartley

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora whānau, ko Suzanne Hartley tōku ingoa. I have been teaching for over 40 years and this year I am with the Curious Kiwis. I am very excited about implementing Structured Literacy with my tamariki. I love being able to incorporate my passion for music, drama and art into my teaching and am currently challenging myself to pass on the knowledge and skills I am learning at our course. Gardening, playing keyboard in our church band, and spending precious times with my 3 grandsons are some of the things I enjoy out of school.

E: suzanne.hartley@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Specialists

Anton Sunde

Sports Coordinator

About Me

Kia Ora whānau, ko Anton tōku ingoa. I have been a part of TPPS for 3 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 passion 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 is a no brainer.

E: sports@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. This is my 4th year teaching at Te Puke Primary School. I moved here to be closer to my three amazing sons. Previously, I taught and lived in Horowhenua. I love coming to work at TPPS and I feel privileged and blessed that you allow me to be part of your tamariki (children’s) lives. I have a passion for teaching and learning and I especially love writing, art and sport. There is nothing more joyful than seeing a taitamaiti (child) flourish and grow doing what they love and enjoying new experiences. I work alongside an amazing, creative team of kaiako that are continually striving to enrich our students' lives. We love and encourage whānau involvement and we welcome you to visit at any time.

E: roni.sayer@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Helena Hoult

Kaiako

About Me

Coming Soon

E: helena.hoult@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Support Staff

Amber Smith

ESOL

About Me

Kia ora, my name is Amber. I absolutely love my role teaching ESOL at Te Puke Primary School. I have the privilege of working with many of our children and it's an incredibly rewarding job. Outside of school I love spending time with my family, my husband and I have two teenage daughters, who are very involved in their sport. I also enjoy spending time in the outdoors and gardening.

E: amber.smith@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Angie Kasper

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora whānau, kō Angie tōku ingoa. I am the Specialist Teacher at our Kura. Within my role I have the privilege to work with our ORRS funded tamariki and also closely with our kaiako and Senco. I have been at our kura since 2017. Out of school I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends, shopping, travelling and biking.

E: angie.kasper@tepukeprimary.school.nz

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 5 years. I absolutely love working with our tamariki in the Creative critters and 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 3 grandchildren, friends and gardening, upcycling furniture and doing crafts.

E: gayle.manson@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Gloria Bradford

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora whãnau, ko Gloria tōku ingoa, I have been a part of TPPS for 2 years. This year I am blessed to be working in Ngãkau Mãhaki as a full time 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

Karla Potene

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora whānau, ko Karla tōku ingoa, I am privileged to be my son Morehu Matiaha full time teacher aide in Ngākau Māhaki. Morehu is anaphylactic to Dairy, Egg,Peanut. Working alongside of him has been a blessing. I'm also grateful to work with such amazing kaiako in Ngākau Māhaki. I enjoy my mahi with our tamariki.

E: karla.potene@tepukeprimaryl.school.nz

Kayleen Metcalfe

Office Manager/Principal's PA

About Me

Kia ora whānau, ko Kayleen tōku ingoa.
I have been working in education in the office environment for 5 years now, having spent the last 18 months as Office Manager & Principals PA at Te Puke Primary. I am very proud to be working aside some amazing people who make it a pleasure to come to work each day. My partner and I have two children, our son who attends Te Puke High School, and our daughter who attends Te Puke Primary with me. We are an animal mad family and live on a beautiful lifestyle block off the Matata Straights. Our spare time is spent camping, fishing, horse riding or hanging out at home.

E: kayleen.metcalfe@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Liana Dance

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau,
Ko Liana Sunde tōku ingoa, and I have been working as a teacher aide at Te Puke for 2 and a half years. I am truly passionate about my job and feel privileged to work with the tamariki in our kura. Every day, I am inspired by their growth and learning. I have a fur baby named Tua, who holds a special role as the school's Hauora Hound. Tua brings joy and positivity to our school community, promoting well-being among our students. Sports hold a significant place in my heart, and I have had the incredible opportunity to represent our country in water polo. During my spare time, I prioritise staying active and enjoying the outdoors. I am grateful for the experiences and connections I have made thus far, and I look forward to continuing my journey of empowering and supporting our tamariki at Te Puke.

Noho ora mai,
Liana Sunde

E: liana.dance@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 14 years in a number of different roles. This year I am working across the Senior School running programmes of Learning and also in The Creative Critters working one on one with a child. 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 family and am lucky enough to have my grandson attend our Kura also.

E: lisa.lawson@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Maraea Coles

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora Koutou
Ko Maraea toku ingoa
Kei te kura o te tuatahi o te Te Puke e mahi ana, e toru nga tau ki Ngakau Mahaki e kaiawhina ahau, ano ki te awhina a tatau tamariki, kia tutuki nga taumata o te ao maori.
Ka whakaako ahau i te kaiako ahau nga reanga tau tahi ki te tau ono.
No reira tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa
My name is Maraea
I have worked here at Te Puke Primary School for nearly 3 years
As a Kaiawhina in Ngakau Mahaki
I am passionate about helping our children achieve in all areas of their learning through a te ao maori lens
I teach years one through to year six.

E: maraea.coles@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 recently returned to New Zealand after playing basketball in Australia, and 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.
This year, I have made a switch in sporting codes, transitioning from basketball to rugby. It's an exciting new chapter for me as I embark on my first season playing for the Te Puke Pirates. Additionally, I am honored to be a part of the Bay of Plenty Steamers academy, which provides me with valuable opportunities to enhance my skills and contribute to the rugby community.
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

Monique Powell

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia Ora Whānau, ko Monique tōku ingoa. I have been a part of TPPS Kura for 8 years and still enjoy working with tamariki. Te Puke is my home town which I love being a part of this community. In my spare time I enjoy time with my family, being outdoors and travelling.

E: monique.powell@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Monique Verwey

Admin, Finance Manager

About Me

Kia ora, my name is Monique Verwey and I have worked at Te Puke Primary School for 19 years. I started as a teacher aide assisting high health need students and then took up a resource and finance position in the school office. In my spare time I love catching up with family and friends, completing DIY projects on my home and for down time reading a good book and Netflix!

E: monique.verwey@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Olivia Warlow

Teacher Aide

About Me

Coming Soon

E: olivia.warlow@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Sade Wilson

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia Ora Whanau, ko Sadē tōku ingoa. I am a teacher aide in the Creative Critters. I have 2 beautiful daughters and I have worked at TPPS since 2022. In my spare time I enjoy spending it with my family, at the beach or at the Lake. I am excited to be working along side our amazing Kaiako here at TPPS and all of our beautiful tamariki at Te Puke Primary School.

E: sade.wilson@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Sharn Kiri

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora Whānau. Ko Sharn tōku ingoa. I am currently a teacher aide in the Talented Tuis. I have had the pleasure of working alongside some amazing tamariki & kaiako here at TPPS. I have been a part of the education system for 9 years now & being a TA has been a whole new & eye opening experience for me which I thoroughly enjoy. My 10 year old son attends TPPS as a year 6 in the Senior Syndicate & is thriving.

E: sharn.kiri@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Sharon Ward

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora my name is Sharon and I am one of the Teacher Aides at Te Puke Primary. I have the pleasure of working with children individually and in groups to support their learning. Outside of school I enjoy hanging out with my family and to get some uninterrupted time with a book and a cuppa is a treat.

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 two years. Shadow our school cat is my best friend. I live in Te Puke with my wife and we have three children and 5 grandchildren. I also have a grandson that attends the school. In my spare time I love to go fishing and I also love music, I am in two bands which I enjoy playing with 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