It is always exciting being in any field of education but to be the Tumuaki of Te Kura Takawaenga ō Ōtātara is indeed a privilege. I have extensive leadership experience, this being my fourth principalship over the last twenty three years, much of which has been involved with the wonderful year 7–9 tamariki. I love the challenge that Year 7 & 8s bring, with its mixture of youth, self-awareness and energy all captured within a two year period.
My mantra of “Good to Great, Great to Excellent” means that I’m ever striving to provide our tamariki with the best possible education, academic and social opportunities, whist empowering all of those who work with and alongside our ākonga / learners to be at their very best too. I love agentic learning!
Though I may be small in stature, you will see me, or hear me, around our kura constantly.
I've spent most of my teaching career, teaching at intermediate level so YES I definitely have a passion for this age group. The challenges and rewards they bring add up to an amazing journey over the 2 years that ākonga are with us. My passions in education lie in the fields of maths, inquiry and digital technologies - providing students with the attributes to thrive in the changing world they are growing up in. It is great being part of a dynamic school that sees teaching and learning as a collaborative partnership between the learner, the teacher, the whānau and the wider community.
It is a privilege to be part of the Taradale Intermediate team who work tirelessly to serve our community. Working with emerging adolescents brings its own challenges but many rewards as this age group transition from being children into teenagers, and the complexities this brings. Foundational to my work are the relationships I build with ākonga and whānau ensuring the best possible outcomes for everyone. I’m excited by the direction the school is heading in and believe we provide an educational setting where we work hard to grow our ākonga into the best version of themselves that they can be.
Kia ora koutou katoa!
My name is Viv LeComte and I am stepping into the SENCO role this year. I have been at our kura for 14 years as a classroom teacher and Team Leader. My new role will have me working alongside kaiawhina and kaiako to ensure great outcomes for our ākonga.
I also enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, and heading into the great outdoor, a good book is always nearby!
I have been part of the teaching staff at TIS for many years as I love teaching this age group. I am a specialist teacher of PE for 2025. I am also in charge of co-ordinating all the sport at TIS and EOTC (learning in the outdoors)
My passion is get our learners to live a healthy lifestyle, make healthy choices and include daily physical activity into their lives through sport and recreation.
My interests outside of school are mountain biking, running, tramping, reading, kayaking and canoe polo.
HUGH REED - Special Project - Curriculum Implementation Maths
Kia ora koutou, Ko Hugh Reed toku ingoa. I have been at Taradale Intermediate for 8 and a half years and love teaching intermediate-aged learners. I look forward to working with whanau, fellow teachers, and students towards meeting Rm 8 ākonga goals. When I am not at school I am kept busy with my three children aged 8, 6, and 3. I used to play a lot of Rugby and am still involved as I now do some junior coaching for my boys. I play tennis and football now and enjoy most sports. I moved to Hawkes Bay in 2008 and have lived here ever since. Originally, I am from Darfield, which is a little country town in Canterbury.
JAIMEE LACK - Room 7
Kia ora! Ko Jaimee Lack tōku ingoa. I’m excited to be teaching in Room 7 this year. I’ve been teaching at Taradale Intermediate for over 6 years now. As an ex-student of this kura, TIS will always be a special place for me. I absolutely love teaching this age group and I’m passionate about helping students to reach their goals. Some of my passions are maths, health, PE, science and EOTC. Before I started my teaching career, I spent many years working and travelling overseas. Outside of the classroom, you’ll find me making special memories with whānau and friends. My husband and I are blessed to have two beautiful children, which keep us busy. I also enjoy cooking, painting, cake decorating, swimming, camping and travelling.
I’m looking forward to a busy and exciting year in Room 7.
This year you will find me in Room 24. I am looking forward to leading the fantastic group of learners and teachers in the Tareha Learning Team. Our team is proudly named after the local chief – Tareha. I cannot wait to see what we are all capable of – we are eyeing up the Whānaukura Trophy!
I am an experienced classroom teacher with 26 years’ experience as a teacher and a leader in intermediate school settings. The last fourteen of these have been at Taradale Intermediate. I have had a variety of roles while I have been here including Acting Deputy Principal in 2018 and two years as Learning Leader working on various special projects, 2019-2020. I was also lucky enough to be awarded a TeachNZ Sabbatical in Term 3, 2020 where I researched ways to build genuine learning partnerships with parents and whānau to help meet the learning and wellbeing needs of all learners. I work two days a week for the Ōtātara Kāhui Ako as an Across School Leader – this involves working across nine local schools helping raise learner wellbeing and achievement through being prepared to learn, quality transitions and coherent pathways.
I am passionate about developing learners as agents of their own learning. I have high expectations and enjoy developing powerful relationships with parents, whānau and learners. I love all areas of English - especially debating, Lit Quiz, public speaking and writing.
2025 is going to be another exciting year as we all journey together on our discovery of something new. We have an exciting vision for our place – I hope you are all ready to come along for the ride.
Mā te wā!
See you soon!
Kia ora! Ko Adele Davis tōku ingoa. I’m excited to be teaching in Room 23 this year alongside our amazing Tareha team! This is my 2nd year at Taradale Intermediate and I love teaching intermediate aged learners. I am passionate about dance, literacy, P.E and health and helping students to reach their goals.
Outside of the classroom, you’ll find me spending time with my three beautiful tamariki and partner. I also enjoy reading, going to the gym, walking and spending time at the beach with my loved ones.
I’m looking forward to a busy and exciting year in Room 23!
Kia ora! Ko Brittney tōku ingoa. I am an experienced classroom teacher and I love teaching the intermediate age group. I am very passionate about Literacy, PB4L, providing opportunities for learners here at TIS and encouraging all learners to be the best they can be. 2025 is looking to be a busy year with some exciting topics on the horizon and I can't wait to see what our learners come up with.
In my spare time, I enjoy playing netball, reading a good book and spending time with family.
Looking forward to seeing you all around our kura this year!
Kia Ora I’m Caitlin Kruger. I am a sixth year teacher in Room 21. I gained my teaching degree at EIT Taradale. I was lucky enough to be accepted into such an amazing, hands on course which allowed me to learn and teach alongside some amazing teachers and children in all areas of Hawkes Bay. I enjoy all sports, singing and all hands-on learning in the classroom. I am very lucky to have the support of my Tareha team and my amazing colleagues. As part of my leadership learning I am the teacher responsible for implementing HERO in the classrooms.
Kia ora, my name is Louise Gray. I teach in Room 13 and am team leader of Tākitimu whanaukura.My passions are Maths, Health, PE and EOTC. My interests out of school are all sports, reading, dog walking and spending time with my family.I am looking forward to another fantastic year of learning, sporting and cultural opportunities at Taradale Intermediate.
Kia ora! Ko James toku ingoa. I am in my second year at Taradale Intermediate. I am excited to be starting in a kura and team full of passionate, knowledgeable and supportive people. I have recently returned to NZ after being abroad in Germany for 10 years. I have a background in visual arts and have a love of both maths and creative writing. When I’m not at school I’m busy on creative projects, out hiking, biking, at the beach, or reading a good book.
Kia ora! Ko Leanne toku ingoa. I have been teaching at TIS for a few years now as I absolutely enjoy this Year 7/8 age group and what our kura can offer them. I'm passionate about literacy, inquiry learning and wellbeing. In my spare time I enjoy being with my family, walking, catching up with friends and relaxing with a great novel.
Kia ora, my name is Leah Breeds and this year you’ll find me in room 17 & 18 which is our collaborative space. I have been teaching at TIS for far too many years to count because it's a great school with awesome students and I can't think of anywhere else I'd like to teach!
One of my passions is language and language learning and I have a BA in linguistics and French alongside my teaching qualification. My other passion is Performing Arts and you will find me involved in many cultural activities at school including orchestra, choir, and bands. This year I am excited about working with our talented tamariki on our school production, Shrek Jr.
Hi, I’m Kelly Hutcheson and you will find me in Room 17 & 18 this year, co-teaching with Leah in our collaborative space. Originally from the UK, I settled in NZ in 2007 after initially coming for a year’s working holiday. This is my seventh year at Taradale Intermediate and I love working alongside such an amazing group of collaborative, committed colleagues. When I’m not at school I’m fairly busy with my family or testing the limits of just how much you can do yourself with home renovations. Looking forward to a fantastic 2025!
Kia ora and welcome to 2025! Ko Nikki Shakeshaft tōku ingoa. I am excited to be leading the Kaweka Whanaukura for 2025 and am the teacher in Room 1. I have been a part of our TIS whānau since 2004 and during my time at our school I have had the privilege of working with a talented and passionate staff and some amazing learners. I am passionate about Inquiry and conceptual based learning as well as fostering agency, creativity and innovation in our learners. During the year you may also find me running our Culinary Arts programme. Outside of school I love to travel to new places with my whānau (Husband Chris, little person Thea our Labrador Walt) and I am also a bit of a foodie, spending lots of time in the kitchen creating new dishes to test out on friends and family. We are a family who loves football and are connected to our local Napier City Rovers football club. I am looking forward to working with the learners and whānau of our Kaweka learners this year.
Kia Ora, my name is Matt Murtha and I am in my seventh year of teaching. I began my journey teaching in Auckland for two years before returning to Hawke’s Bay in 2019 where I was at Hastings Central School. I am very excited to be teaching here at Taradale Intermediate where I was a student. I am very passionate about sports, especially Rugby, Basketball and Cricket, and I play rugby for the Napier Pirates Rugby Club. I really enjoy teaching mathematics and also P.E, as I love to get kids active through sports and recreation. I am looking forward to being a part of Taradale Intermediate Community and Mohaka whānau kura.
Kia Ora koutou, ko Tania Walters toku ingoa. Hello everyone, I am Tania Walters. I am excited to be teaching in Room 4 this year alongside mighty Kaweka. This is my sixth year at TIS and I love experiencing learning and growth from all my students. I am involved with Basketball and Kapa Haka, and my favourite subject is Math.
In my free time, I love spending time with my partner and our 4 kiddies (they keep us very busy), I love BBQ's and summer with our friends and family, I play netball and like to go on holidays around NZ and the world - when we can.
VANESSA WEST - Room 5
Kia ora, Ko Hannah Leadbetter tōku ingoa.
I am a ‘people person’ who thrives on the collegiality and collaboration that comes with working as part of a team. I’m excited to be working alongside Claudia in Room 6 this year. In addition to team teaching in Room 6, you’ll also find me in the Innovation Centre with the Te Pūmanawa Toi Hangarua team, diving into all things digital and creative.
I’ve had the privilege of teaching for 15 incredible years, and I can truly say that teaching is not just a job for me—it’s my passion. Over the years, I’ve worked with students across all year levels, from Year 0 through to intermediate, and I’ve been honoured to witness countless moments of growth and achievement.
My teaching philosophy is rooted in kindness, nurturing, and fun. I believe that students flourish when they enjoy the learning process and feel supported through positive relationships. Every day, I aim to create a classroom environment where students feel safe, inspired, and curious to explore. It’s an honour to be part of their educational journey, and I am committed to making a meaningful, lasting impact in their lives.
To me, education isn’t a destination or an arrival point—it’s a lifelong learning experience.
Mā te wā - See you soon!
CLAUDIA GREEN- Room 6
Kia ora whānau, ko Claudia Green toku ingoa. I am excited to be starting my new adventure in Hawke's Bay and at TIS for 2025 after moving from my hometown of Nelson. I have spent the last four years teaching at intermediate level and look forward to working alongside the awesome Hannah and our wonderful tamariki in Room 6 this year.
My teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in creating strong, nurturing relationships with tamariki and guiding them to grow as people and learners. I am driven to support students in developing a growth mindset to be resilient, confident and curious learners.
I am a very keen sportswoman and spend a lot of my time either training or playing cricket. I love sharing my passion for sport and hauora with my students and colleagues and bringing this energy into the classroom and school environment.
I look forward to meeting you all soon!
Kia Ora Koutou. My name is Mandy Barber and I am a proud and member of the Technology team. I've taught TIS learners for a long while now and I have spent some time teaching overseas too. You can find me in the Innovation Centre where I have the privilege of providing ākonga with the opportunity to design and create products using a range of natural products, fabric and hard materials with Te Pūhiko Raranga team. My teaching passions lie with technology, science, maths and EOTC. I love helping students learn how to make sense of the world they live in and encourage them to improve it for our future. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors, mountain biking, playing and coaching hockey, going to the gym, reading and travelling whenever I can.
Kia ora. I have been teaching at TIS for a number of years as a classroom teacher. I'm now an Innovation Practitioner in the Te Pūhiko Raranga team, sharing and developing innovation and technology skills with our learners in the Innovation Centre. I also enjoy teaching literacy, and science, coaching volleyball, and organising orienteering events. I thoroughly enjoy connecting with and teaching ākonga in the emergent adolescence stage, supporting them in their learning journey of discovery, growth, and success. My out-of-school interests include enjoying time with my family and friends, walking, watching a good movie, traveling, and anything chocolate!
Kia ora e te whānau, my name is Simon Lord, and I am an Innovation Practitioner in Tu Pūmanawa Toi Hangarau. I’m thrilled to support students as they unleash their creativity and push the boundaries of innovation in these dynamic spaces. I can’t wait to see the incredible ideas you bring to life and to be inspired by your creativity. I’m excited to get started!
Napier has been my home for most of my life, where I’ve had the privilege of raising my family. Beyond my passion for innovation, I have a deep love for sports, especially rugby, which I enjoy coaching. Another passion of mine is coding, and I also run Ark Survival Ascended servers, blending creativity, problem-solving, and community building in the digital space.
Kia ora koutou. I am Mrs Lynley Brinsley, and I have been at TIS for many years now and enjoy working with Intermediate ākonga. I'm looking forward to being involved in the Tu Pūmanawa Toi Hangarau group this year. This group is focused on developing creativity and innovation through Arts and Technology. Recently I have been involved in Visual arts, Performing Arts, and Biotechnology. Hawkes Bay has been my home for forty-four years, and I can’t think of a better place to call home.
Kia ora e te whānau, my name is Anita Borger and I am an Innovation Practitioner in the Tu Pūmanawa Toi Hangarau and Te Pūhiko Raranga teams. I am excited to collaborate with students and support their creativity and innovation in these dynamic spaces. Seeing their ideas come to life is truly inspiring!
Originally from Palmerston North, I have lived in Napier for the past 7 years with my family and love being part of this vibrant community. I look forward to fostering curiosity and exploration in our learners as we navigate the ever-evolving world of technology and design together.
Kia ora. I have been a part of the office team for a few years now. In my role I support the admin team, teachers, and learners at Taradale Intermediate. I am often the first point of contact for the school as I am found at the front desk in reception. When not working I'm probably taking part in one of my geeky hobbies - board games, TTRPG, video games or watching musicals.
Hi there, You will find me in the office working alongside my colleague, Nicky. I commenced work here in 2000. TIS really is a wonderful learning and working environment which makes it a pleasure to provide administrative support for our staff, students, parents/caregivers and the wider community. My role is varied, challenging and interesting, and includes financial management, student database management, following up unexplained absences, general sickbay and office duties. I have two children who have spent their intermediate years at TIS and are now out in the working world.
Kia Ora. My name is Jo Woolley and I have proudly been a part of theTaradale Intermediate School team for the last 18 years. My key role is to support and guide the social, physical, and emotional needs of our learners, their families, and staff. I consider myself very fortunate to work with a fantastic group of learners and adults in a warm, welcoming, and dynamic environment. Outside of school I like to cook, take my dog for walks, travel and spend time with family and friends.
Being a Learning Assistant at TIS provides me the opportunity and privlidge of working with both our amazing learners and an awesome teaching staff. I have worked in schools in Auckland, Ireland and now here in the beautiful Hawkes Bay where I share my life with my partner and our two gorgeous girls. Being a Learning Assistant at TIS provides me the opportunity and privilege of working with our amazing learners, teachers and support staff.
My name is Jack and I am excited to begin my third year at TIS as a learning assistant. I enjoy working with this age group immensely. They are keen and interested learners and I feel proud of the progress that I can help support them achieve. Outside of work I live with my whānau and two crazy dogs; Jessie and Frankie. I enjoy travel, movies, reading and hanging out with friends.
Hi I'm Lisa... outside of school I love being with my family. We enjoy camping, going to the river and walking our 2 dogs. We are a hockey family, so often down at the turf. I enjoy being around my friends and making new connections. I'm really looking forward to supporting our learners in 2025.
JOURNEY OTENE - Kaiāwhina
FINN DIPHOORN - Kaiāwhina
I have served as the Volunteer School Chaplain at TIS since 2009. Lifewalk Charitable Trust defines the role of a Chaplain as a “trusted friend” who is there to encourage and support Students and Staff. It is a unique role in that I come not as a teacher, administrator, or parent, but as just “Steve.” Students face many pressures and issues in their lives and I count it a privilege to work alongside the Staff at TIS. Lifewalk directs Chaplains to not initiate conversations with Students or Staff about spiritual matters. I do not and will not approach students or staff to start a spiritual discussion or put pressure on them to head in any spiritual direction. The role of a Chaplain is not to promote any particular Church or denomination, but to facilitate the flow of information about local youth groups. I also serve as Chaplain at Taradale High School, EIT and teach the Champions programme at two Primary schools. I am originally from California and have lived in New Zealand for about 16 years. My wife is originally from Taradale and we have three children. I have previously taught school and coached many sports. I love film, travel, reading, sports (tennis, golf, mountain biking, basketball, softball and hockey on the turf with the students!). I spend Interval and Lunch hours at school, attend assemblies and special events, spend time in the Staff room, lead the Chess Club, and help lead a weekly afterschool Bible Club (students get permission from their Parents/Caregivers to attend). Taradale Intermediate is a wonderful school and it is a real joy to serve here.