Our Staff
"I can honestly say after 30+ years in education that we have assembled here at Kaurilands the most talented, hardworking, caring, creative and innovative staff I have ever worked with. This is every member of our 60 strong staff - what a team, they make me proud everyday." - Jo Augustine, Principal
Abby Skeen
Rūma Wha A (Room 4a) Y5 Teacher / Yr 5 Team Leader
Email Abby SkeenI’m Abby and I am super excited to be leading the Y5 team this year. I love creating fun, vibrant and supportive learning environments where children can be themselves and reach their full potential. I enjoy going to the beach, reading and trying out new coffee shops around town with my friends.
Alana McKenzie
Associate Principal
Email Alana McKenzieI feel very privileged to be one of the Associate Principals at this fabulous school. I have been teaching for 19 years, most recently at Glen Eden Primary. I love teaching Yr 4-8, sparking curiosity and having fun. I enjoy spending time with whānau, watching rugby and going to the speedway.
Alyce Fulop
Teacher Aide
Email Alyce FulopI absolutely love supporting the children I work with and being a part of the Kaurilands community. I am a Mum of four children who have all attended our lovely school. In my down time I love reading, cooking, heading to the gym and I am quite partial to a bit of shopping!
Amelia Le Cheminant
Rūma Tahi B (Room 1b) Y6 Teacher
Email Amelia Le CheminantI have been teaching at Kaurilands since 2012 and absolutely love being part of this school community. I have taught all age groups and I am really looking forward to working with the Senior School and my amazing Y6 students.
I am a mum of 3 and love reading, yoga, delicious food and gardening.
Anita Maxwell
Administrator
Email Anita MaxwellI feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with an incredible bunch of colleagues and wonderful children.
Each day brings something new at Kaurilands. Our family are long term residents of Titirangi, we absolutely love our community and our natural treasure - the Waitakere ranges.
Ashley Goodspeed
Rūma Tahi A (Room 1a) Y6 Teacher
Email Ashley GoodspeedI am thrilled to be a part of the Kaurilands whānau. I believe in creating a positive environment supporting students and love the adventure that students and teacher embark on while learning together. I enjoy spending time with family and being outdoors, especially the beach or running trails.
Catalina Camargo
Sick Bay Administrator
Email Catalina CamargoI am Catalina from Colombia and have been living in NZ for 15 years. I am so excited to be part of this amazing community and adore working with children. I speak English and Spanish and consider myself a very creative person, one of my favourite hobbies is arts & crafts with my son Emilio.
Catherine Wiechern
Rūma Whitu (Room 7) Y4 Teacher
Email Catherine WiechernI consider myself very lucky to have been given the opportunity to work at Kaurilands. I am a second year teacher working in Rūma Whitu in Year 4. I am excited for the year ahead with my class and the other staff who make this school such a wonderful learning environment.
Catriona Pianina
Rūma Teka mā ruā (Room 12) Y3 Teacher
Email Catriona PianinaGetting to know whānau is important and I work hard to provide a balance in my teaching to cater for every unique learner. My passions are personal wellbeing and all things creative. I love spending time with family, being in nature and hanging out with my two adorable cats Lola and Luigi.
Clare Taylor
Teacher Aide
Email Clare TaylorAs a Teacher Aide here at Kaurilands I have the honour of assisting teachers and students. I'm blown away every day by the support and care fostered here by all, to ensure a well rounded learning experience. I love hiking in the bush and swimming at any meeting of sea and sand.
Emma Tamura
Release Teacher
Email Emma TamuraIt is wonderful to be part of the warm, welcoming, whānau that Kaurilands is. Along with relieving, I'm thrilled to be Rm 19's Friday teacher! Both my boys are Kaurilands kids and have thrived in the amazing, inclusive environment that our school offers. If you see me walking my dog, say Hi!
Erin Namajuska
Associate Principal
Email Erin NamajuskaI have had the pleasure of teaching our amazing students for 11 great years. I have a passion for teaching and learning and do my very best to make learning engaging and fun for all. I am excited about working with children across the school this year in my new role as Assistant Principal.
Frances McBeath
Teacher Aide
Email Frances McBeathI am excited to be part of the amazing Kaurilands team as a Teacher Aide, supporting teachers and tamariki. I worked in educational publishing for 27 years and I’m passionate about literacy, children’s literature and lifelong learning. I have a daughter at Kaurilands as well as adult children.
Frances O’Hanlon
Rūma Ono (Room 6) Y4 Teacher
Email Frances O’HanlonKaurilands is a fantastic whānau to be part of and I feel fortunate to be working with a great team with awesome tamariki. Knowing my students and providing a safe environment where they can explore their passions through meaningful learning experiences is the most important thing to me.
Georgia Martin
Sport & PE Co-ordinator
Email Georgia MartinI am excited to take on the Sport & PE role this year. I look forward to working with all of the children and sparking an interest in sport. I hope to give all tamariki opportunities to try sports in a fun and engaging way! I will also be taking care of all of our Inter School competitions.
Georgia Thompson
Rūma Waru B (Room 8b) Y4 Teacher
Email Georgia ThompsonKia ora, I’m Georgia! This year I will be a part of the Year 3 team at our kura. I love teaching all areas and building relationships with tamariki and whānau. I am looking forward to an amazing year and working with a fantastic team.
Glenys Ferguson
Part time release teacher.
Email Glenys FergusonI am excited to be the 'Friday' teacher for Melissa (Rm 25) for the third year in a row. I have been teaching since 2016 and currently do part time and relief teaching. I live in beautiful Titirangi with my husband, son and 1 cat. l I like to spend time walking, reading, swimming and gardening.
Grace McDonald
Library Assistant
Email Grace McDonaldHi I’m Grace, I love books! I have the best job ever! Kaurilands library has a lot to offer all students; a great place to hang out. My association with Kaurilands School began in 2008 as a parent helper, starting on staff in 2015. Outside school, I read and potter in the garden.
Grant O'Connor
Rūma Rua B (Room 2b) Y6 Teacher
Email Grant O'ConnorTēna koutou. Ko Grant tōku ingoa. I feel privileged to be part of this amazing kura (school). Passionate about education, I particularly enjoy connecting with our tamariki and assisting them on their learning journey. A proud family man, I enjoy spending time with my two boys and beautiful wife.
Hannah Haaker
Part time teacher
Email Hannah HaakerI am so excited to be back at Kaurilands and to be a part of Rūma Ono on Fridays. It is a privilege to learn alongside the beautiful tamariki here, as well as relieving in a variety of classes. In my spare time I enjoy taking my dog for walks and spending time with my whānau.
Hannah Pragert
Part Time Teacher
Email Hannah PragertI am excited to be part of Year 2. Having taught at Kaurilands since 2014, I have been lucky to have had the opportunity to work in almost every year level. Getting to know the strengths, passions and interests of our tamariki helps me to provide engaging and exciting learning opportunities.
Hayley Jesperson
Rūma Tekau mā whitu Teacher (Room 17) / Y1 Teacher / Team Leader
Email Hayley JespersonAs an experienced teacher, I have been involved with Kaurilands for many years, firstly as a parent of my 4 children and now as the proud teacher of Rm 17 and Year 1 Team Leader. I work with amazing, passionate teachers who ensure the transition to school is a smooth one for both child and family.
Jackie Amor
Business Manager
Email Jackie AmorEven though the past few years have been a crazy time for most of us, I feel very happy to be a member of the awesome Kaurilands team. You’ll see me in the office as well as out and about around the school, so I am lucky to have the best of both worlds.
Jaime Lyon
Rūma Ahi Kaa Y5 Teacher
Email Jaime LyonI am excited to be in Y5 again this year. I believe in building strong relationships with tamariki and whānau and consider the potential of every child, I enjoy helping them develop into confident and motivated lifelong learners. I have 4 lovely children who keep me entertained and love reading.
Jaimee Leigh Cope
Rūma Tekau mā one (Room 16) Y1 Teacher
Email Jaimee Leigh CopeHi I’m Jaimee! I have been teaching at Kaurilands since 2016. I am all about finding out what makes children tick, their unique interests and skills, and using this to tap into and unlock new learning. I like to hang out with my husband and our 2 (dog) children - Bruce and Robin.
Jean Webb
Teacher Aide
Email Jean WebbI have always found Kaurilands to be a great school and I am very pleased to be part of the support staff team. As a Teacher Aide I am excited to support the students and see their wonderful achievements. I have four children, one of whom is still at school.
Jennifer Koelet
Rūma Kowhai Y0 Teacher
Email Jennifer KoeletKia ora koutou! I am excited to be teaching in Rūma Kowhai for the rest of 2022 and I am looking forward to having heaps of fun with youngest of the school.
I love to be outdoors, especially at the beach! Having recently moved from Thames to Tāmaki Makaurau, I can't wait to explore the area.
Jo Augustine
Principal
Email Jo AugustineI have had the privilege of being the Principal of Kaurilands for 11 yrs. We have the most hardworking, caring and innovative staff I have ever worked with. We aim to provide the best learning opportunities for our children. Our relationships with you and your children are our most valued priority.
Jo Senio
Release Teacher
Email Jo SenioTalofa, I'm Jo and I have the privilege of relieving around the school. I have three children, two who are here at Kaurilands and one preschooler. I absolutely love Kaurilands, both as a teacher and a parent. I feel very blessed to be part of such a great school.
Jocelyn Heremaia
Email Jocelyn HeremaiaI have been associated with Kaurilands School for 36 years. I love working at Kaurilands School and have a wonderful supportive group of colleagues who have always been there in times of need. I love travelling, spending time with my family. I am passionate about many sports and still play tennis.
Kara Wilkins
Teacher
Email Kara WilkinsKia ora! I am so happy to be back at Kaurilands. I love teaching new entrants, they are filled with so much joy and enthusiasm and no two days are the same. I have 2 children and have been so lucky to be able to spend more time with them this year.
Karen Topps
Teacher Aide
Email Karen ToppsKaren is a teacher aide and also responsible for much of the beautifully displayed artwork around our school. In her own time she lovingly and skillfully frames and displays the creative products of our ākonga.
Kim Morgan
Rūma Rua Tekau (Room 20) Y1 Teacher
Email Kim MorganI have been working at Kaurilands for 20 years and still look forward to coming to work each day! I enjoy teaching our younger tamariki and as we have a very special environment at Kaurilands, I am proud to be a member of this awesome community. A keen reader, I also love walking and travel.
Kim Williams
Rūma Waru A (Room 4b) Y4 Teacher / Year 4 Team Leader
Email Kim WilliamsKia ora e te whānau, I have been a part of the fabulous Kaurilands kura for 7 years. I love being a part of our students' school journey and like them I am always keen to learn more! I am passionate about spending time with my whānau, we love to head head outdoors especially to the beach.
Kimberly Newmarch
Part Time Teacher
Email Kimberly NewmarchI have been teaching at Kaurilands since 2009. I really enjoy working in our kura thanks to the incredible teachers and children. I continue to be amazed watching the tamariki engage in their learning every day. In my spare time I enjoy reading, cooking and spending time with my family.
Kirsten Pickett
Rūma Rua Tekau mā toru (Room 23) Y2 Teacher
Email Kirsten PickettI am so happy to be part of the Yr 2 Team at Kaurilands. I have been teaching for 17 years and strive to create a fun and exciting learning environment for the tamariki to grow as learners. My passions are spending time with my family, taking tropical holidays, music, and hanging out with friends.
Kristin Lee
Rūma Rua Tekau mā tahi (Room 21) Y2 Teacher / Team Leader
Email Kristin LeeI'm Kristin and I am so excited to be at Kaurilands. This year I am leading the Y2 team and teaching in Rm 21. I enjoy planning meaningful and engaging experiences and creating a classroom culture promoting a love of learning. I love time with friends and family and playing indoor netball.
Kyle Ayres
Rūma 4B (Room 4b) Y5 Teacher
Email Kyle AyresI am excited to be team teaching with Abby in Y5. I am passionate about creating a supportive and engaging, but equally challenging classroom promoting a child's personal and academic growth. Teaching is my true passion but I also enjoy beachside camping, snowboarding and BBQing with whānau.
Kylie Inancsi
Teacher Aide
Email Kylie InancsiMy 3 beautiful girls all attended Kaurilands School. They loved it here and still have strong friendships with their friends who also attended. I absolutely love working at Kaurilands with the children and staff. I work 1 on 1 with a number of children in class and also work with ELL children.
Kylie Parkinson
Rūma Rima (Room 5) Y6 Teacher
Email Kylie ParkinsonI have been part of the Kaurilands team since 2012. I am thrilled to join the Y6 team and look forward to supporting our tamariki in their final year l. I am passionate about integrating the curriculum and creating meaningful learning experiences engaging students with the world they live in.
Lani Maoate
Release Teacher
Email Lani MaoateI am thrilled to be back teaching at Kaurilands in Ruma Kowhai alongside Emma Tamura. I have two children, one who is in Y5 at Kaurilands and one pre-schooler. I love the curiosity and joy that new entrants bring to the classroom. It is a privilege to be part of such a fantastic school.
Laura Hillier
Rūma Toru A (Room 3a) Y5 Teacher
Email Laura HillierKia ora whānau. I have been part of the Kaurilands community as a parent for many years and am thrilled to now be part of the teaching team. I love teaching and can't wait to share my knowledge in Science and Technology with our tamariki.
Laura Turner
Librarian
Email Laura TurnerScottish Book Wizard (aka School Librarian), advocate of reading for pleasure, graphic novel enthusiast and reader of as many kids' books that I can. When not in the School Library you'll find me at one of our Local Libraries reading.
Join our School Library FB page: fb.me/KaurilandsSchoolLibrary
Lee-Anne Edwards-Sutton
Teacher Aide
Email Lee-Anne Edwards-SuttonI get so much joy from being part of a team in a Support Worker role. It is a wonderful opportunity for me to assist amazing children and to be part of something fantastic. To see them smile, chat and achieve things they thought were beyond their reach, makes me feel I have done my job well.
Lillian Bombay
Rūma Tekau (Room 10) Y4 Teacher
Email Lillian BombayI am part of a wonderful Y4 team. I love working with all children, watching them grow in learning and as a person. My own passion is for the outdoors and exploring being creative through art, craft and music. I love meeting and learning about the new personalities that will make up Room 10.
Lucy McHardy
Rūma Iwa A (Room 9) Y3 Teacher
Email Lucy McHardyKia ora, I’m Lucy. This is my eighth year teaching and my third year at Kaurilands School. My goal as a teacher is to create a positive classroom environment where students feel safe, supported and excited about their learning. I look forward to teaching Year 3 in Rūma Iwa with Sarah this year.
Melissa Jones
Rūma Tekau mā waru (Room 18) Y1 Teacher
Email Melissa JonesOriginally from Australia, I spent 13 years hopping back and forth between Auckland and Sydney teaching Performing Arts. Now I'm a Titirangi local and love calling this stunning part of the world my new home! I adore teaching the Year 1's and settling them into school life.
Melissa Williams
Rūma Rua Tekau mā rima (Room 25) Y2 Teacher
Email Melissa WilliamsI am so excited to be joining the Y2 team this year! I have been teaching at Kaurilands for 4 years and love working with the younger tamariki. You get to see so much wonder and new learning happening. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, exploring NZ and hanging out with friends.
Micaela Bonnar
Release Teacher
Email Micaela BonnarI have been a teacher at Kaurilands School since 2014 and treasure being a part of this wonderful community. This year I will be covering Team Leader Release. My spare time is usually spent chasing after my rascally toddler!
Nardia Turner
Learning Support Co-ordinator
Email Nardia TurnerI am excited to be joining the Kaurilands team. I am passionate about developing a love of learning, helping children find their passion and working with whānau to support children in their unique learning journey. I love music, getting creative with crafts and enjoy beach adventures with my family.
Nick van den Borst
Rūma Rua A (Room 2a) Y6 Teacher / Y6 Team Leader
Email Nick van den BorstI am so excited to be leading the Yr 6 team at our amazing kura. Having taught for over 12 years starting in Wellington then London and Colombia, I've now settled down in West Auckland with my wife and two kids. I am leading all things digital at school and love being part of the Kaurilands whānau.
Paula Dron
Part time release teacher
Email Paula DronKia ora, I’m Paula and I am so excited to be in Rūma Tahi B on Fridays and look forward to celebrating each of our student’s individual progress in all aspects of school life and the curriculum. A mum of three girls myself, I find it inspiring and a privilege to be learning from them every day.
Pia Giacon
Teacher Aide
Email Pia GiaconI’m so excited to be a part of the wonderful team at Kaurilands. I have been working as a Teacher Aide since 2019 and love supporting our tamariki. I have 2 gorgeous children who attend Kaurilands. In my spare time I love cooking, holidays at the beach and spending time with my whānau and friends.
Rachel Tims
Administration Assistant
Email Rachel TimsI am thrilled to join Kaurilands after a long stint in the Airline industry flying and working in admin. I moved from Europe to Titirangi 5yrs ago and love the relaxed community spirit and beautiful surroundings. A mum of two girls I enjoy yoga, reading, travelling, cooking and the beach.
Rebecca Barrett
Rūma Tekau mā toru (Room 13) Y3 Teacher / Team Leader
Email Rebecca BarrettThis is my 8th year teaching at Kaurilands and I am lucky to be working alongside Lani in Rm 13 and the Y3 team. I am currently training to be a Reading Recovering teacher. I love being part of children's personal and academic growth, enabling them to be successful in all their future endeavours.
Robyn Applegate
Rūma Rua Tekau mā rua (Room 22) Y2 Teacher
Email Robyn ApplegateI am thrilled to be part of the Y2 team again and look forward to many learning adventures with our tamariki. My passion is to create a positive classroom environment where students feel supported and excited about their learning. I love travelling, music, photography and time with my family.
Sandra Fletcher
Caretaker
Email Sandra FletcherSandra takes care of our school, night and day. We have her to thank for the upkeep of our beautiful buildings and grounds. You'll often find Sandra with a wheelbarrow or buried up to her elbows in a garden.
Sarah Muthiah
Rūma Iwa B (Room 9b) Y3 Teacher
Email Sarah MuthiahHi I'm Sarah! I am lucky to be working in the Y3 team with Lucy in Rūma Iwa this year. I believe that recognising each tamariki's strengths and celebrating their successes, creates a supportive space for us all to grow and thrive in. Out of school I enjoy walking my dog, snowboarding and swimming.
Shannon Payne
Rūma Toru B (Room 3b) Y5 Teacher
Email Shannon PayneI'm Shannon and I am very excited to be at Kaurilands. I love creating a safe learning environment with engaging activities where we can challenge ourselves, encourage each other, problem solve and grow as learners. I enjoy going to the beach, spending time with friends and whānau and cooking.
Stacey Anyan
Rūma Tekau mā Whā (Room 14) Y1 Teacher
Email Stacey AnyanI love sharing in children's natural wonder and curiosity about our world! Being a Playcentre parent inspired me to return to teaching in 2018. I’m also obsessed with reading and writing; my previous job was staff writer at current affairs magazine North & South.
Steve King
Rūma Rua Teka mā whā (Room 24) Y2 Teacher
Email Steve KingKia ora! I’m Steve and this is my third year at Kaurilands. I feel absolutely privileged to be working with the whānau at Kaurilands and to be teaching Year 2’s. I am passionate about food, science, music, astronomy and technology. In my spare time I play drums in a rock band and love to cook.
Suzanne Freeman
Rūma Tekau mā iwi (Room 19) Y1 Teacher
Email Suzanne Freeman I absolutely love teaching at Kaurilands where children are given a fabulous environment in which to be curious and involved. My passion is to provide motivating and engaging opportunities to learn. I love time with my family and friends and to travel.
Toni Holdaway
Teacher Aide
Email Toni HoldawayI have two kids that have come through Kaurilands and loved it. My passion is to connect with our tamariki that need a little extra support in their learning journey so they can blossom to their full potential. I love having fun, lots of laughs with hugs on call.
Tracey Henderson
Release Teacher
Email Tracey HendersonA talented artist with a great sense of humour, Tracey has been part of our kura for many years. You will find her beautiful artwork in many parts of our school.
Tracy Sutherland
Associate Principal
Email Tracy SutherlandI have been connected to the school for many years as parent, class teacher, SENCO and Senior Leader. I love learning and working with our Kaurilands community and enjoy spending time in our beautiful environment. My passion is reading, going to the gym and spending time with family and friends.
Trudi Biggs
Secretary
Email Trudi BiggsI am very excited to have joined the Kaurilands team. Both my boys have come through this fantastic school and I love its welcoming, caring and inclusive environment. It is a privilege to work alongside such an amazing team and be a part of the school community.
Vicki Palmer
Music Specialist
Email Vicki PalmerI am passionate about music, singing and the performing arts. I love to use music exploration, to give students a basic knowledge and understanding of the musical elements, musicianship as well as weaving in some drama, dance,art and literacy. I also lead the senior choir.
Wayne Lasenby
Handyman
Email Wayne LasenbyWayne is our resident handyman who tackles any and every job that needs doing around the school.