Staff – Te Puke Primary School

Senior Leadership

Andrea Dance

Principal

About Me

Kia ora 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 continue to inspire me every day. I am also a proud nana to two energetic grandsons and a beautiful granddaughter who keep me on my toes and remind me of the importance of nurturing curiosity, resilience, and a love for learning. At Te Puke Primary, I am committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and culturally rich learning environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. I strongly believe in the power of community and whānau connections, working in partnership with parents, caregivers, teachers, and the wider Te Puke community to create opportunities for success. Embracing our cultural heritage is at the heart of our school, and 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, I continually strive for personal and professional growth, ensuring that 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

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 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 nga maunga kaha o 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 2025. We are built of some amazing young men from years 4-6. 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. Nau mai nga hua o tenei tau hou.

E: liam@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Luther Hirini

Kaiako

About Me

Kia Ora e te whānau Ko Luther Hirini tōku ingoa .I am a proud male Māori from Ngāti Raukawa in the Horowhenua and I am excited to be one of the kaiako in the Talented Tui’s space for 2024. Outside of Kura I have a small family and have a passion for sports, playing and coaching rugby around the world for the past few years. I am currently coaching the Te Puke Sports Premier side which works perfectly with my mahi here at TPPS. I pride myself on being able to build an environment within an akomanga that allows ākonga to become the best version of themselves.

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 excited to lead both Future Force and Ngākau Mahaki, having a bigger team and bringing together a plethora of skills and experiences. It’ll be great to see our tamariki grow in their learning of soft skills and the core curriculum areas, while upholding our school's values.

E: mike.douglas@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Holly Douglas

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau, ko Holly Douglas tōku ingoa. I am excited to join the TPPS whānau as a kaiako in the Senior Syndicate 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. 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 am a first year beginning teacher here at TPPS. I feel very fortunate to be working in Future Force, alongside such amazing kaiako. It is a familiar space as I did my second year university placement in the space. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring new places around Aotearoa, being outdoors and sewing. I’m excited for the year ahead, where I’ll have the opportunity to grow alongside our tamariki, nurturing their passion for learning and supporting their journey while working alongside our amazing kaiako to create a vibrant and cheerful learning environment for our kids.

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 2025. I have lived in Maketu for over 15 years where my whānau also live and are heavily involved in the local community. I have been teaching for 8 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 2025 learning journey takes us.

E: nicole.mills@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 Talented Tui’s again for 2025, collaborating alongside Nikita and Zoe. I am passionate about Te Ao Māori and Pasifika Education, and also Visual Arts and Digital Technology. Outside of kura, I enjoy spending time with my whānau, especially my partner and our two daughters. 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

Nikita Pakura

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau, ko Nikita Pakura tōku ingoa. I feel very lucky to be a kaiako in the Talented Tui's team this year after returning from maternity leave. 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. Outside of kura, my husband Troy and our son Rome (aged 1) love to spend 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 connecting with more of our Te Puke whānau and being a part of your child’s primary school journey.

E: nikita.pakura@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Zoe Simpson

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora, Ko Zoe tōku ingoa. I am very excited to be joining the Talented Tui’s this year, collaborating alongside Michaela and Nikita. My family, who include my husband Russell and my two children Jack, 6, and Violet, 8, have relocated down to the beautiful Bay of Plenty from Auckland. We are very excited to be living in such a cool part of New Zealand with the most beautiful beaches to enjoy on our doorstep. I enjoy teaching art and literacy and have a passion for dramatic arts, running and outside education. Outside of kura, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, exploring new and exciting places and watching and singing along to my favourite musicals. I am a keen runner and enjoy entering and training for events throughout the year. I look forward to getting to know you all!

E: zoe.simpson@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 Suzanne and Tayla. 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. What makes my job even more special is that my grandchildren are students at the school, and it truly warms my heart to have such a strong connection to their schooling years. Outside of work, I enjoy playing golf, spending time outdoors, being with my lovely family and I'm just one walk away from completing all of the Great Walks of NZ!!

E: denise.henson@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Suzanne Hartley

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau, ko Suzanne Hartley tōku ingoa. I have been teaching for over 40 years mostly at this wonderful kura and am glad to be teaching year twos again in the Creative Critters team. I am very excited about the progress our tamariki make using the Structured Literacy and Maths resources and to be able to continue this learning journey with them. I love being able to incorporate my passion for music, drama and art into my teaching and am challenging myself to pass on the knowledge and skills I learnt at the Ngā Taumata o Te Ahu o te Reo Māori course. I also enjoy gardening, playing keyboard in our church band, line dancing and spending time with my 3 precious grandsons and granddaughter, who I am blessed to have living locally. I have lived in Te Puke all my life and always look forward to reconnecting/getting to know our whanau as we work together with our tamariki.

E: suzanne.hartley@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Tayla McCormick

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau, Ko Tayla tōku ingoa. I am a second-year beginning teacher who is very lucky to be working in the Creative Critters space this year alongside Denise and Suzanne. In my classroom, I strive to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported. I am passionate about fostering a love for learning and encouraging students to develop confidence in their abilities. Outside of school, you’ll often find me at Lake Rotoiti, camping, or spending time with friends and whānau. I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing team and look forward to making a positive impact on the lives of my students.

E: tayla.mccormick@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Curious Kiwis

(YEAR 0 & 1)

Curious Kiwis

Sharon Cooney

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau. Ko Sharon Cooney tōku ingoa, known as Whaea Shaz to the children. I am part of the Curious Kiwis team alongside Whaea Sheree and Whaea Grace. This is my 4th year at TPPS and I feel very privileged to be at the start of your child's learning journey at our kura. My goal is for your child to feel happy, safe and valued at school and most importantly develop a can-do attitude for their learning. Please know the door is always open. My passions are running and swimming at the beach. We live in such a beautiful part of Aotearoa. Outside of school I love spending time with my whānau Paul, Lily, Grace, George and Pearl, going on adventures.

E: sharon.cooney@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Grace Gough

Kaiako

About Me

Kia Ora whānau, kō Grace tōku ingoa. I am a teacher in the Curious Kiwis, who are the new entrants of Te Puke Primary School. I feel very privileged to be a part of the Te Puke Primary School Community. I enjoy seeing children learn and grow during their time at school. When I’m not teaching you will find me at home with our Son Flynn. I have really enjoyed spending the last 2 years with Flynn and learning alongside him. As a family you will find us in our Avocado orchard with Flynn, husband Michael, our dog Bernie and our cats Weezie and Toby.

E: grace.gough@tepukeprimary.school.nz

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

Specialists

Kayla Webby

Release Kaiako

About Me

Tēnā koutou e te whānau

E: kayla.webby@tepukeprimary.school.nz

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 4th 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 literacy and numeracy skills with our fantastic tamariki, and also love providing a wider range of opportunities for our students including dance, drama, music, art, and technology. 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 4 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, being Liana’s husband 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

Roni Sayer

Learning Support Coordinator

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau. Ko Roni Sayer tōku ingoa. I am the Learning Support Coordinator (LSC) at Te Puke Primary School. Previously, I taught and lived in Horowhenua. I moved to the area to be closer to my three amazing sons and their wives/partners and grandchild. 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 working alongside whānau. 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 (teachers) and kaiawhina (support staff) that are continually striving to enrich our students' lives. I love and encourage whānau involvement and I welcome you to come in for a korero any time.

E: roni.sayer@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Dail Walding

CRT Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau, ko Dail tōku ingoa. I am excited to be working across our awesome kura as a CRT release teacher this year. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my whānau and friends and getting out for walks with our dog or up Pāpāmoa Hills. I am looking forward to getting to know you all and cannot wait for a great year, helping your tamariki to learn and achieve their goals.

E: dail.walding@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Grant Cooper

CRT Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau, Ko Grant tōku ingoa. Kua tae mai au ki Te Kura Tuatahi o Te Puke i tē tau nei. I am excited to join 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

Mike Gullick

Kaiako

About Me

E: mike.gullick@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

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 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

Kayleen Metcalfe

Office Manager/Principal's PA

About Me

Kia ora my name is Kayleen and I have been working in education administration for 6 years. I am incredibly proud to work alongside such an amazing team who make coming to work each day an absolute pleasure. We are an animal-mad family, living on a beautiful lifestyle block off the Matatā Straights. Our spare time is spent fishing, horse riding, walking on the beach, or simply relaxing 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 15 years in a number of different roles. This year I am working across the School running programmes of Learning . 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

Monique Verwey

Finance Manager

About Me

Kia ora, my name is Monique Verwey and I have worked at Te Puke Primary School for 20 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 12 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

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.

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 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 Curious Kiwis space, and around the kura, helping in any way I can. I have relocated from Auckland with my husband and three children who attend Te Puke High School . We are a musical and creative family who love exploring our new community and look forward to making new memories together.

E: ali.mcgee@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Grady Forbes

Teacher Aide

About Me

Bio coming soon!

E: grady.forbes@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Marata Moorehead

Teacher Aide

About Me

Coming soon..

E: marata.moorehead@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Femi Sofolarin

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora, my name is Femi and I am excited to have started my first year at TPPS as a teacher aide. I am lucky enough to work with children across the school both individually and in small groups to support their learning and create a safe and enjoyable school environment. Having moved to Aotearoa from London, United Kingdom this year I am loving the opportunity to contribute to the community which I now call home. Outside of school I enjoy sports, and for the past few years I’ve been playing international rugby sevens for Great Britain and I now look forward to my first season of rugby in New Zealand playing for the Te Puke Pirates.

E: femi.sofolarin@tepukeprimary.school.nz