Announcement : 

Staff

Leadership Whānau

Leadership Whānau

Amber King

Acting Principal

About Me

Kia ora, my name is Amber King - Savage (Tupaea). I have been here at Papakura Intermediate since 2016. I have been teaching for 11 years and I still think it is the best job in the world. I love and appreciate the Arts: fashion, music, theatre all types of art. My favourite thing to do is to travel with my family; making memories, holidaying at beautiful beaches and soaking up the sun.

E: dp@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Sekah Peautau

Acting Deputy Principal

About Me

O le ala i le pule o le tautua – the pathway to leadership is through service. Malo lava le soifua, my name is Sekah Peautau and I am the newly appointed Acting Deputy Principal for Papakura Intermediate. I am a proud mum of 2 boys (9yrs old & 16mths) and married to an amazing Frenchman who I will celebrate 10 years of marriage with early this year. I have been blessed to serve 15 years in Education and held multiple roles in a range of schools I have taught at. Prior to joining the P.I aiga, I worked as an Education Consultant to support and build the capability of Principals and teachers to use effective culturally responsive practice to improve the outcomes for our indigenous and marginalised tamariki. My strength and passion is people and I take pride in making connections and building positive relationships, so if you see me out and about - please do come and say hi.

E: sekah@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Denise Welsh

Assistant Principal

About Me

Kia Ora! My name is Denise Welsh, this is my second year at P.I. I am excited to be in the role of Assistant Principal this year and looking for to all the new learning opportunities ahead in 2022. I am Cook Island Maori, I grew up in Otara, Manurewa and on the GC in Australia. I do Crossfit for a bit of me time and enjoy making memories with my whānau, my partner George and our four beautiful children.

E: denisew@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Van Lolesio

Acting Assistant Principal

About Me

Tēnā koutou katoa, ko Van ahau. I am the Acting Assistant Principal for this year. I have been a kaiako in a reorua/immersion setting for just over a decade now. I was born and bred in Ōtara, and am proud to still be living and working in the South Auckland community. I am looking forward to meeting the whānau and hapori of Papakura Intermediate. Karawhiua tātou!

E: vanl@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Lisa Wilson

Mansell whānau leader

About Me

My name is Lisapeta Wilson, I have the privilege of being a part your child’s learning journey, here at Papakura Intermediate. I am excited to learn from our staff, our community and our students. Born and raised in Mangere, it has always been my dream to be a teacher. My grandparents migrated from the beautiful islands of Niue and the Cook Islands, I am very proud of my heritage. I am married and have 3 children, two girls and a boy. My family, my faith, and the relationships I build around me are what is most important to me. I enjoy travelling, reading, spending time with my whanau and dancing! I have a passion to see my students achieve all goals and challenges set before them, and I believe that no dream is too big.

E: lisaw@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Jo Ioane

Kaino Whānau Leader

About Me

Kia orana, whānau! I am Whaea Jo Ioane, the newly appointed leader of Kaino whānau in Team 1. I am happily married to a wonderful Samoan gentleman. We cherish our family, which includes three daughters (21, 18, 16) and one son (2). I hail from the Hokianga region in the north and Aitutaki in the Cook Islands. Although born and raised in Mangere, I currently reside in Pukekohe. My dream is to, one day, travel to Samoa to teach and spend my days relaxing in Manase, Savaii, enjoying the warm sun. I am enthusiastic about connecting with all of you in the upcoming year and am eager to guide and teach your tamariki.

E: joanneh@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Karleena Tangaere-Vui

Learning Support Coordinator

About Me

Ko Hikurangi te maunga, ko Waiapu te awa, ko Ngāti Porou te iwi. Ko Karleena Karaitiana Tangaere-Vui tōku ingoa. Nō te Tairāwhiti awau. Kia ora! My name is Karleena. My dad is Māori from the East Coast of Aotearoa and my mum is Pākehā from Taranaki. I was born under the bridge right here at Papakura birthing unit. I have 6 sisters, my husband is from Samoa and together we have a beautiful daughter. I am passionate about learning, animals and taking care of Papatūānuku. I started my teaching journey 9 years ago and this is my 3rd year here at Papakura Intermediate as the Learner Support Coordinator. Ngā mihi.

E: karleenat@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Technology Whānau

Technology Whānau

Erica Jones

Technology whānau leader

About Me

Kia ora, my name is Erica Jones. This year I am going to be working with the Technology team doing Hard Materials and STEAM. I live on the beautiful Pohutukawa Coast with my husband, our 5 children, and our two dogs. We love living at the beach and spend any spare time swimming, kayaking, fishing and anything else on or around the water!

E: ericaj@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Yovandi Allnutt

Food Technology Teacher

About Me

Kia ora koutou. Ko South Africa toku whenua, ko boerevolk te iwi. Ko Voortrekkermonument te marae. Ko apiesrivier te awa, ko Jakaranda te rakau. Ko Atua toku whakapono. Ko Vincent toku hoa rangatira. Ko Patrick-James raua ko William-Connor ōku tama. Ko Yovandi Allnutt tōku ingoa. I enjoy reading, calligraphy and spending time with my family and friends. I started my journey at P.I. in 2020 and I am blessed to be the Food Technology teacher.

E: yovandia@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Francine Werry

Music and STEAMM Technology Teacher

About Me

Kia Ora Koutou Katoa! Nō Ingarani, Airani me Kanawara ōku tūpuna. Ngā mihinui kia koutou, ki ngā akonga me ōna whanau. I am excited about working with our students at Papakura Intermediate in 2024 in the technology department to support students’ creative and innovative learning in Music and STEAMM.

E: francinew@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Hannah Rogers

DVC and Visual Arts Technology Teacher

About Me

Kia ora, my name is Hannah Rogers (Whaea Hannah). This year I’m super excited to be teaching Visual Arts and DVC! Originally I’m from the lovely Ipipiri (Bay Of Islands) and have lived in Auckland for 8 years. Whenever I get the chance I love being outdoors, surfing and swimming.

E: hannahr@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Mansell Whānau

Mansell Whānau

Minky Arora

Teacher

Team 8

About Me

Namaste and Kia Ora Papakura Intermediate Whanau, I am Minky Arora, you can call me Mrs Arora. I was born and brought up in Punjab, India. I have been living in Auckland since 2015. I live in Takanini in our beautiful home with my supportive husband and my 3 years old wonderful daughter Nyra Arora. I have been teaching since 2012. This is my first year in Papakura Intermediate and I am looking forward to learning about our tamariki and their whanau. I am very passionate about what I do and love to see our tamariki achieving their goals.

E: minkya@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Berdine Rickard

Teacher

Team 10

About Me

Kia koutou katoa. Ko Hikurangi te maunga, ko Waiapu te awa, ko Horouta te waka, Ko Ngati Porou te iwi, No te Tairawhiti ahau, Ko Kōkā B toku ingoa. I was born and bred on the east coast, in the beautiful city of Turanganui-a-Kiwa. I have lived in Auckland for the past 8 years and am now in my 4th year here at Papakura Intermediate. I am grounded in my faith, my māoritanga, my whānau and my belief that every child has the potential to succeed and it is my job to champion them in their dreams and create pathways for them to achieve every success. So I look forward to this year as I embark on a new journey of being the kaiako in our Reo Rua unit. You are always welcome in our akomanga and I am excited for what this year will bring. No reira Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena ra koutou katoa.

E: berdiner@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Kaino Whānau

Kaino Whānau

Lillani Hopkins

Teacher

Team 3

About Me

Kia ora koutou, my name is Whaea Lillani and this is my 4th year teaching at P.I. I was born in the Manawatu but was raised in the UK. The most important things in my life are my family, my faith and those that I surround myself with. This year I am excited to be a part of your child's learning journey by creating a safe space for learning and having strong and open relationships with students and whanau. You are always welcome to pop into class or send me an email.

E: lillanih@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Matua Wiremu

Teacher

Team 4

About Me

Tēnā tātou katoa. Ko Matua Wiremu ahau, kaiako of Team 4. Born in Pukekohe, I have lived, schooled and worked in Papakura for most of my life. My mother’s tribal affiliation is here in Tamaki, and my father, Port Waikato and Pirongia, Te Kuiti. My wife, children, grandchildren and wider whānau keep me active and grounded. My faith in Jesus directs my footsteps, aspirations and dreams. Every year brings new things, making a difference in the lives of students and those around us bring satisfaction and encouraging them towards their dreams makes teaching all worthwhile. No need to make an appointment whānau, open policy to come in, you just need to sign in at the office. Mauri Tau, Mauri Ora.

E: wiremut@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Vanessa Bentley

Teacher

Team 5

About Me

Kia Ora Whānau. I am Mrs Vanessa Bentley. This is my first year at Papakura Intermediate School. I am married to Dr Bezuidenhout and we live with our daughter in Red Hill, Papakura. I have taught at 4 other schools and so far, this is my favourite.

E: vanessab@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Matua Bruce

Teacher

Team 2

About Me

Hajimemashite! My name is Matua Bruce and I am the teacher of Team 2. I have been at P.I. for two terms and now have been blessed to be the Kaiako of Green Zone. Formerly a Westy Boy but now call South Auckland my home. I previously worked at Manurewa Intermediate for the last five years as a Learning Assistant and made the recent move to P.I. I am stoked to be in the presence of the students and to share whatever I know with them. Fun fact about me is that I am a self-taught barber. Can’t wait to meet y’all in person! My door is always open so feel free to come in and say hi!

E: brucep@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Support Staff

Support Staff

Karen Knowles

Office Manager

About Me

Hi Everyone. Welcome to Papakura Intermediate. I am the school Office Manager. I have lived in Papakura most of my life. I attended Kelvin Road School, Papakura Intermediate and Papakura High School. I have worked in the school office for over 20 years. When I first started the school was named Papakura Intermediate School then Mansell Senior School and now we are Papakura Intermediate. My role in the school is as an administrator paying the staff wages, looking after the accounts and helping all the staff with the day-to-day running of the school. I am a big supporter of Rugby League and the Papakura Sea Eagles. I am looking forward to meeting all of our new students.

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Jocelyn Coppins

School Secretary

About Me

Kia ora koutou katoa, my name is Jocelyn and I have been the School Secretary here at Papakura Intermediate since September 2020. I was born on the East Coast, raised in South Waikato and have lived most of my adult life here in Auckland. I am a mother of 5 and grandmother of 10. I enjoy reading, travelling, food and learning new things. I am thankful to be part of the Papakura Intermediate whānau.

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Sione Fisi Iloahefaiva

Student Mentor

About Me

Mālō e lelei, my name is Sione Fisi Iloahefaiva and hail from the Kingdom of Tonga (Havakatolo/Kolovai Hihifo). I am stepping into my second year here at P.I. and have loved every part of it. I'm not originally from the area but have definitely come to love this hood. I also teach the Tongan group, as cultural dancing has always been something I love to do. Behind me I have my beautiful wife Tupou with my three beautiful children with one on the way. Can't wait to meet you all. With the great leadership team and awesome staff here at P.I., this year will be a fantastic year. Ofa atu moe faka’apa’apa.

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Release Teachers

Release Teachers

Avni Kher

Release Teacher

About Me

Namaste, Kia ora whānau, my name is Avni Kher, I was born and raised in New Delhi, India. I have lived in Auckland for 6 years. I am currently residing locally with my husband and 2 year old daughter. I love writing blogs, reading, dancing and playing sports, especially athletics, netball and badminton. I am quite excited to know my new students and their whanau. Looking forward to teaching and empowering our tamariki.

E: avnik@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Tracey Tamihere

Release Teacher

About Me

Kia Orana, Ko Tracey Tamihere toku ingoa, No te Kuki Airani mai au, Ko Puaikura toku Vaka, Ko Tinomana, Kaimarama, Enosa, Graydon toku anau. I lived in Mangere for 37 years, then moved to Takaanini last year with my husband, three children, and our dog. With 15 years of education experience across Auckland, I started at Papakura Intermediate in term 2 of 2023. In my free time, I'm involved in my kids' activities such as Kapa haka, rugby, and Waka Ama. Additionally, I volunteer for Kura kai, coordinating frozen kai through local high schools for the community. I look forward to meeting our new students and their whānau. Meitaki!

E: traceyt@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Learning Assistants

Learning Assistants

Paul Tua

Learning Assistant

About Me

Talofa Lava, my name is Paul Tua and I'll be one of your new Learning Assistants for this year. You can count on me to bring positive vibes into our learning environment. I am of Samoan descent and love arts and design. I enjoy challenging myself and finding new outdoor activities to do with family and friends. This is my first year as a learning assistant and my goal is to bring the best out of every student I may come across and I will fulfil that. I have a passion for sharing my knowledge with our youth and am looking forward to creating a fun but safe environment for our students.

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Jane Poki

Learning Assistant

About Me

Kia ora, my name is Whaea Jane. I am a learning assistant here at Papakura Intermediate and have worked here for 6 years. I am Ngati Porou from Gisborne, and have lived most of my life in and around different parts of Auckland, before settling down in Papakura. I have 8 wonderful adult humans in my family, and lots of mokos, most of them live in different parts of the moto, and 1 overseas I have worked previously while raising my family, doing machine operating at Griffins, Auto car detailing, and supermarket. I am passionate about working with students in the Fast Forward Program and seeing them thrive, I am going to enjoy working alongside you all.

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Te Amoroa Uerata

Learning Assistant

About Me

Tēnā koutou katoa, Ko Te Amoroa ahau. I am a learning assistant here at our amazing kura and have been a part of the P.I. Whanau since 2021. I have a growing passion for sharing my knowledge and working in collaboration with our students in the Maara/garden as well as leaning on my other passions to connect and engage students and to create safe spaces for them to thrive in. I look forward to meeting our new students and their whānau and welcoming back our now year 8s, Kia Ora.

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Ofa Fotu-Moala

Learning Assistant

About Me

Mālō e lelei, my name is Miss Fotu-Moala and I am excited to be joining Papakura Intermediate School as one of the new Learning Assistants. I am a proud Tongan who loves sharing her culture with everyone and learning about different cultures as well. I love anything to do with music and performing arts and have a passion for science. My goal this year is to have an open mind to trying new things. I can’t wait to work alongside the amazing staff of this kura as well as our tamariiki.

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Whaea Mile

Learning Assistant

About Me

Talofa Lava, my name is Mile and it is with great honour and privilege to be a part of the Papakura staff as your new Learning Assistant. I am Samoan Chinese. I love everything related to sports, as I was a 3 year NZ representative in an event called Hammer throw, and have been coaching shot put, hammer throw and discus for the Papakura Athletics club nights at Massey Park. I also have a hidden passion for photography and hope to one day travel to amazing places and capture all the wonders of the world. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and seeing what the year has in store for us!

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Whaea Christy

Learning Assistant

About Me

Nau mai Haere mai koutou ki te kura takawaenga o Papakura. Kia Ora my name is Whaea Christy I am one of many awesome Learning Assistants we have here at Papakura Intermediate. I was born and raised in a small town called Waitara. I have 3 beautiful tamariki who are Rekohu, Waimarie and Waiorangi. I really look forward to what this year at Papakura has to bring me and also you as nga akonga! No reira, Kia kaha tatou ki te ako i nga wa katoa. Kia mau. Kia pupiri. “Whaia te ko whiringa tika”

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