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Announcement : 

Term 1 starts on the 27th January. Whakatau for new staff and students at 8:30 am. All students to attend.    

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Staff

Leadership Whānau

Leadership Whānau

Amber King

Principal

About Me

Ki te taha ōku māmā. Ko Tauanui tōku maunga. Ko Punakitere tōku awa. Ko Ngatokimataowharoa tōku waka. Ko Mahuhukiterangi tōku whare tupuna. Ko Ngati Moerewa tōku hapu. Ko Ngapuhi tōku iwi. Ko Tupaea tōku ingoa whānau. Ko Amber tōku ingoa. At school I am known as Ms King. I joined the Papakura Intermediate whānau in 2016 and I am still exactly where I want to be. I was born and raised in South Auckland and cannot imagine teaching or leading anywhere else. South Auckland is a place of immense pride and potential and I am privileged to teach and lead in such a place. I have been in education for a number of years and I believe it is the best job in the world. In life, I love and appreciate culture, travelling to beautiful places with my whānau, the Arts: fashion, music, theatre, being inspired, leading and learning.

E: principal@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Denise Welsh

Assistant Principal

About Me

Kia ora, kia orana, Ko Denise Welsh tōku ingoa, he uri ahau no Ngāti Whatua me Kūki Āirani hoki. I am Whaea Denise, the Assistant Principal here at Papakura Intermediate. I was born and raised in Otara and Manurewa and have been a teacher serving our South Auckland community for nearly 11 years now. I enjoy making memories with my amazing partner George, our 5 tamariki and our 2 fur babies. I look forward to working with our tamariki and wider school community this year.

E: denisew@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Van Lolesio

Assistant Principal, Technology Whānau Leader, and Hogan Whānau Leader

About Me

Tēnā koutou katoa, ko Van ahau. I am one of the Assistant Principals 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 continue working within the Papakura community. Koia kei a tātou!

E: vanl@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. Kia ora! My name is Karleena and I was born under the bridge right here in the Papakura birthing unit. I am passionate about learning, animals and taking care of Papatūānuku. I started my teaching journey 10 years ago and this is my 3rd year here at Papakura Intermediate as the Learner Support Coordinator. Ngā mihi.

E: karleenat@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Lillani Hopkins

Hine Takurua Whānau leader

Team 3

About Me

Kia ora koutou, Ko Lillani tōku ingoa.I have been a teacher at Papakura Intermediate for five years. Originally born in Palmerston North, I was raised in the UK. The most important aspects of my life are my family, my faith, and the supportive community I surround myself with. This year, I am excited to be a part of your child's learning journey. My focus is on creating a safe and inclusive space for learning while fostering strong and open relationships with both students and whānau. You are always welcome to visit the classroom or reach out to me via email.

E: lillanih@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Berdine Rickard

Hine Raumati Whānau Leader

Te Ira Raukura

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 9 years and am now in my 5th 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

Shobek Singh

Tama Nui Te Ra Whānau Leader

Team 7

About Me

Namaste Papakura Whānau. My name is Shobek, and I moved to New Zealand at the age of 14 from India. I have been teaching all around Auckland, and have been privileged to teach every year level. My passion for teaching continues to grow each year as I love working alongside children, and seeing them grow into future leaders. Whenever I am free, I either run to the ocean or enjoy watching movies. Ngā mihi.

E: shobeks@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Technology Whānau

Technology Whānau

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

Ajay Rao

Design and Construction Teacher

Weta 1

About Me

Namaste, Papakura Whanau. My name is Ajay Narayan Rao. I was born and brought up in Fiji. I currently reside in Papakura with my lovely wife and two beautiful daughters. I have been teaching since 2007 as a high school teacher, and this is my first year at Papakura Intermediate. As a facilitator, my primary role typically involves sharing knowledge, providing educational guidance and ensuring learners understand the subject I teach. I am looking forward to working with tamarki being prepared for their future and reaching their fullest potential as lifelong learners.

E: ajayr@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Teachers

Teachers

Erica Jones

Release Teacher

About Me

Kia ora, my name is Erica Jones. I am back this year, continuing my role as a release teacher, as well as working in Technology, so expect to see me around school! I live on the beautiful Pohutukawa Coast with my husband, our 6 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

Matua Wiremu

Te Reo Māori Teacher

About Me

Tēnā tātou katoa. Ko Matua Wiremu ahau. 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

Rosebean Chand

Teacher

Team 11

About Me

Bula vinaka and Kia Ora! Papakura Intermediate whanau, I am Rosebean Chand, Team 1 teacher. This is my second year at P.I and I am really excited to know about our tamariki and their whanau. I was born in Fiji which is about a 3 hour flight away from New Zealand. I live in Pukekohe with my husband, who is a teacher at Takanini School and two girls. I love being part of the P.I. community and believe that every child shines when it's the right time. I am looking forward to building a strong teaching and learning relationship with tamariki and their whanau. Please feel free to pop in and have a chat.

E: rosebeanc@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Whaea Janice

Teacher

Team 1

About Me

Kia Ora and Mabuhay! My name is Janice, and I’m happy to be part of this school community. I’m originally from the Philippines, and I enjoy sharing my culture while learning from the diverse cultures and values that make New Zealand special. I’m passionate about supporting students to grow academically and personally in a positive and supportive environment. I value respect, creativity, and curiosity in the classroom and enjoy being part of such a dedicated team. I look forward to continuing our journey together. Salamat po!

E: janiced@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Bianca De Klerk

Teacher

Team 10

About Me

Kia ora whānau. My name is Bianca, also known as whaea B. This is my second year teaching at P.I and I look forward to teaching and making memories with my tamariki. I was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa and took the bold move to relocate to the beautiful country known as Aotearoa. I love learning about the diverse cultures in Aotearoa and having my tamariki share it with me. I love working with the Papakura community and making a difference, it is a privilege to be a part of the Papakura intermediate whānau.

E: biancad@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Dida Glady Capiendo

Teacher

Team 5

About Me

Kia ora and Kamusta, whānau. I am Dida Glady Capiendo or Whaea Dida, from the Philippines. I have a 12-year old son and a 2- year old daughter. I am passionate about fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where students feel inspired to reach their full potential. I believe in the importance of building relationships with students, their whanau, and the wider school community to create meaningful learning experiences. I look forward to helping our students thrive in their journey at Papakura intermediate School.

E: didac@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Rajpal Kaur

Teacher

Team 9

About Me

Namaste! I'm Rajpal Kaur, a passionate teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience across various age groups. Originally from India, I moved to New Zealand in 2020 to pursue my Master's degree, and now I'm grateful to call this beautiful country my home. I love learning, building connections, and exploring nature. Family and friends mean the world to me, and I'm excited to embark on a new teaching journey at Papakura Intermediate School. With my husband and daughter by my side, I'm looking forward to growing both personally and professionally in this vibrant community.

E: rajpalk@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

Attendance and Engagement Administrator

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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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. This is my fourth year at Papakura Intermediate, where I have had the privilege of working as a learning assistant. I'm thrilled to continue my journey here, working alongside our amazing students and whānau. This year is particularly exciting for me as I embark on my teaching journey right here at P.I. I am eager to share this journey with you all. I look forward to meeting each of you and making this year a fantastic one together! Kia Kaha, kia māia, kia Manawatu.

E:

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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Kayla Tupaea

Learning Assistant

About Me

Kia ora, my name is Whaea Kayla and I’m honoured to be part of the Papakura Intermediate whānau—this time as a Learning Assistant, returning not as a student but in a supporting role. I was born and raised in South Auckland and proudly carry both Māori and Samoan heritage. I have a deep love for sports and family, both of which play a big role in my life. I’ve been involved in rugby and softball from a young age, and I’m passionate about encouraging our tamariki to thrive both in and outside the classroom.

E: kaylat@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Matua Jerry

Learning Assistant

Team 4

About Me

Kia ora, my name is Matua Jerry this will be my first year as a Learning Assistant. I am a proud Cook Islands man who loves everything to do with music and sports. I was born in Auckland, Otara, and my biggest goal is to give back to the youth. I look forward to meeting you all and making this journey a celebration to remember

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Contact

P: 09 2988 737
E: office@papakuraintermediate.school.nz

Papakura Intermediate
50 Settlement Road, Papakura,
Auckland 2110

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2026 Term Dates

Term 1: Tue 27 Jan – Thu 2 Apr
Term 2: Mon 20 Apr – Fri 3 Jul
Term 3: Mon 20 Jul – Thu 24 Sep
Term 4: Mon 12 Oct – Fri 11 Dec

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