Board of Trustees

Ki te taha o tōku matua - Ko Kauwhehei tōku maunga. Ko Tukituki me Papanui ōku waiu. Ko nga uri o Kurahaupo ōku waka. Ko Ngai Te Whatuiapiti tōku hapu. Ko Ngati Kahungunu te iwi. Ko Otane tōku hau kainga. Ki te taha o tōku whaea - Ko Upolu tōku motu. Ko Falealili tōku rohe. Ko Saleilua tōku papa kainga. Ko Nu’usafe’e tōku motu tapu. Ko Fanene te tangata Ko Hamoa tōku hau kainga. One of the things I am most proud of in life is being the principal of Papakura Intermediate, the best little intermediate whanau in Papakura where every learner can believe, strive and achieve success as themselves: tu rangatira! I have been immersed in a range of Auckland and Samoa schools - teaching, leading and providing core curriculum professional learning, as both a lead facilitator for Alison Davis’ literacy-based company and co-director of LEIS - Leading Educators Inspiring Samoa. I have a deep-driven desire to be my best self and awhi others to be their best selves in and for the world. My whanau lives in Mangere. We love people and places, culture and kai, learning and leadership.

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.

My name is Oriana Hansell-Pune. This is my 4th year at Papakura Intermediate #TeamPI! I am German Samoan, was born in Auckland and have lived in Mangere Bridge, South Korea, China and Japan. My whānau and I love to travel and explore new places, take amazing photos and have fun adventures by saying ‘yes’ to things that are new to us.

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.

My name is Tony Thompson and I am a member of the Board of Trustees at Papakura Intermediate. I have been on the Board since 2011. My wife TJ and I have had a proud association with Papakura for over 35 years. Although originally from the Hutt Valley, my identity, social connections, business, and Church affiliations all in and around Papakura. I love the Kiwi outdoors and so I’m really into hiking/tramping/ water sports and mountain-biking. I’m passionate about protecting and improving our environment and I am Convenor of Wairoa River Landcare Incorporated. I have a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science and I am currently the owner and Director of a small business which provides environmental services to industry. Above all else, I am passionate about seeing our young people achieve the best they possibly can, and to be responsible positive-contributors to our community. This is my main motivation for being involved on the Board at PI.