Kia Ora Koutou

I am really enjoying being back as Lead Principal for the Ruahine Kāhui Ako. I was previously in this role in 2019/20/21.

I am in my tenth year as Principal of Takapau School and am lucky to live at Te Paerahi beach, Pōrangahau where I have lived for most of my life! I have worked at Pōrangahau School, been Principal of Mangaorapa School and Deputy Principal of Raureka School in Hastings.

I really enjoy leading the collaboration of Educators and other agencies in CHB. I believe that  working collectively to provide the best opportunities for our tamariki is the way to go!

I look forward to working with you all.

 Ngā mihi,

   Biddy 

Buddy Kāhui Support for:

Porangahau School

My name is Samuel Kordan and I am a maths teacher at CHBC. I have previously worked as the

Numeracy Specialist for the Cayman Islands Government where I developed strategies for delivering

the math curriculum within the primary, senior and special schools. I also worked for the Cayman

Islands University College where I ran the Primary Maths Teacher Training course. My other school

experiences have included 7 years as the mathematics lead in a school for students with moderate

learning difficulties. I am very passionate about supporting all students, from those who find learning is more difficult for those who benefit from further challenges. I also really enjoy working with teachers and look forward to collaborating within the CHB Kāhui Ako.

Buddy Kāhui Support for:

Ongaonga School

Kia ora,

I am in my tenth year of principalship at Argyll East School. This is my third principalship and my 19th year as a principal.  It is also my second tenure as the Lead Principal for Te Angiangi Kāhui Ako. I love my work and the opportunities I have to collaborate with educators across CHB.

I am originally from Australia and have been living in NZ for 28 years. I began teaching in NZ as an itinerant teacher of music and met so many great teachers, students and families. Now I am teaching the children of my original students and it gives me a real sense of belonging to our community.

I’m excited about our 2025 mahi and look forward to our team growing together to support learners and educators throughout CHB!

Currently teaching year 0-2 at Pukehou School I have also taught a range of levels.  My passions include literacy, numeracy and the visual arts along with nurturing interests and curiosities through play and structured learning of students as they settle in to their school learning journey.  

I am excited to continue to contribute to our community with many opportunities through the Kāhui Ako while making connections and supporting kaiako, akōnga and whānau.

Buddy Kāhui Support for: Waipawa Kindergarten; Waiapu Abbortford; Scallywaggs Kinikātene. 

Kia Ora, I am a local born and bred, primary school teacher who has taught from new entrants right through to Year 8. I have taught in both C.H.B and the UK experiencing the widely contrasting curriculums. Having experienced the transitioning of students from early childhood providers into primary school and primary school students transitioning into high school, I look forward to working with other teachers at both ends of the primary school sector and with junior high school teachers.

Buddy Kāhui Support for:

Hunter Park Kindergarten

I am currently teaching at Waipukurau School, having spent nearly 20 years in education within the Bay. While my background is primarily in senior primary, I am now working with Year 4 students, which has been a rewarding shift. My connection to the community is particularly meaningful, as my daughter is a student at Waipukurau School and my son attends Te Aute College.

As a founding member of the Hastings East Kahui Ako, I’ve had the opportunity to bring valuable insights from my experience there to my current work. This year, I am excited to continue collaborating with our team to strengthen community ties across Central Hawke's Bay, while also developing and expanding our professional learning networks.

Buddy Kāhui Support for:

I have worked as a teacher since 1989 and worked at CHBC since arriving in New Zealand in 2004.

I specialise in the teaching of all the Sciences and working within the pastoral framework. This is my 4th cycle on the Kahui Ako.

I am keen to be involved in the design of Science in the curriculum from ECE to Y13 and would be keen to participate in whatever way possible.

Buddy Kāhui Support for:

 Elsthorpe School

Tēnā koutou katoa, 

Ko Vanessa O’Keeffe toku ingoa.

I was born and raised in CHB, attending St. Joseph’s primary school and then CHB College.  I love the community we live in and feel extremely grateful to bring my family up in this beautiful part of NZ.  This is my second year in my role as a kaiako for years 7 & 8 at Waipukurau School. My passions include literacy, music and arts. In my spare time my husband and I run around after our 3 children and 4 dogs!

I am looking forward to jumping into the Kāhui Ako to collaborate with other kaiako to ensure we have the best learning supports in place for our local tamariki.

Buddy Kāhui Support for:

 Scallywaggs Waipukurau

I am a WST from Central Hawkes Bay College. I moved to NZ nearly five years ago from Canada and haven’t looked back. I spent a little over two years relieving across nearly all of our CHB schools, then last year started in the English Department at the College three years ago. 

When I’m not at school, you can find me pottering around our farm that my husband manages near Te Hauke. I love nothing more than spending time outdoors, with our animals, in my garden, or hiking/biking/swimming across all of Hawke's Bay's wonders.

Buddy Kāhui Support for:

 Omakere School

This is my third year of teaching a year 1/2 class at Waipukurau School. Prior to that I taught at Hunter Park Kindergarten and various early childhood centres before that. I live in Waipawa with my Husband Shane and three sons, two of which are at Napier boys, and the youngest is a year 7 at Waipukurau School. I love what I do and am very much looking forward to collaborating with other kaiako to achieve positive outcomes for all akonga.

Buddy Kāhui Support for:

I'm Shaye Andersen, and I've been immersed in the world of secondary education for the last 15 years. I kicked off my career in the classroom, teaching Physical Education and Mathematics. Eventually, my passion for supporting students in unique ways led me to explore Learning Support Roles, and for the last eight years, I've been deeply involved in Gateway and Star programs at Central Hawkes Bay College.

Home for me is now is rural Pōrangahau, where I live with my husband and our three kids, attend Flemington School. Witnessing the evolving landscape of educational opportunities, I can't help but be excited for the rangatahi today, considering the incredible support and opportunities available.

I'm passionate about helping rangatahi find their passions. Building strong connections in the community and wider sector is my thing, ensuring the best opportunities for our rangatahi. I pride myself on creating an inclusive learning environment, emphasizing holistic development.  I'm looking forward to been apart of the CHB Kāhui Ako and further building my relationships across our community.

Buddy Kāhui Support for:

Flemington School

In 2019, I made one of the best decisions of my life-moving from South Africa to New Zealand. I have loved becoming part of this wonderful community and I am always looking for ways to give back. 

This year marks my sixth year teaching Mathematics at Central Hawke’s Bay College where I feel privileged to work alongside such talented colleagues. 

I am looking forward to being part of the Kāhui Ako for yet another year, focussing on further developing Numeracy at the College. I aim to bring an open mind, a positive attitude and high expectations to the classroom each day. I believe that I owe it to my students, as well as the community, to bring consistency, diligence and warmth to my job in the hope that I can inspire and encourage such traits in the tamariki as well.

Buddy Kāhui Support for:

I am the deputy principal at Waipukurau School and have been working here since April 2021.  I have a passion for education and enjoy building relationships with a wide variety of children.  I enjoy the inter-school relationships that the Kāhui Ako bring and see the unity as a strength to our CHB community.  

I am looking forward to being a part of the Kāhui Ako again after a nearly 2 year hiatus to help continue the growth and professional development that the Kāhui Ako can offer. 

Buddy Kāhui Support for:

Kia ora! My name is Amber Daley, and I've dedicated over 25 years to the field of education. I currently live in of Waipawa with my husband and our three children. Throughout my career, I have taught in a variety of schools both in Hawkes Bay and the United States. Currently, I am a team leader and the digital curriculum lead at Waipukurau School. I am passionate about teaching and continuously strive to create an engaging and supportive learning environment for my students. I enjoy exploring the wonders of technology and integrating it into the classroom to enhance learning experiences. I’m looking forward to sharing my skills and knowledge with the Kāhui Ako. 

Buddy Kāhui Support for:

Kia ora, my name is Miro Haftka. I live on the outskirts of Waipukurau township with my husband and two daughters. I am a teacher at Waipukurau School and have worked there since 2020. This year I have moved to a year 7 & 8 class after teaching year 3 & 4 students for the past few years. 

I really enjoy teaching maths, art, science and technology. I am also passionate about building relationships within the school and community, this is one of the reasons I am looking forward to being involved in the Kāhui Ako.

Buddy Kāhui Support for:

I await being part of our local Kahui Ako, after taking up the position of Lead Teacher for the CHB Technology Centre (Yrs7/8). This is following the CHBTC transitioning to CHB College.

I led the Centre based at Waipawa School and prior to that, was Associate Principal at Heretaunga Intermediate, leading Technology, Science and The Arts.

Prior to this, my experiences have been varied, teaching at country and urban schools, being a Guidance Learning Teacher, Principal of two rural schools and a Deputy Principal. 

I served 30 years as a Teachers’ Counsellor for the NZEI.

I look forward to working with you all.

Buddy Kāhui Support for: