Koru

Kia ora ki a koutou! Ko Mathew O’Hagan ahau. I was born in Porirua, and grew up here and in Kāpiti. After university in Wellington, I jetted away from Aotearoa for what ended up being 18 years abroad (22.5 if you count time in Auckland ). It’s so good to be back home! I’ve been a teacher for 25 good years (and in five different countries). Now I live in Plimmerton with my partner and little dog. I love long walks, the beach, books, the bush and TRAVEL. I was inspired to get into teaching by the Mahatma Gandhi quote: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”. I am passionate about tamariki, kaiako, strong and healthy communities, Aotearoa, New Zealand, and the power of education in enabling all to achieve their highest potential. Hāpaitia te ara tika pūmau ai te rangatiratanga mō ngā uri whakatipu: Foster the pathway of knowledge to strength, independence and growth for future generations.
Looking forward to meeting you all soon!

Kō Kristina Stevens tōku ingoa. Kei Paraparaumu ahau e noho ana. I’ve been a teacher for over 20 years in both the US and NZ, and I’ve been teaching at Tītahi Bay School since 2013. If your children have me as their teacher, they may develop a slight American accent by the end of the year! What makes our school unique is our KURA values, colourful school grounds, and fantastic Tītahi Bay community. I’m grateful for having a career that I love and for the privilege of working with such wonderful tamariki and kaimahi. Creating a classroom environment that’s fun, safe, and positive is important because I believe students learn best when they feel happy and loved. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, going for walks on the beach, and spending time with my pets.

Tenā koe,
Ko ingarangi te whakapaparanga mai engari, Ko Waihī te whenua tupu, ko Waihī te kāinga, nō Australia au, kei Kirikiriroa au e noho ana, He kaiako au i Te Uku, Ko Reece au
Tēnā tātou katoa.
Kia ora Titahi Bay whanau, my name is Reece Kennedy.
I am extremely passionate about a variety of sports, and have a wide range of hobbies and interests including history, music and travel.
I will create a very open and inclusive classroom, not only for my students but their whanau and caregivers too. I am very excited to be a part of this kura and can not wait to meet you all!

Kia ora! Kō Leah Merewater tōku ingoa. I feel so lucky to be part of the amazing team of kaiako at KURA street and totally blessed to be surrounded by the joyful bunch of tamariki here as well. I have been teaching for 12 years and have been lucky enough to have joined this beautiful kura in 2022, so I am quite a recent import. My three sons are current students so I have the pleasure of seeing my own tamariki while I am working! In my own time you might spot me and the whānau on a walk with our pup Diesel or hanging out down at the beach. I have set myself the challenge of completing the Great Walks of Aotearoa and have been busy ticking off one a year.

Kia ora koutou, Kō Cheryl tōku ingoa.
I have a long history with Titahi Bay School, as my children came here, and I was privileged to start my teaching career here 17 years ago. We moved and spent 9 years living and teaching in the Waikato. I was delighted to return to teach in the Bay in 2022, and love being part of this passionate, supportive and enthusiastic team and community.

I strive to create a safe, happy and supportive learning environment where KURA kids can take risks in their learning, make mistakes and be curious. When I am not at kura you will find me connecting with whānau, making art, or standing in a river fly-fishing with my husband Wayne.

Kia ora koutou! Ko Abby de Groot-Mckenzie (Mrs d.g-Mck) tōku ingoa.
With 14 years of teaching experience, from ECE and New Entrants through to Intermediate, I’m passionate about fostering a love of learning.
Originally from Wānaka, I now call beautiful Whitby home, where my husband and our energetic toddler, Lucy, enjoy exploring local parks and the wonders of the world. Spending time with friends and family is important to us. I believe in creating a warm and supportive classroom community where every child feels valued and empowered to learn. I’m absolutely thrilled to be back in 2025 and can’t wait to connect with both new and familiar faces.

Kia ora koutou. Kō Natalie tōku ingoa.
I entered Tītahi Bay School as a trainee teacher four years ago, and have enjoyed every minute. My love for the Bay was undeniable so I moved here shortly after my teaching career began. I have a huge passion for the outdoors. If you don’t see me working up a sweat at the gym, you may find me down at the beach on my paddle board or climbing up Rangituhi. Prior to teaching I taught dancing, so I will never shy away from a dance battle on the back court. I believe if it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you. All tamariki are born to be great! With the right support and a positive learning environment, there is no doubt they will shine and be the best versions of themselves they can be.