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.

Tēnā koutou katoa.
Ko Jessie McKee tōku ingoa. I’m originally from Ōtautahi (Christchurch), and now proudly call Te Whanganui-a-Tara home. After completing my Master of Teaching at this wonderful kura in 2025, I’m thrilled to be continuing my teaching journey here. It’s a real privilege to work within such a supportive and welcoming community of kaimahi, whānau, and tamariki. I’m passionate about creating an inclusive, nurturing, and safe environment where every ākonga and their whānau feel valued and supported. Outside of kura, I love spending time outdoors, camping, reading, and enjoying time with friends and whānau.

Tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Lauren Blakeley tōku ingoa. I began my teaching journey at Titahi Bay School in 2023 and have been loving every second of it. It is a huge privilege to be teaching at such a great kura within an amazing community, with incredible tamariki and alongside awesome kaiako. I am passionate about ensuring my classroom is a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where students thrive as individuals and as a team. Outside of mahi I love playing rugby, reading, baking, going to the gym, spending time with my whānau and friends and doing anything outdoors.

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.