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. I’ve been a teacher for over 20 years in both the US and NZ. I’ve been at Tītahi Bay School since 2013. If your children have me as their teacher, they may have 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. In my spare time I enjoy listening to music, doing jigsaw puzzles, going for walks on the beach, or curling up on the couch with a good book and a cup of tea.

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.

Kia ora koutou e te whānau, ko Cherie tōku ingoa. It is such a privilege to be a part of the Tītahi Bay School community. From the first time I walked through the door, I knew this was a kura whose kaupapa and values resonated with me. Born and raised in Orongomai, Upper Hutt, I moved with my husband and three children (currently aged 7-15 years) to Porirua ten years ago, after several years living overseas. I’m passionate about Sir Mason Durie’s model of Te Whare Tapa Whā – places of wellbeing that embody physical, mental and emotional health rooted in whānau and whenua. I’m keen to help cultivate respectful environments that provide nurture, warmth, consistency and a good deal of humour and creativity too. Places where all tamariki feel seen, heard and can thrive. In my spare time I love to garden and be outside, to journal and read, to make art, and to walk our beautiful pup beside the sea. Poipoia te kākano kia puāwai – Nurture the seed and it will bloom.