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!

Kö Kristina Stevens töku ingoa. He kaiako au ki Rüma 1. Kei Paraparaumu ahau e noho ana.

I have been a teacher for over 20 years in both the United States and New Zealand, and I have been teaching at Titahi Bay School since 2013. I feel incredibly grateful to have a career that I love and for the privilege of working with such wonderful tamariki and kaimahi. I love working with children and helping people, and l am passionate about creating a classroom environment that is fun, safe, and positive. I believe students learn best when they feel happy, supported, and loved.

What makes our school unique are our strong KURA values, our colourful school grounds, and our fantastic Titahi Bay community. lf your child has me as their teacher, they may even develop a slight American accent by the end of the year!

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, going for walks on the beach, and spending time with my pets. This year, I will begin studying part-time, working towards a degree in Speech and Language through Massey University.

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. Ko Sharon toku ingoa.
I have been teaching at this amazing Kura for 16 years, all up having spent over 40 years in education throughout Aotearoa and overseas. My husband and I have lived in this wonderful community for over 30 years, and our two children spent a very happy time at this Kura. (They left and I moved in) The fine tamariki and the kaiako who uphold the PB4L values make my heart sing, this is a truly special place to belong. I am working part time this year releasing teachers, and the other part of my life is devoted to being an outrageously proud and happy nana to my three gorgeous moko. How lucky am I to have it all right here in the Bay.

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.