Our People

Kia ora koutou katoa, ko Rach McDonell toku ingoa.

I am excited to be joining Te Pae School as an experienced Deputy Principal and to help establish a new kura in this growing community. It is a privilege to shape a school from the ground up and contribute to building something special for our tamariki and whānau.

Every parent wants their child to feel safe, connected, and excited about coming to school. I am passionate about creating an environment where this is a reality — where strong relationships, rich opportunities, and meaningful learning sit at the heart of everything we do. I value working closely with whānau and alongside staff to ensure learning is relevant, inclusive, and future-focused.

I have a strong interest in learning beyond the classroom, particularly through outdoor experiences, the arts, design, science, and gardening — creating opportunities for tamariki to explore, create, and succeed in meaningful ways.

Outside of school, I live locally with my partner Ash and our two boys, Mako and Jet. We love spending time outdoors, going on adventures, watching F1, and enjoying live music.

I look forward to welcoming you and your tamariki to Te Pae and working together to create a positive and thriving school community.

Nau mai, haere mai.

Together we rise – Kōkiritia ki uta.

Ko Stevey Taylor toku ingoa. He uri ahau no Te Taitokerau whānui, Ko Ngāpuhi, ko Te Rarawa ko Ngāti Kahu ngā iwi.

I am a descendant of the North, hailing from the mighty Hokianga Harbour and Ngāti Kahu on the East Coast. With over a decade in education and five years in educational leadership, my mahi is grounded in kaupapa Māori and culturally sustaining approaches to learning.

Relationships sit at the centre of everything I do – I believe that’s where real change begins. Manaakitanga guides how I show up, both in giving and receiving, and I value creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.

I am incredibly excited to be part of this new journey and to join the establishment leadership team at Te Pae School. We are in a unique position to become a strong focal point for our community – bringing people together and creating a space where our tamariki can thrive academically, socially, and culturally.

Te Pae School presents a powerful opportunity to think boldly and do things differently. I’m looking forward to helping shape innovative approaches to teaching and learning, embedding mātauranga Māori in authentic ways, and building a kura environment where both kaiako and ākonga can truly flourish.

Outside of work, I’m all about whānau, good kai, and even better conversations. You’ll often find me hyping up my mates, bringing energy into every space, and enjoying a good laugh. My passions are wide-ranging—from kapa haka and NRL (Up the WAHS!) to travelling, cooking, learning, and getting stuck into a good book.

A few fun facts about me:

• I’ve performed with Six60 at the Roundhouse in London
• Kaimoana is my all-time favourite kai
• I love a good festival
• Savoury always wins over sweets
• Being authentically Māori has paid for me to travel the world!

If you see me around, don’t hesitate to come and say hi!

Kia ora koutou. I am Fenella Aitken and I am very excited to join the Foundation Team of Te Pae School.

I have recently been working at a large Primary school on the North Shore, running the office with a team of friendly staff managing all the office processes and making sure our school systems are as efficient and streamlined for our kura and community.

Originally from the UK, I live locally with my husband and two adult daughters and love exploring all the West Coast has to offer, including taking my dog for walks on the beaches or spending time with my youngest daughter’s horses.

I am looking forward to being a welcoming and friendly face in the office and I can’t wait to assist you with enrolling at our kura and supporting you and your tamariki as they commence their journey at Te Pae School.

Mālō e lelei, kia ora koutou katoa, ko Sarah-Lee Jacobs tōku ingoa.

I’m a proud West Auckland local. I grew up here, went to the local primary and high school, and have spent the past 20 years teaching and leading in our community. To now be part of creating a new kura in a community that has shaped me is something I’m really excited about.

For me, it’s all about people, connection and having a good time while we learn! I want tamariki to know who they are, where they belong, and that they are valued, cared for and loved. I love celebrating their strengths, building confidence and helping them discover what they can achieve. Culture, language and identity are a big part of that.

Outside of school, I love keeping active, spending time with my husband and our two children, and travelling to Tonga to visit my parents and whānau. Staying connected to my roots is really important to me.

I’m also usually followed around by our French Bulldog, Tux, a relaxed little character with a big snore, an even bigger personality, and a Frenchie’s love of play, people watching and plenty of sleep!

I’m looking forward to getting to know our tamariki and whānau, making connections, having some laughs and enjoying the Te Pae journey together.

Tēnā koutou katoa, ko Bethany Richards tōku ingoa.

I look forward to meeting our tamariki and whānau and beginning this exciting journey together at Te Pae School. Being part of the foundation team is a wonderful opportunity to help create a school from the very beginning, and I am looking forward to contributing ideas, learning alongside our staff and whānau, and helping build a positive school culture where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

One of the things I value most as a teacher is getting to know the tamariki and building strong relationships with them and their whānau. I want my classroom to be a place where children feel comfortable being themselves and look forward to coming to school each day.

I enjoy creating a positive classroom environment where children feel confident to have a go, challenge themselves, and enjoy their learning. I love creating engaging learning experiences where tamariki can be involved, curious, and hands-on. Whether it is getting creative, working collaboratively, or exploring something new. I love seeing children get involved and having a go.

I have taught in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom across a range of year levels and learning environments. I am looking forward to bringing these experiences with me as I begin this new chapter at Te Pae School.

Outside of school, I enjoy keeping active, getting outdoors, and playing and watching sport. I love spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, and making the most of new experiences. I live locally and am excited to be part of both the local and school communities.

Ngā mihi

Kia ora koutou, e te whānau.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini – Success is not the work of an individual, but the work of many.

Ko Andy Swan tōku ingoa, and I am so excited to join the foundation team at Te Pae School. Having the opportunity to be part of establishing something special from the ground up is incredible.

Originally from the UK, I have been living in Aotearoa for over a decade now, and teaching for almost as long. I love the creativity of teaching and the opportunity to stretch and support learners to be the best they can be. A classroom full of questions, a-ha moments and laughter is the ultimate place to be. Because of this I have a deep love of including inquiry learning, projects and creative outlets into my teaching.

My wife Nicky, son Finlay, and I often spend the weekends in the bush, or submerged in books and board games. I also spend a ridiculous amount of time meal planning and cooking — food is my creative outlet.

Already I know the journey we are on as part of the Te Pae team is going to be epic, and I cannot wait to welcome more whānau, learners and staff into the adventure ahead.

Woof woof!

Ko Milo tōku ingoa, and I am joining Te Pae School as the school therapy dog with my handler, Andy.

I am a labrador-retriever who trained with the charity Mobility Dogs from puppyhood. Sadly, I didn’t pass the final assessment to become a mobility dog (I’m not great at bringing things back), but that means I get to live my best life as a therapy dog in schools instead.

My days at school tend to be filled with snuggles and sunny spots. If I’m lucky there may be a bit of fetch or a walk too, but I’m more than happy with just flopping in a corner until someone’s ready to give me a hug or read me a book.

I love a good belly rub, anything to chew and cheese. I turn into a bit of a hippo around water and muddy puddles, although I hate the wash afterwards.

If I’m wearing my green jacket (my uniform) then I’m in work mode, but otherwise please come over — I’d love a pat!

Mālō e lelei, Bula, and Kia ora. Ko Fine tōku ingoa, and I’m a proud Fijian/Tongan. I love being a teacher and have been in the profession for just over four years. Throughout this time, I’ve had the opportunity to teach across a range of year levels, and more recently, I’ve really enjoyed working with Year 7 and 8 students.

Alongside being a classroom teacher, I’m very passionate about identity and culture. I believe there is something truly beautiful and powerful about knowing who you are, where you come from, and the people and stories that have shaped you. To me, this is especially important in education, as it helps create spaces where our tamariki feel a sense of belonging, feel valued, and know that their voices and identities are heard.

School is such an important place to plant those seeds. When our tamariki are given opportunities to celebrate and explore their culture and identity, it can help build confidence, connection, and a strong sense of who they are. I believe that when children know they belong and feel proud of who they are, they are empowered to thrive.

Outside of school, I love staying active at the gym or hiking up some mountain, eating good food, being the “Cool Aunty” to my nephews and nieces , and exploring the beautiful whenua of Aotearoa.

I’m super excited for this new chapter and the opportunity to be part of this team of teachers helping prepare Te Pae School for its opening next year. It’s such an exciting opportunity to build something special from the ground up, create a strong sense of belonging, and help shape the foundations of our new kura. Let’s grow!

Kia ora, I’m Shane Bloomfield, and I am incredibly excited to begin my journey at Te Pae and become part of this amazing foundation team. I have a real passion for teaching and believe that learning never stops. I see myself as a lifelong learner who is always looking for new ideas, experiences and opportunities to grow.

I have had the privilege of teaching in both New Zealand and Germany, experiences which have helped me appreciate the value of different cultures, traditions and ways of learning. I really enjoy meeting new people, experiencing different cultures and bringing these experiences into my teaching.

I’m particularly excited about being part of a fresh foundation team and helping shape the culture, values and learning experiences of Te Pae from the beginning.

I look forward to working alongside the other amazing teachers, building strong relationships with our students and whānau, and contributing to what I’m sure will be an exciting journey for our new school.

Outside of school, I have a big passion for sport and staying active. I enjoy giving new things a go, taking on challenges and getting involved in new experiences. I’m always up for an adventure and believe that some of the best learning happens when we step outside our comfort zone!

Kia ora koutou katoa, ko Amber tōku ingoa.

I’m thrilled to be joining the foundation team at Te Pae School! I moved to Aotearoa from South Africa and have called West Auckland home ever since. I live in Titirangi, the fringe of heaven, where the trees are plentiful, the hills are steep and my plant collection is getting slightly out of hand!

For the past five years, I’ve been working in Early Childhood Education, where I’ve had the privilege of learning alongside wonderfully curious, creative and hilarious tamariki. It has given me an appreciation for those early years and all the wonderful chaos that comes with them. I’ve loved watching tamariki become more confident and discover things for themselves.

I’m excited to now make the jump into primary teaching and be part of Te Pae from the very beginning.

One thing you’ll quickly learn about me is that I LOVE ART! Painting, creating and turning slightly ridiculous ideas into reality is where I’m happiest. If there’s a chance to add some colour, paint or sparkle to an experience, I’ll find it!

When I’m not at school, I’m usually exploring somewhere new, at the gym, gaming, or working on my latest creative project. You’ll also find me talking to my plants like they’re part of the family.

I can’t wait to meet everyone and see what we create together at Te Pae.

Ko Waikirikiri te awa wai tuku kiri.
Ko Toi-Kai-Rākau te whare whakairinga kōrero.
Ko Kura-I-Monoa te ōkai o te manakitanga.
Ko Te Hāmua te hapū.
Ko Waikirikiri te marae.
Ko Mātaatua te waka.
Ko Ōhiwa te moana.
Ko Tūhoe te iwi.

Tūhoe moumou kai, moumou tāonga, moumou tangata ki te Pō.

Kia ora e te whānau, ko Hohaia tōku īngoa.

I’ve been working in education for a little while now, and my journey has taken me all over the motu, from Wellington to Waiheke Island and across many different learning environments. I’ve worked with tamariki, rangatahi and adults, in both Māori and mainstream education, as well as in corporate and government settings. Those experiences have given me a broad view of education and the different ways people learn, connect and find their place.

Te reo Māori is my first language, and te ao Māori has always been a natural part of my life. I grew up between the country and Te Atatū North, now known as Te Atatū Peninsula, where I still live today. Moving between those environments gave me a strong connection to both te ao Māori and the wider world, and continues to influence the way I teach and connect with tauira, whānau and communities.

What excites me about Te Pae is the chance to help create a kura that reflects where we’ve come from while looking ahead to where education is going. I’m excited to bring my experience, passion for te ao Māori and curiosity about new ways of learning into a new kura.

I’m probably a bit of a contradiction. I love the ngahere, moana, old ways and being off-grid, but I’m equally fascinated by AI, gaming, programming and technology.

Old ways. New worlds. That’s probably me.

Kia ora koutou, e te whānau.

I’m Wahab Yousufi, and I’m really excited to be joining Te Pae as part of the foundation team.

It’s pretty special to be joining a school right from the beginning, and I’m really looking forward to being part of that journey. I’m excited to get to know our learners, support them, and hopefully make a positive difference along the way. I also know I’ll be learning plenty from our students too!

Sport is a big part of my life, so I’m definitely looking forward to getting out on the field with our tamariki — kicking a ball around, having a bit of fun, building teamwork, and helping them develop their skills in football and cricket.

I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be part of Te Pae from the very beginning. I can’t wait to meet everyone, get stuck in, and see what we can build together.

It’s going to be an exciting journey! 

Kia ora koutou, I’m Sana, and I am super excited to be joining the foundation team here at Te Pae School!

I have over 10 years’ experience in Early Childhood Education, where I have loved being part of children’s learning and development. Over the years, I’ve learnt just how important relationships are — getting to know each child, building trust with whānau and creating an environment where children feel happy, safe and confident to be themselves while developing a love for learning.

One area I have been focused on and have a real passion for is the important link between Early Childhood Education and school. I have really enjoyed supporting tamariki through this transition and into the next part of their learning journey. I’m excited to bring this experience with me into primary teaching and help make this transition a positive, familiar and exciting experience for tamariki and their whānau.

Outside of work, I’m a busy mum and love spending time with my family. I enjoy reading, keeping active, getting outdoors and making the most of our weekends as a family which usually involves the beach!

I’m really looking forward to starting my Primary teaching journey with Te Pae, creating a welcoming and positive environment for our tamariki and whānau, getting to know our new community and being part of this exciting journey!