Our Staff

Mr Kaiser began his teaching career in 1975 training at Auckland Secondary Teachers College and the University of Auckland. He graduated with a BA in History, and post graduate studies in Education, Psychology and Anthropology. He has taught in a number of schools in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, at Secondary, Intermediate and Primary levels. As well, Mr Kaiser taught in Special Education for 5 years and completed a Diploma in Special Education. Mr Kaiser completed his Master of Education in Professional Studies with 1st class Honours at Auckland University. He has been Principal at Tirimoana School for over 25 years. He established and led the Te Atatu Community of Learning with 8 other West Auckland Schools. 

Mrs Hammond has been teaching for over 25 years in New Zealand and in England. As a trained Reading Recovery teacher, Mrs Hammond is passionate about literacy and learning for all children, especially those in their early years at school. She has a particular responsibility to learners in Years 0-3. A big part of Mrs Hammond’s job at Tirimoana School is to enrol and welcome new families into our school community. Mrs Hammond enjoys meeting and working with all students across the school to help them on their education journey. When Mrs Hammond is not at school, you will find her spending time with family and friends, reading books or fishing and paddle boarding at Kawau Island and around the Waitemata harbour. 

Mr Lyon has been teaching for over 15 years in New Zealand and has also taught in Chile and Canada. He is especially passionate about science, mathematics and technology (especially using ICT in schools). He is determined to help students remain curious and appreciate the fascinating world that we live in.

Fostering strong relationships with the students and the wider school community is very important to Mr Lyon. He has a particular responsibility to learners in Years 4 to 6. A big part of Mr Lyon's job at Tirimoana School is to develop the digital literacy curriculum.

Mr Lyon has a passion for cycling, hiking and getting outdoors and is always planning his next adventure. When not getting lost in the bush Mr Lyon is more than likely supporting his children in all of their endeavours or relaxing with a cup of coffee at home or at the Coromandel.

Mrs Matthews graduated in 2000 from Auckland College of Education with a Diploma of Teaching and the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Education.  She has taught in a variety of schools in Auckland and England but enjoys working at Tirimoana School the most. Mrs Matthews continues to take schoolwide leadership as SENCO in the provision of quality learning for our children with additional learning, behavioural and emotional needs and has recently graduated with her Post Graduate Diploma in Specialist teaching in Complex Educational Needs. She is Reading Recovery trained and passionate about Literacy.  When not at school Mrs Matthews enjoys watching her son play cricket and rugby and enjoying family time in the Coromandel at the beach.

Mrs Graham completed her teacher training in 1999 at Auckland University and gained a Diploma in Teaching. She had previously gained a BA in History and Political Studies in 1981 and an MA in History in 1983. She joined the teaching team at Tirimoana in 2000 and was appointed a Senior Teacher in 2006. Mrs Graham is a valued member of the Senior Leadership Team. She is the school liaison teacher and mentor for student teachers for our university partners. Mrs Graham will continue to lead Mathematics in our school and act as mentor for our Mathematics Specialist Teacher this year. Mrs Graham has a Community of Learning role across all our partner schools and she continues to work with our Enviro Group. 

Mrs Christensen graduated from Massey University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Education (Primary). She has experience teaching Year 0 to 6. Mrs Christensen enjoys teaching all curriculum areas she has strengths in Literacy, Arts and Te Reo. She enjoys spending time with family and relaxing with a good book. 

Mr Warland is an energetic West Auckland local. After leaving a career in engineering he re-trained as a teacher and graduated in 2012. He has taught a variety of year levels in West Auckland schools. Mr Warland enjoys teaching all subjects but has a passion for teaching Mathematics in a real-world context and Health and Physical Education. When Mr Warland isn't at school he enjoys spending time with his 3 children; Tristan, Ericka and Primrose, enjoying the fruits that West Auckland has to offer and coaching a successful football team. His favourite place to unwind is at Whatipu beach with a fishing line in the water. 

Mr Curtis has been with Tirimoana School since 2009, teaching classes across Year 3,4, 5 and 6, with 2 years spent as a Mathematics Support Teacher (MST). He coordinates the interschool sports that Tirimoana participate in, including the coaching and talent ID to expose students to the many new sporting opportunities Tirimoana is involved with. Outside of school, Mr Curtis enjoys family time and the many adventures that brings. 

Miss Connolly holds a Bachelor of Teaching and in 2020 completed a Master of Education Practice from the University of Auckland. She has been teaching in West Auckland for 8 years, including some time specialising in ICT and gifted and talented programmes. In the curriculum she is passionate about music, digital technologies and mathematics. Miss Connolly enjoys spending time with friends and family, volunteering at youth camps and working on craft projects."

Mrs Simonsen has taught at Tirimoana in several different roles for nearly 24 years. She has a Diploma in Education, a Batchelor of Education Degree and is a trained Reading Recovery teacher. Mrs Simonsen has completed a Post-Graduate qualification in Specialisation in Literacy from Auckland University. Her teaching strengths are in Literacy and Reading but she enjoys all areas of the curriculum. Mrs Simonsen enjoys spending time with her family, sailing and going to the gym.

Mrs O'Neill has been teaching in a fulltime capacity at Tirimoana School since 2007. She is an experienced teacher who has taught fulltime at several Auckland Primary and Intermediate schools and as a gifted and talented teacher. She enjoys teaching in all learning areas but has a special passion for Literacy, Visual Art and Physical Education and outdoor education. 

Miss Weiss completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Sociology before returning to the University of Auckland to complete a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching in 2018. Miss Weiss joined the Year 3 Team at Tirimoana in 2019 and loves working with learners to support their growing independence at this level. Miss Weiss loves tramping, reading and taking her dog for walks all around Auckland. 

Mr Kluge has been teaching at Tirimoana since 2017. He holds a Graduate Diploma in Teaching from the University of Auckland and a Bachelor Degree in Media Arts. 

Following his career in the media industry, working for TVNZ and Choice TV, he has chosen to pursue his passion for education. He loves to learn and when not enjoying time with friends and family, he enjoys indulging in some of his interests, such as: mountain biking, kayaking, photography, and travel. 

Mr. Lee is originally from London, moving to New Zealand in 2009 and became a proud NZ
citizen in 2016. He originally studied computer animation, followed by a stint in the hospitality
industry before completing a Bachelor of Education in 2021.
Mr. Lee’s favourite learning area to teach is science to allow his students to conduct interesting
and engaging experiments. He has a passion for soccer and is currently learning how to play
the ukulele.

Talofa Lava,

Ms Luamanu graduated from AUT completing her Bachelors of Education including her postgraduate in Teaching. She was a teacher aide in previous years which inspired her to take the journey a step further. 

Her  interests outside of school are reading and spending time outdoors with family and friends.

Kia ora, I graduated from the University of Auckland in 2004 with a Bachelor of Education and began teaching at Tirimoana Primary in 2005. I have strengths in Math, Literacy and ICT.  I am passionate about supporting ākonga (learners) to grow and thrive in their own unique way. I enjoy the outdoors, books and vintage cars. 

Mr. Edwards graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Psychology from the University of Auckland. After spending time living overseas in Melbourne and Dublin, he completed a Graduate Diploma in Teaching in 2016. He spent his first two years as a teacher at Tirimoana, before relocating to live and teach in Vancouver. At the start of 2021, upon completing his 2 year Canadian visa, he has enthusiastically returned to Tirimoana.

Mr. Edwards is a passionate musician, music listener, and obsessive record collector. He loves striking a balance between actively exploring and relaxing with a coffee and a good book. Spending time overseas has reminded him how much he loves the Aotearoa way of life, and watching cricket in the sunshine.

Mr Norman graduated from AUT in 2013 with a Bachelor of Education and has been teaching across the Junior school at Tirimoana ever since. He spent 2018 teaching in London and travelling the world. Mr Norman enjoys teaching all subjects, especially the Arts and Literacy. He loves to play sports, keep fit, adventure outdoors, take care of his garden and play the guitar. 

Miss Fielding is originally from England and moved to New Zealand in 2017. She was a teacher aide for 18 years before starting the journey to become a teacher in 2018. Completing her Bachelor of Art at Massey university in 2021 She took a little break from study to become a mother of two little ones. Miss Fielding completed her Master of Teaching and Learning in November 2023 where she was lucky enough to do her second practicum at Tirimoana. She is very excited to be at Tirimoana and to be a part of the team.

Kura Tuhura graduated in 1994 with a Diploma in Teaching Kura Kaupapa Māori, then gained a Bachelor in Education from Auckland University in 2000.  She has had many years teaching experience in Maori medium and mainstream roles but has been happily teaching at Tirimoana School since 2010. Whaea enjoys working with her colleagues to grow our Te Reo Maori programmes at Tirimoana School and our Tirimoana Kapa Haka . As our in-school Community of Learning specialist she works to engage whanau and staff to develop better learning relationships to progress our student’s achievement.  Whaea Kura takes great joy in hearing about student’s achievements, as teaching and learning are intertwined and she has learnt a lot from them as well.  

Mrs Liddell began her professional career as a ballerina in London, England. On returning to New Zealand she trained as a teacher and has been involved in education ever since. She has taught a variety of levels from Year 1 to 6 and has recently been a specialist teacher in both science and mathematics in a large international school in Singapore. Mrs Liddell also has a great passion for music, (piano in particular) and the natural world. 

Mrs Lake completed a Bachelor of Arts with an English major from Massey University before beginning teaching. She holds a Diploma in Craft Design and in Teaching from Otago University. Mrs Lake began her career in the South Island, teaching in small schools across all levels of children. Mrs Lake gained her Grad Diploma in TESSOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) in 2014 and her Master’s in Education in 2019, both from the University of Auckland. 

Her interests are in all language work especially Reading, Writing, and the language acquisition of Second Language learners. Mrs Lake is presently learning Maori language and sees this as a lifelong project.  

Mrs Agbede completed her Bachelor of Arts with a major in Education and Psychology in 2013, before completing a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching in 2014. She joined the Tirimoana whanau in 2018. Mrs Agbede is very passionate about sport, PE and living an active and healthy lifestyle. She loves to read, going to the beach, getting outdoors and spending time with friends and family.

I’m excited to be joining the team at Tirimoana. I’m really looking forward to getting to know the learners at Tirimoana School

I graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing in 2015 and later completed a Master of Teaching in 2018, both from the University of Auckland. 

I’ve had the opportunity to teach at several schools across Auckland, and I recently returned to New Zealand after spending a year in Japan.

In my spare time, I love reading and going for walks with my dog.

Miss Manjunath completed a Bachelors of Modern Languages and Politics in the UK before moving to Aotearoa NZ to join her family. After working in marketing for 4 years, she completed her Masters of Teaching and Learning at AUT University. She is excited to have joined the amazing Tirimoana whānau since she had the best time here as a student teacher in 2021. Miss Manjunath loves teaching the Arts and Science, always finding ways to weave creative activities into her lessons. In her spare time she enjoys dancing, playing guitar and hiking with her friends and family.

Mr Charteris completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Ancient History and Anthropology in 2017 and has recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching in 2019. He has come full circle from his time as a student in 2001 to 2006. He is looking forward to sharing his passion for reading, the Arts and Science with his class. In his spare time Mr Charteris enjoys spending time with his friends and family and loves embarking on adventures around Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Mrs Alka completed a Bachelor of Science in 2010, Masters in Zoology in 2012 and Bachelor of education (B. Ed) in 2014 in India. When she came to New Zealand in 2016,
she did a Graduate diploma in health and management and has recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching in 2023.  She is excited to have joined the amazing Tirimoana whānau after having the best time here as a student teacher.

She is looking forward to sharing her passion for reading, the Arts and Science with her class.

In her spare time, Mrs Alka enjoys spending time with her friends and family and loves embarking on adventures around Aotearoa New Zealand.

Mrs Parsons graduated from AUT with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at the end of 2018.Mrs Parsons has 18 years of experience in Dance and will be incorporating that into her classroom. She is very passionate about the Arts and getting her students to learn through physical activity. In her spare time, she loves to exercise, go to the beach, and spend time with friends and family. 

Mrs Wilcox graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from the University of Auckland in 2017. Mrs Wilcox is very excited to share her passion for teaching and learning with children here at Tirimoana Primary School. Her strengths include creating a warm, nurturing classroom environment and passion of incorporating Maths and ICT throughout all curriculum areas. In her spare time, Mrs Wilcox loves reading and spending time with her family and friends. 

Mrs Keys completed her Graduate Diploma in Teaching at the University of Auckland in 2015. In 2012 Mrs Keys graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Drama and Classical Studies and enjoys teaching Visual Art, Social Studies and Writing. In her spare time Mrs Keys enjoys spending time with her husband, two boys and walking her dog, Boo.  She enjoys sharing her creativity and passion for learning. 

Miss Sterk  graduated with a Bachelor of Education from the University of Auckland in 2016. She furthered her education in 2017, completing an Honours year with a focus on math and science. Miss Sterk likes to plan rich, hands on, learning experiences. In her spare time, Miss Sterk enjoys playing hockey, exploring our beautiful country, and spending time with her family. 

Miss Meikle's children attend Tirimoana School and she joined the school whānau in 2018 as a junior school teacher. She gained a Bachelor of Education from the University of Auckland and has taught in primary schools around Auckland for over 13 years.
She enjoys teaching all areas of the curriculum and is interested in learning about new languages and diverse cultures.
In her spare time she is kept busy with her three active children Dayton, Kaisam and Beau.

Mrs Croft has been a primary school teacher at Tirimoana Primary for many happy years. Mrs Croft has a Bachelor of Education with particular strengths in Literacy and the Arts. She supports Literacy across the school.  She has responsibility for the school Library and the Reading Recovery team. She also purchases the literacy resources and administers the scholastic book club. 

Mrs Buckingham has worked at Tirimoana School for seven years. She has a Bachelor of Education from the Auckland College of Education and taught at Western Heights for 9 years before coming to Tirimoana. She has two children at Tirimoana School and she loves being involved in all areas of school life. 

Ann-Maree Antonievic has been teaching at Tirimoana School since 2007. She has a Bachelor of Education (Honours). Mrs A has a passion for teaching our youngest learners, providing a smooth transition to school life. She enjoys teaching all areas of the curriculum especially literacy and the arts. Mrs A loves spending time with her family and two young boys, Arlo and Otis who keep her busy in her ‘spare’ time. 

Miss Bainbridge graduated with a Master of Teaching and is excited to continue her teaching career with our youngest learners at Tirimoana Primary School. In 2012, Miss Bainbridge graduated with a Bachelor in Science, specialising in Marine Science which continues to be an interest of hers. She loves to travel and in her own time enjoys relaxing with her friends and family. 

Mrs Lowndes graduated from Auckland Teachers College in 1995 and has taught in New Zealand and England.  She is a trained Reading Recovery teacher and is passionate about literacy in the Junior School.  She has worked in the Junior Team at Tirimoana for eight years and enjoys mentoring new teachers as they begin their careers. Mrs Lowndes loves to sing and teaches the whole school new songs.   When not at school, Mrs Lowndes can be found stuck in a book or finding another crazy adventure for her family to experience. 

Sophia Duncan has been part of the Tirimoana community for many years, as both her children attended  Tirimoana. She has now joined the staff after having taught in other places around Auckland for about 14 years. She gained a Bachelor of Arts from Otago University, a certificate in Television Production from the New Zealand School of Broadcasting, Taught ESOL in Seoul, South Korea and has a Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching from Auckland University. She really enjoys teaching in all areas of the curriculum especially literacy and the arts. In her spare time Ms Duncan enjoys spending time with her two children and loves gardening.

"Whaea Nikita graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) from Unitec in 2009. She spent many years teaching at a local kindergarten in West Auckland before moving on to teach at a primary school level. Whaea Nikita enjoys teaching all levels of the curriculum, loves the arts, health education and has an interest in the transition to school process. Whaea Nikita has been apart of the Tirimoana community for a while as her children have attended the school. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her whanau and friends, photographing, live music and going to the beach."

Mrs Zinck completed her Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) in 2024. She has completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Leading Change for Good 2023 and a Bachelor of Business in Human Resource Management in 2019.

Mrs Zinck did her final practicum for her Graduate Diploma at Tirimoana in Year 6. She is excited to be working in the Junior School.

Her interests outside of school are singing and dancing to karaoke tunes. Hiking to reset and appreciate nature - all alongside family and friends!

Mrs Meiring graduated with a Bachelor of Education from the University of Auckland in 2008. Continuing her education, she completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Education the following year. She has taught in New Zealand and spent time teaching in London in 2012.  

Miss Telfer has been teaching for nearly twenty years in New Zealand, England and Malaysia. She has a Bachelor of Education and a Diploma in Teaching. Miss Telfer has trained in Reading Recovery and enjoys teaching all the curriculum subjects in order to deliver a well-rounded program to our Learners. When Miss Telfer is not teaching she enjoys spending time with her family including her son, Quinn and daughter, Kasey. 

Hi, my name is Shirley and I have been part of the Administration Team here at Tirimoana School since 1994. Over the years as well as working in the office in accounts I was able to garden 1 day a week with the Enviro Group for several Years. I am also the secretary for the Board of Trustees. 

I love working in the School Office which I have done for 26 years. Our staff and learners are fun to work with. My daughter, brother and both sisters attended Tirimoana School which has always been a great community minded school with a well-known reputation. I was on the School Committee when my daughter was here and ran the lunchroom for the school on a voluntary basis. I now enjoy spending special time with my 2 granddaughters. 

I started working at Tirimoana School in 2008 when my youngest son started school here alongside his older brother. During this time I have been very lucky to be involved in many different roles around our school, from working in the classroom alongside our learners to working in the office. I have found the diverse range of roles very rewarding. When I'm not at school I like to take walks, read books and spend time with my family and friends. 

Lisa has been a teacher aide at Tirimoana since 2010.  She loves working with the senior students.  Lisa enjoys being a part of the yearly camp, especially seeing the learners experience situations for the first time and seeing them thrive in a new environment   Lisa also works in the library office for part of the day.   When not at school Lisa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially during the summer months at the beach.   

I first came to Tirimoana in 1998 when my eldest son started school, I was a member of the PTA and volunteered in the lunchroom. I became a Teacher aide in 2010 when my youngest son was in year 2. I work alongside the classroom teacher supporting them and students in the class. Over the years I’ve done many training courses on Autism and working with children with behavioral problems. In my spare time I like to get in my garden, go to the beach and spend time with my family and friends. 

I began working at Tirimoana in 2012 as a Teacher Aide. I have mainly worked with years 0-4 and find my job to be extremely rewarding. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, our dog Copper and cat Lola. I also enjoy being creative with knitting, scrapbooking, crochet and cross stitch. 

Hi my name is Sandy, I have a very strong relationship with Tirimoana Primary. I was a founding student back in 1969, my 4 children attended Tirimoana and my 6 grandchildren have attended or are still attending. I started here in 2013 supporting staff in the senior school. I have run the Rainbow Reading program, been involved In the year 6 camps and support children and teachers where needed. I love spending time with my family and friends. I love to travel overseas and shop till I drop. I also enjoy spending time outside gardening, bike riding and taking long walks. 

Karen Sergeant started as a volunteer, before becoming a Teacher Aide.
Karen has 16 years' experience, working with adults of all ages, who have intellectual disabilities, and their families.
We have a daughter Natalie who is at this school. She keeps us busy with her after school activities.
In my spare time I like to garden and spend time with my family.

I started at Tirimoana in 2021 as the ESTA Environmental School Teacher Aide. I am involved with the enviro group. I enjoy working with the enviro group, getting involved with the vegie garden and helping our planet.  

I like spending time with family and friends, reading and going on bush walks 

Hi, my name is Deanne Retimana and I started working at Tirimoana Primary in 2020. I have 2 children at the school, and since they have been coming here, it has always been a place I have dreamed of working. 

I am Early Childhood trained and have spent the last 3 years working at a childcare centre in Westgate. 

I am thoroughly enjoying my time at Tirimoana, the staff and children have made me feel so welcome. 

I Home Schooled my 5 children for the past 17 yrs and through that I have grown a passion to work with kids as before I had children it was the Army, Cheffing and travelling. My youngest daughter is 9yrs old and she started Tirimoana in 2023. I am thoroughly enjoying working as a Teacher Aide. The staff at Tirimoana have been friendly and encouraging such a delightful school to work at.

Talofa lava

Pele recently started her journey as a Teacher Aide here at Tirimoana in 2024. She enjoys looking after young children, having a young child herself and seeing them grow is her passion.

Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family, friends and teaching at her Church Sunday School. She loves having a good laugh and having fun in everything she does.

Chevonne started working at Tirimoana in 2024 as a Techer Aide supporting year one learners.

Her daughter Ruby attends Tirimoana. In her spare time she likes to go for walks, garden and mow lawns. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

I started working at Tirimoana Primary School in Term 4, 2022.

I am a born and bred Westie, cabinetmaker/kitchen installer by trade and have spent a few years maintaining and renovating city apartments. Most recently I worked for a boarding school on the grounds and garden team.

In my spare time I enjoy fishing, watching sport, road trips in my camper van and relaxing with my family/friends.