Kia ora e te whānau,
Here are our Homebase Learning Advisor selections for 2026.
Please read everyone’s blurb and then fill in the form (large green button) at the bottom of this page.
Just a reminder, we cannot always guarantee everyone’s first choice, we will make every effort to. It is important to make good choices for your 2nd to 5th choices too.
If you have stumbled across this page, and you are NOT a 2025 student in our community, please do not fill this form out. This form is ONLY for the current 2025 students within the Kura.
We always place any new students to the school in a Homebase that we believe will best suit your needs.
NB… If you are a Year 9 in 2025, you are most welcome to continue on in the Year 7-9 community in 2025.
Please complete this selection by 5pm Monday the 17th of November.
Year 7-9 Homebase Learning Advisors
Gina Harrison # Year 7-9
Kia ora,
Ko Gina Harrison tōku ingoa.
I enjoy establishing Homebases where our special character shines, students are truly self directed and follow their passions. I love building a homebase where each individual is valued for who they are and what they can bring. Our Core Values and Guiding Principles underpin how we treat each other and our attitude to learning and we use restorative meetings to solve problems. Getting out and about and using the city as a resource for learning every week is also part of this and something my homebase really enjoy.
I love the relationships we create in our unique community and enjoy having ākonga stay in my homebase over multiple years. I have a degree in Fine Arts and like to spend time making and creating with ākonga. I also really enjoy gardening, cooking and raising animals on our lifestyle block. Outside of school my husband Ben and I have two young girls; Lavinia who is 5 and Adalynn who is almost 1.
In 2026 Libby and I are keen to have an art focussed homebase where we make and create together every week. Libby and I had a joint homebase for a couple of years back at the old Discovery site so I am super excited for us to be working together again!
Previously Libby and I have worked together on student agency and developing systems for arotahi accountability. We have high expectations and want to really help you and see you fly!
Look forward to meeting you or seeing you all again,
Mā te wā,
Gina
Ian Hayes # Year 7-9
I’m really looking forward to having a Homebase in 2026.
I love playing and watching sport, I love travelling and I love working with technology. I really love DIY, building, fixing things and designing solutions to problems. I love visual art and wish I had more time to play with this.
In 2026, I’d love to work with students who are passionate about sport or just enjoy being active. Each week, we’ll spend time exploring ways to get better at the sports we love and make our experiences more enjoyable and rewarding.
We’ll look at the things that help athletes in any sport — like good nutrition and hydration, getting enough rest and sleep, building fitness, strength, speed, and flexibility, and learning how to use our minds to perform at our best.
We won’t be about learning specific sport skills. Instead, we’ll focus on the key things that make a difference in every sport: fitness, mindset, and good habits.
If sport isn’t your thing, that’s fine, we will create a plan that lets you follow your passions, pushes and challenges you and helps you take responsibility for your learning.
Kay Hayes # Year 7-9
Kia ora
I am Kay Hayes and I have worked in the student led environment for over 20 years. I love helping young people learn new and different things as well as tackle things they might be struggling with.
I am super passionate about learning especially hands on projects. In recent years I have worked with students on projects that involve building, sewing, growing, recycling, crafting, cooking, drawing and much more. I also really enjoy helping others and supporting students with projects that have an impact on themselves or others. I love using project based learning to tap into each student’s passions and interests allowing them to follow a theme and find success.
Over the past two years I have administered the Student Volunteer Army Awards at Ao Tawhiti. The SVA Service Award is a nationally recognised framework, designed to formally acknowledge the volunteering of intermediate and secondary school students. I love working with students that like to give back to others or to create projects that benefit other people. I recently read the key to happiness is not to ask how do I make myself happy but to ask how do I make others happy.
Outside of school I love travelling, sports, jogging and snowboarding. For the last few years I have organised whole school ski trips to Mount Hutt. I especially enjoy taking complete beginners and seeing them experience something totally new.
I am always asking students in my HB to design their own projects / Arotahi, try new things and challenge themselves to work on their needs as well as their strengths. I love problem solving and coming up with ideas alongside students. I really enjoy having HB projects and supporting students to work together on projects.
I have worked in both Primary and Secondary and I feel like I have a number of skills and understanding that will help students transition from one to the other. I also have a passion for being culturally inclusive. It is very important to me to involve parents and whanau and I am always keen to work closely with whanau to support students’ success.
I am already excited about working with our year 7-9’s in 2026 and would love to have you in my Homebase. Cheers Kay
Libby Boyd # Year 7-9
Join our home base and dive into a world of creativity, culture, and exploration! If you’re passionate about learning, love expressing yourself through art, and enjoy getting out and about, this could be the place for you.
This HB will have a learning focussed culture where we learn together, have fun, and embrace new experiences. Our goal is to help you understand how to be a successful learner where you’ll discover how to manage your own learning, set goals and find the tools to reach them. We’re a supportive and lively community where you can grow your skills, celebrate your heritage, and make memories along the way. Join us, bring your energy, and let’s learn and grow together!
In 2026 HB Libby and HB Gina will be sharing a space and working together. You will have both LAs to support you and your learning and a larger group of students to learn and grow alongside. One to one meetings, IEM’s and some activities will be with your own LA.
Lindsay Greene # Year 7-9
Kia ora,
Ko Lindsay tōku ingoa. You can usually find me in the kitchen covered in flour, figuring out how to build a set for my MUSICAL class, or helping students bring their next big idea or event to life.
I love championing our values of Aroha and Whanaungatanga and making sure our Homebase is a safe, welcoming, collaborative space where everyone can be themselves, take risks, and explore their passions. Creativity, fun, and a bit of flour on the floor are always welcome here
— as long as you’re willing to put in the effort and help clean up after!
Suze Lamont # Year 7-9
My name is Suze, and 2026 will be my fifth year at Ao Tawhiti. I love building strong, positive relationships with students, creating trust and a safe, supportive environment where learners feel valued and heard. I am approachable, patient, and committed to helping students develop both academically and personally, fostering the skills, dispositions, and habits that will support them now and into the future.
Flavour of the HB: My Homebase will be fun, supportive, and engaging, with a focus on learners taking ownership and responsibility for their learning. I aim to nurture a caring environment where students look out for each other, take initiative, and feel confident to try new things.
Aims for HB AROTAHI 2026: In 2026, I want to focus on projects that give back, encouraging learners to think creatively about how they can contribute to their community in a supported environment. This could include: Volunteering with the Year 1–6 community Running a lunchtime club for peers Organising a community event Volunteering outside of kura Whatever form it takes, these experiences will help students understand the true value of helping others, developing empathy, leadership, and a sense of responsibility. The aim is for learners to reflect on the impact of their actions and feel proud of their contributions.
Expectations: I expect students to engage respectfully, take responsibility for their learning, and actively contribute to the positive culture of AROTAHI. I encourage learners to support each other, take initiative, and challenge themselves to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. If this sounds like you then I would love you to join my HB in 2026. Let’s make it a great year!
Year 9-13 Homebase Learning Advisors
Anne-Marie Hampton and Jess Dewhurst # Year 9-13
In terms of our homebase, we will be your biggest advocate and supporter to help you to see success. Our creative minds mean we are always up for bouncing ideas when you get a bit stuck or unsure.
Our space is an inclusive environment where all are welcomed and where we work together as a whole. Ideas we have include going out and exploring the city or working together on a group project such as sports, boardgames, art, jigsaws, cooking etc.
There will also be time for individualised and focused work on your interests, passions or anything that is on top. If that sounds like a bit of you then we would love for you to join our homebase next year.
Beth Manders and Richard Pitts # Year 9-13
Welcome to the Specialist Digital Media Homebase. This runs quite differently to other homebases, so make sure you’ve spoken to Richard and Beth before signing up.
An increased amount of HB time (equivalent to three colour blocks) offers you the opportunity to complete larger projects within these areas, be it at NCEA level or building towards that! Across the course of the year you’ll study films/novels/short stories/games within HB, that will provide you with cool material to base your projects on. We’ll have time dedicated to upskilling with software – learning the ins and outs of programmes like Photoshop, Illustrator and Premiere Pro, as well as how to do stuff like create branding for a business, produce a film, make a graphic novel, design a creepy creature as a 3d model, and many other things!
We love reading, films (making them and watching them!), and art and design. We have lots of fun finding projects to do together that focus on those topics, and challenging ourselves to learn new things within those areas. We emphasise the social aspect of school in this homebase – that means students like to work together where possible.
Talk to our current HB members: we have high expectations around behaviour, cleanliness, respect and personal achievement. If you’re willing to push yourself and participate, you’ll have a really rewarding time. We’ve got lots of cool tips and tricks to help you along your way, and we’ll be involved wherever we can, but ultimately the responsibility for making school awesome falls to you.
What this might look like for you:
*You’ll work with us to develop some overall goals for the year. Want to learn animation, or digital drawing, or write a TV series? Want to 3d design and print your D&D creatures? Want to make a zine club for the school?
*You’ll write up your own weekly 1:1s and IEMs, to reflect on how school is going.
*You’ll chase up LAs to correct your own attendance issues, and to build an NCEA plan (where applicable).
*Your goals, progress, and SDL focus will be visible and referred to often. Expect some warped version of your face on the wall, too (peek inside 3.1 for some current examples).
*Arotahi and OSL aren’t automatic entitlements. Expect to be challenged lots on your effective use of this time! Luckily, you’ll be surrounded with lots of other motivated students to help push you along.
Brent Silby # Year 9-13 # Agora | Whai Kōrerorero
Do you like to be treated with the maturity to make your own education decisions?
Do you love exploring new ideas?
Do you see yourself on a pathway to university?
If so, don’t miss out on the opportunity to join Brent’s homebase.
In 2026 I will be working with Megan W and Richard M on a new initiative for senior students called the Agora Whai Kōrerorero. This initiative is focused on supporting students to better control and direct their own learning. If you are interested in English, Philosophy, Psychology, History, Art History, Legal Studies, Media Studies, Classical Studies, Sociology, Languages AND you would like support to design your own NCEA pathway then consider joining our Homebase. Our plan is to create a community of learning where we share food, build relationships and collaborate on making Ao Tawhiti a (more) awesome place. Please speak with any of us if you have any questions.
About Brent: Philosopher by day, DJ by night. I have a Masters degree (and part of a PhD) in Philosophy. My research interests include: philosophy of mind, cognitive science, philosophy of religion, and stoic philosophy. Outside of school I am DJ “Maestro B”. I play most Saturday nights at Casa Publica, and alternate Fridays at Cascade and Whiskey Fiddle. I also perform at various other club nights and House music events as part of a DJ duo act called “Moorhouse DJs”
Carl Burr # Year 9-13
I am the Hard Materials and DVC teacher at Ao Tawhiti
This Home Base is in The Garage, which whilst part of the 3rd floor community, is on the ground floor. It is suited to those students that want their learning to have an emphasis on Technology and/or DVC. It also allows students to have access to the garage for Arotahi projects requiring the machines and equipment within the workshop.
The vision for this home base is to provide an introduction into the world of “tinkering”. The HB mantra will revolve around doing a bit of cool stuff and having a bit of good chat. Memories from school tend to relate to experiences and relationships. That said, I will ensure that a student’s achievement reflects potential.
This Home Base will also provide opportunities to work collaboratively to design and manufacture group projects that can link to curriculum and enable students to gain either Unit or Achievement Standards in Home Base.
Dean Crawford # Year 9-13
My teaching style is easygoing, but I can be strict when needed, and I am also go-go-go. At Ao Tawhiti, I teach Physical Education at the primary and junior high levels, as well as Outdoor Education. Another of my pursuits at school is developing our weightlifting squad, with a successful campaign at this year’s national secondary school championships.
Homebase time is separate from the above; it’s your time to focus on Arotahi/Self-Directed Learning, just one of the many aspects that make this school unique. I enjoy seeing a variety of interests and projects pursued throughout the year. Just a heads up: gaming on the computer isn’t one of them. Personal interests can lead to many discoveries, learnings and growth.
As for my interests, they cover a wide range. I enjoy watching athletics—track and field, road races, cross-country, and trail running. I was once a decent decathlete and have coached successfully. I love adventures like geocaching, tramping, and hut bagging, and I intend to visit all the DOC huts in the South Island (still a ways to go!). You’ll often find me on road trips to Southland in my Tesla to see my family. I’m into new technological advancements, global events, geopolitics, and New Zealand history. Another interest is genealogy: building my family tree and uncovering the stories of my ancestors. One day soon, I would like to plan a family reunion.
Last year, in my blurb, I said I suspected I may have ADHD! This year, I can state with a diagnosis that I have ADHD and autism. A combination that now explains my varied focused interests and specific characteristics. With this newfound personal knowledge, I have a growing understanding of neurodiversity, including its struggles and benefits.
Derek Thatcher and Craig Perry # Year 9-13
In 2026 Craig and Derek will be teaming up Homebases. We both have a similar educational philosophy and share many areas of interest. During the year, we may operate as separate homebases or if it suits, we could utilise the flexibility that two HBLA’s provide.
About Derek
Kia ora, I have been a learning advisor since 2006 teaching Mathematics and Digital Technology. I believe that as a Homebase LA, I am here to help you become a confident and independent learner. My role is to advise, encourage, and assist you in any way I can, such as providing information, motivation, and accountability.
All of my personal interests revolve around challenges and problem solving. This mostly involves trying to climb impossible-looking rock faces, but also includes mountain biking, surfing, photography, web design, programming, cubing, diy/building, and lego.
In my homebase, I like to help students with their various projects, either directly or by acting as a sounding board. I encourage students to have multiple projects on the go so that there is always something to do.
About Craig
Kia ora, I am passionate about learning and helping people feel successful and build capacity for learning. I have been teaching for 20+ years and a Learning Advisor and Community Leader here at Ao Tawhiti since 2019.
Outside of school, I am super interested in rock climbing, surfing, kayaking, distance running and having adventures. We will likely share a space with Derek’s Homebase.
Emily Marck (she/her) Ally Grosvenor # Year 9-13
Kia ora e te whanau!
This year we will be bringing together our individual homebases to create one super homebase. Over the course of the year, our main focus will be on working together, trying out new ideas, spending time outside when the weather allows, and most importantly, supporting you in completing activities and projects YOU want to do. Our homebase will be a welcoming, open-minded space where diversity is celebrated but is also a place where stuff needs to get done, so self motivation and a curious mindset is important. If you are someone who loves to participate in activities, work well with others, and are open to trying new things this is the homebase for you!
Hi, I am Emily and this will be my second year at Ao Tawhiti teaching PE and Business. I have lived in London, Amsterdam and Frankfurt, so have developed a real curiosity for foreign cultures and countries. I am also passionate about staying active. This year my goal is to start biking some of the great trails throughout the South Island. What are your goals?
Hi, I’m Ally! I joined Ao Tawhiti halfway through last year, so I’m really looking forward to spending the whole of 2026 with you all. I’m an English teacher at heart, but I also enjoy exploring the fascinating worlds of Greek and Roman Mythology. I am a passionate person and love sharing my obsessions; things like books, movies, swimming, Marvel, and my cats. But even more, I’d love to hear about what excites you!
Emma Kneller # Year 9-13
Hi I am Emma and I am very fortunate to be the Learning Advisor for Drama. My happy place is supporting students to become confident collaborators and creators, so if you love being creative this is the homebase for you.
I believe that life is a big adventure and every day is a new opportunity to discover unique aspects about ourselves and the world we share.
Our Homebase is a place of well-being, where caring about each other, respecting and supporting all passions and interests is in the spotlight. My school whānau can always expect to find a place of warmth, fun and laughter as we work together on our creative projects.
So a passion you’re excited to action and respect for others is all you’ll need to bring. Having said that, I do expect you to follow school processes, because it’s my job to make sure that you do – so you’ll do posts for Arotahi classes, and OSL, and do one to ones every week. It’s pretty simple stuff, and I’ll do what I can to make it as easy as possible for you.
Evan Kiddey # Year 9-13
I’m super excited for the year ahead. If you’re someone who loves all things to do with Hospitality — cooking, serving others, creating great experiences, and being part of a team — then this is the Homebase for you. With over 20 years working as a chef and running my own business, I bring real-world passion and skills straight into our learning space. I believe that hospitality isn’t just about food — it’s about manaakitanga, kindness, and taking pride in what we create together. In 2026, our Arotahi will centre around hospitality. We’ll explore how food connects people, cultures, and communities — and how we can showcase those skills within our Kura. Being based near the school café means you’ll get a taste of barista life, customer service, and teamwork, along with opportunities to dive into your own inquiry projects and passions. I value a supportive and fun classroom culture where everyone feels confident to give things a go. I have high expectations and my aim is to help you develop independence, leadership, and skills that you can take into the world beyond school. You can expect hands-on learning, laughs, teamwork, and a place where your ideas matter. I’ll always be there to support and encourage you — but this is your journey, and I can’t wait to see where it leads.
Greg O’Neill # Year 9-13
My Home-base has traditionally been a quiet space to get on with self directed learning. Ākonga have written fantasy based books to rival the Harry Potter World – they’ve investigated storms – they’ve looked at Fungi and furthered their circus performance and some have just been wonderfully academic; advancing their learning beyond their chronological age.
To sum that up, we don’t care what your passion is, just that you’re passionate and wanting to turn that passion into action.
As for me, my passions are Science (Physics), and bikes of all stripes. I took up BMX racing with my daughter Courtney (Year 8) a couple of years ago, and haven’t looked back. I love building, landscaping and try to spend most my time when I’m not teaching working with my hands.
The most important thing we have in common is our respect for each other. So a passion you’re willing to act on; and respect for others is all you’ll need to bring.
Kate Armour # Year 9-13
Kia ora koutou
Ko Kate tōku ingoa. I’ve been teaching at Ao Tawhiti for over 10 years, and I love it here!
My passions and interests revolve around whānau, gardening, learning te reo, social and environmental issues, and still learning to be a better LA everyday. In a previous life, I worked for the Department of Conservation, a local council, and as an ESOL teacher. I’m a parent of three young adults. I teach junior science and social science as well as education for sustainability. I also have a literacy role.
In 2026, I’m excited to be teaming up with Michelle Verkaaik for home base again. In our home base, you’ll need clear goals for your learning and to be ready to record and discuss your progress regularly. We will also collaborate with you to plan regular HB activities and ‘out-and-abouts’ where the expectation is that you “have a go”. It’ll be fun:)
I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals in your way in 2026.
Mark Stone # Year 9-13
2026 will be my first full year at Ao Tawhiti, and I’m really looking forward to continuing to be part of such a creative and inspiring learning community. I’m passionate about helping students grow into confident, capable leaders who make a positive difference in the world around them.
In our Homebase, we’ll explore what it means to be a great leader, someone who inspires others and creates lasting change. Drawing on ideas from popular leadership books and podcasts, we’ll turn those lessons into real projects that improve Ao Tawhiti for future students. Together we’ll look to build things and make changes that will outlast our time here.
Alongside our leadership focus, will be all of the usual support and guidance you should expect from your Home Base, and we will work hard together to make sure we are all growing into the best version of ourselves.
We will be working collaboratively with Nic’s Homebase.
Matt Davis (he/him) # Year 9-13
My Homebase will be doing something slightly different this year; it will have a strong music focus, and most HB blocks will be run like a band/ music ensemble session.
Only pick this HB if you have a strong interest in music and would like to work collaboratively with others! I love student-centred, self-directed learning, and believe that we learn best when we are empowered to make our own choices.
Matt Parkes # Year 9-13
In 2026 Matt P will be offering a specialist STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) homebase.
Gemini says “Ready to explore the “how” and “why” of the physical world? Our new STEM-focused Homebase for 2026 at Ao Tawhiti moves beyond the screen to embrace hands-on discovery. This is your space to design real-world engineering solutions, dive deep into experimental physics, conduct long-term biological inquiries, try those chemical experiments that we never have time for in class, or master advanced mathematics. You will build, test, and innovate based on your own questions. If you are a natural experimenter, a builder, or a problem-solver, this is the HB to bring your biggest ideas to life.”
We will be based in the science labs, where you will be encouraged and supported to engage with STEM based, PRACTICAL arotahi projects, this could include NCEA work up to scholarship level, university STAR courses, or designing/ building/ competing with VEX robotics and eVelocity electric vehicles. There will be no support for entirely coding based projects – you can already ask AI to do that for you ;p
Please note some core expectations:
- prior knowledge is not a requirement, genuine curiosity and the desire to gain a deeper understanding of how the world works is.
- you will get to HB by 9am each day you are at school and stay in HB for the duration of the period.
- we will be using some of our HB time for groupwork/ team building activities.
- Arotahi and OSL are not automatic entitlements – you will need a plan. Expect to be challenged lots on your effective use of this time!
Matt P – brief histories: UK born; bass player (only played 2 live gigs, both shut down by police for being too loud); global backpacker (lived in 7 countries, visited over 50); qualified instructor – outdoor pursuits, bushcraft, SCUBA diving, outdoor first aid & archery; Coastguard Canterbury team leader; Christchurch schools’ canoe polo manager; Certificate in Outdoor Leadership, Diploma in Psychology, honours degree in Physics with Astrophysics.
Teaches Maths, Science and senior Earth and Space Science. previous NCEA classes: Maths & Chemistry to level 2, Physics & ESS to L3, plus tutoring students in Scholarship Biology, ESS and Physics.
Parkes is an odd fellow – often brusque and abrasive, he’ll nag you into submission if you are not keeping up with work. A dark sense of humour, brutal honesty and crushing cynicism are an almost oxymoronic contrast to his underlying (and deeply hidden) optimism.
Personal interests include Planetary + Space Science, environmentalism, technology, music and sports (especially skiing, kayaking and almost anything else involving mountains or water).
Megan Taylor # Year 9-13
Kia ora koutou. I’m super passionate about learning and about helping you get the most out of your high school years. As your HBLA I can help you develop a learning plan that builds on your strengths and interests. In this Homebase you’ll work to develop helpful habits and routines, so you can make good use of arotahi time.
A bit about me – I’m an English LA and I love learning languages. I know some French and German and recently I’ve been learning te Reo and Spanish. In my spare time I love to read, listen to music, keep active and spend time with family and friends. One of my absolute favourite things to do is travel.
Megan Woods # Year 9-13 # Agora | Whai Kōrerorero
Are you just ‘happy enough’ with school, or ready to help shape something better?
Do you ever feel curious about ideas that don’t quite fit into the standard timetable?
Would you like to be part of a learning community that’s creative, purposeful, and connected?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, and you’ll be in Year 10 or above in 2026, I’d love you to consider joining my Homebase next year.
As a Learning Advisor, I’m passionate about helping students design learning that actually fits who they are and what they care about. I also support the Prosillio Programme — a partnership with Canterbury Ballet that supports dedicated young people to combine their creative passions with meaningful academic pathways
Next year, I’ll be working alongside Brent Silby and Richard McCance on Agora | Whai Kōrerorero, a new NCEA initiative for senior students who want more autonomy, depth, and connection in their learning.
Our goal is to build a homebase community where we share food, form real relationships, and collaborate to make Ao Tawhiti an even more inspiring place to learn and belong.
If that sounds like you, come and have a chat with any of us; we’d love to tell you more.
Michelle Verkaaik # Year 9-13
2026 will be my seventh year at Ao Tawhiti and I’m super excited to be part of such a dynamic learning community. I am relentlessly positive about my students and what they can achieve, but I also have high expectations that my students work hard to reach their goals. I look forward to working together to find learning pathways that both excite you and create the foundations required for wherever you want to go.
My goal is to create a positive learning environment within my homebase where every student feels supported in their learning and challenged to achieve their full potential.
In 2026 my homebase will again buddy up with Kate Armour’s homebase. As a team we will have high expectations that students set clear goals (that are well-documented) around what they will achieve during homebase time and bring a “have a go” attitude to homebase activities.
My specialist subjects are Biology, Science and Maths and my interests are skiing, mountain-biking, environmental issues and sustainability.
Richard McCance # Year 9-13 # Agora | Whai Kōrerorero
Are you just ‘happy enough’ with the way the school is working for you or would you like to see some changes?
Are you interested in subjects or ideas that are not always available within the timetabled class structure?
Would you like to be part of a larger more meaninigful social experience while at school?
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions and you are year 10 or above you should consider joining my HB in 2026.
Next year Brent Silby, Megan Woods and I will be working together on a new NCEA initiative for senior students called the Agora Whai Kōrerorero. This initiative is focused on supporting students to better control and direct their own learning. If you are interested in English, Philosophy, Psychology, History, Art History, Legal Studies, Media Studies, Classical Studies, Sociology, Languages AND you would like support to design your own NCEA pathway then consider joining our Homebase. Our plan is to create a community of learning where we share food, build relationships and collaborate on making Ao Tawhiti a (more) awesome place. Please speak with any of us if you have any questions.
Sam Buchanan # Year 9 -13
Kia ora koutou.
I am Sam. I’ve been at Ao Tawhiti just over a year now and am getting my first homebase next year! I love the school and am really looking forward to supporting you with your learning as you grow up in the world. I would say my two greatest strengths are being understanding and dependable.
My objective is to create a safe and inclusive community. This means that we will try and give a portion of time each week to checking in as a group, and doing activities or going off site together. I’m very happy to give some control over most of the time for things that are important to you, such as for subject work, projects, or friendship building.
Though I teach maths, I love politics, philosophy, sociology and psychology. Basically, what that means is that if you have a social action project, love the liberal arts, or have an inquisitive deep dive you want to do for Arotahi, then I may be the person to support you with it.
Most of all, I look forward to getting to know you and seeing how you will make the most of the space we will have together.
Mauri ora,
Sam.
Nic Kelly # Year 9-13
Kia ora e te whānau
2026 will be my second year at Ao Tawhiti and I am excited about continuing to learn how to best cater for students learning needs. I have high expectations of myself and students, as I want to support them to achieve to their potential and to thrive both academically and personally. I endeavour to walk alongside students to help them explore learning pathways that both excite them and create the foundations for their futures. With experience in transitional education and high performance sport, I believe I can think outside the square and mentor students to grow their intrinsic motivation.
My goal is to create a positive learning environment within homebase so all student feel supported in their learning and challenged to achieve their full potential. I enjoy mountain-biking, tramping, kayaking, netball and skiing.
My specialist subjects are Physical Education, Health and Outdoor Education. However I have taught many other subjects over the years including transition and technology.
We will be working collaboratively with Mark’s Homebase.
Vicki Parker # Year 9-13
Kia ora e te whānau,
If you love being creative, making cool stuff, and hanging out, come join us in the art room.
I’m passionate about art, design, and photography, and I’ve spent years teaching and creating in all things visual. I’m inspired by classic movies, retro TV, sci-fi, great music, and pretty much anything arty—from photography and design to animation and architecture.
Let’s keep things chill, have some fun, and get creative together!