2017 ANI STAFF
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Jill Farquharson, Principal
Tena Koutou Katoa i te whanau. Nga mihi o te tau hau I te tau 2017. Sincere greetings to you all and a happy new
year. My name is Jill Farquharson and I welcome you to our school. Every year our school seems to go from strength
to strength and I am exceptionally proud to be leading in such a dynamic learning environment once again in 2017.
On the staff we have talented teachers and support personnel who are a privilege to work with. This, coupled with
exceptional students makes coming to work every day a real pleasure. This year I am looking forward to getting to
know all our new students, taking a sports team, teaching target groups and spending time in classrooms learning
alongside you.
In my spare time I try to exercise regularly (by going to the gym) in addition to walking, cycling, reading, travelling,
doing yoga and eating too much. I share these activities with my husband Allan, especially the eating too much bit!
We have three grown up children so our Burmese cat is the only one left at home. I come from a large family of five
children and now that we all have children of our own (17 nieces and nephews) I am kept incredibly busy trying to
keep up with what they are doing.
I hope you all have a great year, I know I will.
Lucy Naylor, Deputy Principal
My name is Lucy Naylor and I am the Deputy Principal. ANI is vibrant place to work and I am proud to be a leader of
learning at a school that is focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for every student. With a strong future
focus and learning experiences that are engaging and motivating our students are always eager to share their
learning. They are a talented bunch and amaze me every day with their enthusiasm!
When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family on the North Shore. My grown up twins, Jamie and
Shanade, and my youngest son Connar (15) enjoy doing anything ‘outdoors’ and can often be found at the beach or
in the Coromandel.
2017 promises to be an exciting year and I am looking forward to meeting the students and their families at one of
the ANI community events.
Shane Devery, Deputy Principal
Kia ora all, my name is Shane Devery and I am one of the two DP’s working at ANI. I have had the pleasure of working
at this forward thinking, future focused school over the last 10 years. I have a passion for working with young
adolescents and enjoy the energy and spark they bring to their learning.
I live in the central area with my family (wife and two children) and love the fact that the city is close and we have
good access transport networks. I had a relaxing holiday with my family over the summer and spent a lot of time
enjoying the sun and beaches.
I would like to encourage all students to make the most of the many sporting, leadership and cultural opportunities
that the school offers in order to make the most out of their years at ANI.
I am looking forward to having another exciting year and meeting all of our new students and their families
throughout the year.
Tracey Hughes, Associate Principal
My name is Tracey Hughes and I am the AP here at ANI, and this is my 7th year at ANI. I live in Mt Albert with my
husband Jonathan and have two children, Cole who is 13 and starting at MAGS this year and Gabi who is 9 and in
Year 5 at Gladstone Primary School.
I have taught at many intermediate schools and love working with children in this age group. They have passion and
energy and love to learn, soaking up new ideas and concepts and are eager to share their new learning.
I am looking forward to an exciting 2017 and getting the chance to work with all the wonderful children at ANI.
YEAR 7 TOTARA TEAM
Sarah Nicolson, Room 23 (Team Leader)
My name is Sarah Nicolson and this year I will be leading the Totara team and I am also the Dean of Year 7 here are
ANI. I have been teaching for 11 years in a variety of schools in Auckland and London and worked in a range of year
levels from Year 2 - 8. I am an energetic and enthusiastic teacher who believes that creating a positive classroom
environment is important and beneficial for students to succeed. I love the IB framework and believe it engages the
students and helps to provide them with the skills they need to achieve at a high level and to support them through
life. I have a passion for travel and have been to over 30 countries so far. I love the summertime and enjoy spending
time at my bach in Whangamata, paddle boarding, hiking and reading. I am looking forward to meeting the students
of Room 23 and helping them settle into ANI and make the most of their first year at intermediate school.
Alicia England, Room 19
Hi everyone, my name is Alicia England and this is my third year teaching at Auckland Normal Intermediate. I am the
teacher of Room 19 for 2017, which is a part of the Totara team. This will be my eighth year teaching. I previously
lived and taught in Palmerston North, but in 2014 my husband and I moved to Auckland for new job opportunities. I
love teaching at ANI because it provides so many wonderful experiences for students. This allows the students to
grow their physical skills and abilities, develop great time management skills and to become independent learners.
When I am not teaching children, I love to instruct adults at the gym, run, ski and travel. I enjoy spending time with my
husband and our fur baby Poppy. I am a passionate and energetic teacher who loves to see children take risks and
discover new talents.
Anna Major, Room 20
Hello everyone! My name is Anna-Marie Major and I am the keen teacher of Room 20 for 2017. This will be my second
year of both my career and my time at ANI. I am feeling extremely confident and excited about the year ahead and am
looking forward to giving my year 7 students the best start to their intermediate years. My interests are anything to
do with the freedom that the ocean and summer weather provide, including surfing, lifeguarding and running my dog
along the beach. I also thoroughly enjoy music, whether it just be listening to it or teaching myself songs on the guitar.
Nathan Metzger, Room 21
Kia ora, I will be the teacher in room 21 this year. This will be my second year of teaching at ANI. I thoroughly enjoyed
my first year at ANI last year and I am sure 2017 will be just as successful. I hold a degree in exercise science and have
a huge enjoyment for all subjects in the curriculum as well as PE. My wife and I live locally with our 2 youngest
daughters, our eldest son is currently working in Australia. My youngest daughter has just finished her schooling at
ANI and is this year starting college at Mt Albert Grammar School, while our middle daughter is an early childhood
teacher. I bring a wealth of personal experience to the role of teaching. Year 7 is such a fantastic time for the students,
with many students showing a keenness to learn and get involved in the many activities ANI has to offer. It is core part
of my role to foster and encourage this enthusiasm and ensure the students get the most out of their Year 7
experience.
Carolyn Aish, Room 24
Hello. This is my first year full time at ANI. Last year I was relieving here and two other local schools. I have had a long
teaching career, both here at home and in England. I have taught mainly Years 7-13, in addition to Years 0-6. Year 7
and 8 are the age I particularly enjoy. I have a passion for mathematics and in particular for helping students who
struggle with it. I am excited to be teaching in an IB school. I believe it gives this age group a very real opportunity to
learn more about themselves, to articulate considered opinions about the wider world, and also to develop the
confidence to see them through their teenage years.
I have three nephews, four Godchildren and one beautiful black Labrador, Hebe, who came home with me on NZ1
from England. We’re at the beach most Sunday mornings, and out walking every morning and night.
John Waller, Room 15 (Team Leader)
Kia Ora, my name is John Waller and I am the class teacher in room 15 and Kauri team leader. I am thrilled to be
starting my fourth year at ANI, the energy and enthusiasm of all the staff here is infectious. I have over 15 years
teaching experience in both the UK and New Zealand, teaching students across a range of age groups but I especially
enjoy working with intermediate students. My passion in education has always been to create a learning space where
the students lead the learning through an inquiry model. I currently live in West Auckland with my wife and seven year
old son. I am crazy about rugby league, a gym addict and thanks to my son, Lego Star Wars geek. When I am not at the
gym or building lego you can find me tending my veggie plot and geocaching with my family.
Sam Guthrie, Room 13
My name is Sam Guthrie and I am the teacher in room 13. It is an absolute pleasure to be teaching at ANI for a third
year as I love the fast pace, innovative and student centre approach that makes it an awesome place to work.
With a strong foundation of laughter and good times, I look to instil confidence in the students I teach so they take
risk to achieve their learning goals.
I spend my weekends and spare time surfing, golfing, playing tennis and practising yoga. I look forward to meeting all
the new faces at ANI this year and making 2017 a real cracker.
Sarah Richardson, Room 14
Hi my name is Sarah Richardson and I am the year 7 class teacher for Room 14. This is my first year having recently
moved to Auckland from Hamilton where I completed my teaching studies (I am originally from Tauranga). My passion
in the classroom is to make school creative and interactive fostering a love for learning and supporting your child to
achieve at the best of their ability. I am looking forward to inducting your child to Auckland Normal Intermediate
School and supporting them where needed for this transition to run smoothly. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to
know my children in Room 14 so far and am really excited to see what this year will bring for us!
Juliet Hawksworth, Room 16
Kia Ora, my name is Juliet Hawksworth and I am the Year 7 teacher in Room 16. This is my second year teaching at
ANI, having taught Year 8’s in 2016. This year I hope to make the transition from Primary to Intermediate as simple as
possible, whilst encouraging students to take responsibility for their own learning. I will guide students towards
becoming lifelong learners in all areas of the curriculum, through teaching which is engaging, innovative and
enjoyable. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, cooking, spending time with my amazing family and well-loved poodle
and doing anything arts and craftsy. I can’t wait to get started and look forward to meeting you all.
Kim Mackrell, Room 17
Welcome everyone to the ANI family. My name is Kim Mackrell, and I am the fortunate teacher of Room 17. This year
is my second year at ANI and my eleventh year teaching. In addition to being a classroom teacher, I am also one of the
across school leaders in the Auckland Community of Schools of which ANI is a part. I have taught in three schools
around Auckland and at an international school in Hong Kong. I am passionate about instilling a life long love for
learning within all my students as well as helping them meet, discover or exceed their potential. In my spare time, I
am usually reading, taking photos, travelling or spending time at home with my partner, Joyce, and our gorgeous cat,
Tabs.
Sonja Shine, Room 18
Hi, my name is Sonja Shine and I am pleased to be hanging up my apron and returning to ANI for my fourth year after
a wonderful 8 months of maternity leave. I live in Panmure with my fiance Glenn and two children James (3 ½) and
Leila (8 months). We love spending time together as a family exploring all that Auckland has to offer. This is my 12th
year of teaching and I have taught in schools in London and Singapore before returning to NZ in 2013. ANI is a special
school to be a part of; the learning experiences and opportunities available for the students are truly wonderful. I look
forward to meeting with you over the coming year and working alongside your child to help them reach high levels of
success.
YEAR 8 RIMU TEAM
Nicole Lewis, Room 4 (Team Leader)
Kia ora, Talofa lava, Bonjour, Hello. My name is Nicole Lewis and I am Rimu Team Leader and Room 4 teacher this
year. Year 8 is an exciting year at intermediate school as students are faced with new adventures, challenges and
develop leadership and self management skills, helping them to grow into confident, knowledgeable, passionate
individuals. I am looking forward to working with Rimu students and encouraging them to inquire, explore and make
sense the world they live in by following their passions and interests. I love travelling, learning about new cultures
and taking these experiences back into my life. I enjoy spending time at the beach, practicing yoga and playing
sport. I am currently a member of New Zealand Women's Water Polo team and Marist Auckland Water Polo Club
Senior Women's team.
Rachel Harlen, Room 5
Kia ora, my name is Rachel Harlen and this is my first year teaching ANI. I am excited about being involved with your
child’s learning in the year 8 team this year. I have recently returned to NZ after two years of teaching in the UK. I
have enjoyed teaching a range of children in NZ and the UK from year 1 through to year 8. I trained to be a teacher at
the University of Otago after completing a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Performing Arts. As a keen dancer I have 19
years of dance and performance experience and love sharing my passion for integrating movement and learning
across all subject areas.
In my spare time I enjoy travelling, exploring new cultures, hanging out with friends and family, reading, keeping
active and dancing.
Emma Madgwick, Room 9
My name is Emma Madgwick and I am very excited to be teaching at ANI. I have had 10 years’ experience teaching in
various schools in Auckland and London, and now am ready to take on a new challenge and embrace the IB culture at
ANI. I enjoy teaching Inquiry, Literacy and Fitness and I make sure my lessons are fun, challenging, and meaningful for
my students.
When not in the classroom, I enjoy keeping fit and healthy by swimming, hiking, doing yoga and being at the beach. I
love to travel and have been to some pretty cool places in the world. I am very much looking forward to 2017.
Jacob Markham, Room 10
Kia Ora, my name is Jacob Markham and I will be teaching in Room 10 this year. While this is my first year teaching I
am returning to the same school I did my final placement in. I really enjoy working in an environment where students
are able to direct their own learning and have a greater passion for the content. I believe that learning is best
achieved through meaningful experiences and hope to provide these for my students this coming year.
I consider myself to be an active person, and love the outdoors. I enjoy all sports particularly snowboarding and
cricket. I come from a family of teachers, but it was my time spent in London working in schools, that gave me the
want to pursue this new career and could not think of a better school to begin this in.
Dannielle Cook, Room 11
Kia Ora, my name is Dannielle Cook and I am excited to be joining the Year 8 team here at ANI. I have recently
completed a Bachelor of Education at the University of Auckland and am eager to put it into practice. Being my first
year of teaching I will be learning a lot alongside your children. I cannot wait to meet my very first class in Room 11
and to encourage and support them to achieve and accomplish all that they put their minds to. In my spare time I
enjoy being outdoors, especially at the beach fishing and camping with family and friends. I am looking forward to an
exciting year and all that 2017 has to offer.
Betty Tafa, Room 12
Kia Ora, my name is Betty Tafa and I am Room 12's classroom teacher for 2017. This is my third year of teaching at
Auckland Normal Intermediate and my first year working with year 8s. I love spending time with my family and friends
especially my nieces and nephews. I am looking forward to seeing students continue to build on their understanding
of the world around them and step out of their comfort zone during camp.
I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the ANI whanau. ANI provides a welcoming and comfortable teaching and
learning environment that will foster and encourage your child to achieve at the best of their ability.
YEAR 8 MATAI TEAM
Megan Hughes, Room 1 (Team Leader)
Kia ora koutou. My name is Megan Hughes, I am the Room 1 classroom teacher, Matai team leader and Year 8 Dean.
I am passionate about teaching students of this age- they have so much potential, it is exciting to share their
learning journeys with them. Students at ANI never fail to blow me away with the quality of their work- it is inspiring
to work in an environment that supports and extends students to reach their full potential and beyond. When not at
school, I enjoy spending time with my 25 year old son who works at the Auckland University. I love reading and have
spent a lot of time this summer reading by the beach or pool. I have a real passion and interest in Maths also and I
am lucky enough to be a part of the team leading this subject at our school in 2017.
Andrew Lawrence, Room 2
My name is Andy Lawrence and I am the classroom teacher of Room 2. This is my third year at Auckland Normal
Intermediate and I am looking forward to all that is in store. I really enjoy working with students at this age and give
my best to seeing them grow and succeed in all they attempt. With camp, exhibition and a number of other
memorable moments ahead of us, I cannot wait to start the year. I have a passion for reading, writing and the
outdoors, which is what fills a lot of my spare time. Aside from these activities, I enjoy spending time with my family
and friends, exploring this beautiful city and all it has to offer.
Saasha Jolley, Room 3
My name is Saasha Jolley and I will be Room 3’s classroom teacher for 2017. I have recently completed my Bachelor of
Education so I am extremely excited for the year ahead and my first year of teaching. I am looking forward to being
able to create and provide a space for my students to feel comfortable in their own skin, build their self-confidence,
and broaden their understanding of the world around them.
When I am not in the classroom, I love spending time with my family and friends, my dog Jax, and going on adventures
in the summer sun.
Rachel Murray, Room 6
My name is Rachael Murray and I am the classroom teacher in Room 6. I am very excited to be teaching at ANI having
recently completed my Bachelor of Teaching down in Dunedin.
I am passionate and committed and I enjoy working with children of this age, as they too are passionate, eager and
excited about learning. I am looking forward to guiding Room 6 through their last year of primary education and being
a part of their transition into secondary school. I value the importance of life long learning and every child feeling
confident in themselves. I am excited to have the opportunity to draw out the best in each child and find their spark.
My goal for this year is to encourage independence and responsibility in hope for a smooth transition into secondary
school at the end of this year.
I enjoy spending my free time at my family beach house up north and being active; including running, swimming and
playing tennis. I am ready to have an exciting and fun year in Room 6!
Clara Kim, Room 7
Kia Ora, my name is Clara Kim and I am delighted to be the teacher in Room 7. This is my fourth year teaching at ANI
and I feel privileged to teach at such an innovative and inspiring school. I love teaching year 8 students as they grow
independence and responsibility for their learning before they head to high school. As a inquirer myself, I throughly
enjoy learning along side my students and guiding them to extend themselves and follow their passion.
On a personal level, I live in Orakei where I like to go for walks… to the coffee shop and indulge in delicious goodies. I
spend most mornings at the gym and most evenings relaxing with a cup of tea. I love to try new restaurants with my
partner and attempting to recreate the dishes at home.
Ben Griffiths, Room 8
Kia Ora, my name is Ben Griffiths and I’m the classroom teacher of Room 8, Matai team. This is my sixth year teaching
at Auckland Normal Intermediate School. When I am not teaching I enjoy snowboarding, rugby, fishing and travelling
to places I haven’t been before.
This year as the classroom teacher of Room 8 I will support the students in my class to become young leaders who are
driven in achieving their goals. I will encourage all students to take positive risks in their learning, push boundaries and
make the most of all the different groups, teams and opportunities ANI offers. With this in mind, Room 8 students will
work collaboratively by supporting each other to get the best out of their last year of primary education and be
prepared with the skills and knowledge they will need for secondary school in 2018.
I look forward to meeting you all very soon.
KAWAKAWA TEAM (SPECIALIST TEACHERS)
Linton Rathgen, Spanish Teacher (Team Leader)
Kia ora koutou! My name is Linton Rathgen and I am the Team Leader for the Specialist Team. In my 6th year at ANI, I
am one of two languages teachers and will be teaching Spanish to the Year 7s. I also look after the Boys Cricket Team
and the Chess team.
Married to Ai-hsin, my wife and I welcomed our first child to the world last year and feel very blessed to have her in our
lives. When I am not working or doing volunteer work, I can be found on the golf course trying hard to get my handicap
down to single figures.
Emily-mei Hemstapat, Mandarin Teacher
Hi, my name is Emily-mei Hemstapat. I am the Mandarin teacher and this will be my 7th year teaching at ANI. My role
also includes assisting the international students and parents. I enjoy cooking very much and appreciate every cuisine
there is in this world. My husband and I love to travel. My husband loves Japan as it's a famous destination for ramen,
while I enjoy the beautiful scenery of Santorini in the Greek islands. Our lifestyle consists of eating, traveling and
watching TV series. I look forward to another year of teaching Mandarin to all the year 8 students.
Greg Berry, PE Teacher/Sport Coordinator
My name is Greg Berry and I am the Specialist Physical Education Teacher and Sport Coordinator at Auckland Normal
Intermediate. I qualified as a teacher in 2000 and taught in Australia prior to returning to teach Physical Education and
Health at Macleans College. I then taught in West Auckland and I am now in my seventh year at Auckland Normal
Intermediate. I live in West Auckland in Whenuapai with my wife Kerry and our two children Payton and Taite. I am
impressed with how receptive and motivated the students are to learning. I enjoy working with children of this age,
they are keen, enthusiastic and eager to learn. They have a lot to offer and are fun to teach, having lots of good ideas
which they so desperately want to share. I am interested in promoting my subject Physical Education within the
school and I look forward to increasing the success of our young athletes in sport while they represent the school in
the variety of activities we offer. Finally, thank you to the parents that have volunteered to offer their support to the
sport programme. We hope that your service as a coach or manager or helper will be a satisfying and enjoyable
experience.
Jodie Faircloth, Visual Arts Teacher
My name is Jodie Faircloth and I so excited to be the Visual Art teacher this year! This is my fourth year teaching at
ANI and I have 14 years teaching experience in total. I am originally from the UK, but have been here 7 years and am
currently applying for citizenship. I love New Zealand and can't wait to be an official Kiwi!
As well as Art, my other specialisms are dance and writing; having previously worked as a newspaper editor and a
professional dancer. I am hoping to do lots of Arts-based things in school this year and can't wait to see all the talents
that lay within our new students! I will be on the lookout for anyone who has an interest and/or strength in any area
of the arts, for a variety of in-school and hopefully community-based projects. I am open to suggestions for new
lunchtime and TAG groups, and would love to hear from any adults who think they may be able to support the
development of The Arts at ANI. Get in touch!
Dani Biddle, Science Teacher
This is my first year at ANI, third year as a science teacher and fifth year in teaching. I was born here in New Zealand but
moved to Hawaii at the age of two when my Dad was offered a job. Originally my parents intended on coming back to
New Zealand, but they fell in love with the island and are still there today, which luckily for me means regular visits
home. I came to New Zealand in 2011 after finishing my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Primary Education, followed by a
Post Graduate Teaching Diploma, at San Diego State University in California. I was a Year 8 Teacher for two years in
Auckland before moving to London. While completing my degree I chose a focus in Science and taught an after school
science programme. When I moved to London I put that experience to use and switched from being a classroom teacher
to a science teacher. I love teaching and really enjoy the intermediate age group. In my spare time I am usually found
doing something active and outdoors. I love to travel and experience new cultures and places. I am looking forward to
a great first year at ANI.
Melissa Lee, Music Teacher
I am excited to be coming back to ANI this year. My name is Melissa Lee and I am the Music and Performing Arts
Specialist at ANI. I am really looking forward to the exciting year ahead at ANI in the arts, especially with the school
production. Aside from teaching, I love traveling to new places and playing the violin in my spare time.
Students in music and performing arts will be looking into the transdisciplinary theme “How We Organise
Ourselves.’ After learning the different elements of dance, drama and music, students will apply their knowledge to
create their own performance piece which will be well organised and structured and created by making decisions.
Mariee Guinibert, Soft and Food Technology Teacher
Kia Ora, my name is Mariee Guinibert and I am one of the Specialist teachers. I have the pleasure of working in Soft
Technology and Food Technology departments and am about to embark on my fifth year here at ANI. I am always
amazed at what the students can achieve; they constantly inspire me. Outside of school time I am kept busy with my
two boys Thomas and Jack. Our family likes to spend time up north at Waipu Cove where I am originally from, or we
like to stick around Mt Eden and wander up the mountain.
Bill Holland, Technology Teacher
Talofa! Kia ora! My name is Bill Holland and I am of Samoan and Angloceltic descent. I was born in Fiji, came to New
Zealand as a preschooler. I previously worked at Belmont Intermediate school. I have a wife, three sons, a daughter
and two grandchildren but only one son living in New Zealand. I spent many years travelling and came back to
teaching in 2010. I will be in the Hard Technology room, along with the specialist team and looking forward to learning
with the students as I get to know them. I really enjoy working with students of intermediate age and anticipate
building strong relationships with everyone in the ANI whanau.
PART TIME TEACHERS
Graeme Smith, School Counsellor
This is my fourth year as the School Counsellor at ANI. I am a registered teacher and a Member of the NZ Association
of Counsellors. This year I am looking forward to supporting the students, parents, staff and families that make up our
ANI community.
I have a 13 year old son and together we enjoy tramping with friends, swimming and going to the movies.
Kate Shin, International Student Advisor
My name is Kate Shin and I am a teacher for the international students. I have worked at ANI for ten years so far and
this is my eleventh year. I live in Remuera with my husband and two adult sons. I previously worked at the University
of Canterbury as a Korean advisor in the School Support Team. After that I completed my master’s degree at the
University of Auckland. My hobbies include swimming, reading and travelling. I am originally from South Korea but
moved to New Zealand in 1996. I am always passionate to work with my colleagues and am fortunate to work with
children of this age.
Gina Cave, Release Teacher
Hi, my name is Gina Cave. I work part time at ANI mainly doing classroom release, I am lucky enough to meet all the
children throughout the year when I work in each of the classes. I have been teaching for 8 years, previous to ANI I
worked at Maungawhau primary.
I live in Titirangi with my husband James and our 20 month old son Henry. We often spend our weekends exploring
new parks, playgrounds and beaches local to us. You can often find me in the kitchen as I love to cook and bake, which
my family seem to enjoy.
I look forward to meeting many of you as the year progresses.
Antoine Parseth, Release Teacher
Hi my name is Antoine Parseth and I am one of the teacher aides at ANI for 2017.
I have recently completed my teaching diploma and am currently completing my honors degree in Education and
looking forward to working with the students at ANI. Last year I worked with a number of year 7 and 8 students to
boost their writing skills and knowledge and this experience was very rewarding for me as I was able to see the
difference I was making to their learning.
I am looking forward to working at ANI alongside students/teachers and supporting their learning in 2017.
Toni Ingram, Release Teacher
I currently work part time as a release teacher and have been teaching at ANI for six years in both full and part time
roles. I am an experienced teacher and have taught in New Zealand and United Kingdom. I am also currently
completing a PhD at University of Auckland in the field of gender and education.
FULL TIME SUPPORT STAFF
Kristy Hulme, Principal’s Personal Assistant and Board Secretary
Hi, my name is Kristy Hulme and I’m Jill’s Personal Assistant and the Board of Trustees Secretary. My husband Ian
and I live in Remuera and have two daughters, Georgia (14) and Chloe (12). This is my seventh year at ANI and as
well as looking after the Senior Leadership Team I am also responsible for the school website and all outgoing
correspondence. My role allows me to interact with both students and their families and if I can help you with
anything please don’t hesitate to send me an email or give me a phone call.
Jean Feng, Executive Officer
Hello Ni Hao 你好, my name is Jean Feng and I am the executive officer. My role is to provide financial administration
support to the team at ANI. Originally from China, I immigrated to New Zealand 17 years ago and enjoy living here. I
currently reside in New Lynn with my husband and son, who is in his third year at university. I look forward to meeting
you all and working with the rest of the team to make you and your children's time with ANI a satisfying experience.
Megan Brookman, Administration Officer/After School Music and Leisure Classes Coordinator
Hi, my name is Megan Brookman and I am the Administration Officer and After School Coordinator. I live in West
Harbour with my partner Chris, we have four adult children who have all flown the nest and two beautiful grandsons
and looking forward to welcoming our third grandchild in the next few months. I administer all enrolments, absences
and the After School Programme. This is my second year at ANI and I thoroughly enjoy the diversity of my role and
look forward to helping you and your children have a wonderful time at ANI. I enjoy getting together with my family
and friends, going to the gym, gardening, reading and relaxing at the end of the day with a cold glass of wine.
Jacob Hiko, Property Manager
My name is Jacob Hiko and I am the Property Manager at ANI. This is my second year in the role and looking forward
to another exciting year. My goals this year is to do more professional development in all aspects of my job and of
course maintain the school as an environmentally friendly and safe place for both staff and students.
Tinashe Biri/IT Administrator
Tēnā koutou my name is Tinashe Biri and I am the ICT Administrator at ANI. I enjoy working alongside teachers and
students and helping the school community with support in the use of information and communication technologies. I
have been in this ever changing field for more than two decades and am still learning as well. I look forward to a great
year ahead and exploring the digital field with all of you. I have a lovely wife, and three children.
PART TIME SUPPORT STAFF
Helen McMahon, Receptionist
Hello, my name is Helen McMahon and I work on Reception at ANI Wednesday to Friday. I live in Mt Eden with my
husband, two children both attending AUT and two active border collies. I know a lot of you already and am looking
forward to meeting more of you! Please don't hesitate to contact me by phone or email with any of your queries - I
am here to help.
Kim Elliott, Receptionist/Release Teacher
My name is Kim Elliott and I am working at ANI as the Receptionist on Monday and Tuesday and as a release teacher
on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I was firstly here as a young beginning teacher and now as a slightly older one. I
have a 21 year old daughter and an 19 year old son who have both begun working. My priority as a release teacher is
to work with our beginning teachers. I feel privileged to be able to be part of their progress and development. The
intermediate years are an exciting time of change for your children.
Amy Harrison, International Student Coordinator
My name is Amy Harrison and I am the International Student Coordinator. I do the marketing and pastoral care for our
lovely international students and I look forward to showing them and their families how fabulous ANI is this year. My
husband Sean and I have two daughters - Keara and Mika and they are 11 and 9. We also have an English Bulldog who
is our canine baby. I am excited about what 2017 will bring for our school and our international students.
Jack Potaka, Te Reo Tutor
Tēnā koutou katoa!
Ko Matua Jack ahau. All my life I have been immersed in Te Reo Māori me ōnā Tikanga, and this year I join the ANI
staff as the Te Reo Māori and Kapahaka tutor. It is a privilege to be able to introduce all students to Te Ao Māoei (The
Māori World) and contribute to filling their baskets of knowledge. As a young tutor I hope to establish a safe
environment for students to feel comfortable in speaking Te Reo Māori and are able to understand the practises
within the Māori Culture.
No reira e ngā tauira, tukuna te reo kia rere.
Ngā mihi o te wā.
Hobyn Ashworth-Paia, Teacher Aide
Hi my name is Hobyn Ashworth-Paia and I am a Teacher Aide at ANI. This role will bring new and exciting challenges
and I am here to help. I come from a big family with many teachers and working with kids is second nature. I enjoy
helping them academically and also like to teach them social skills. Ultimately I like to help make the transition for the
students into 2017 as easy as possible.
Jess Philpot, Teacher Aide/Soccer Academy
Hi my name is Jess Philpot and I am a Teacher Aide/Soccer Coach at ANI. This is my first year at ANI and I am very
excited to be part of this community. I recently finished my last year at high school so will aim to help bridge the gap
and aid the transition from intermediate to secondary school. In August I will be going to Eastern Kentucky University
on a soccer scholarship. I have done a lot of work coaching at Three Kings United with 8-14 year olds and I look
forward to coaching the students at ANI.
Rachael Banbury, Teacher Aide
Hi my name is Rachael Banbury and I am a new Teacher Aide at ANI this year. I am an ex student of ANI and familiar
with the community and environment. I am hoping to enhance and improve the student’s experience as mine was so
enjoyable. This year I will also be attending Auckland University studying Law and Politics. I look forward to meeting
everyone.
Jasmine Akurangi, Teacher Aide
My name is Jasmine Akurangi and this is my second year working at ANI. Last year I worked with the Kapa
Haka group, homework club after school along with some teacher aiding. This year I am beginning my
teacher training at Auckland University and am looking forward to all the challenges that 2017 will bring.