These kaiako are part of the team that focuses on Mātauranga Māori and Success at Tihipuke. They are, of course, not the only kaiako here to help you, but a good starting point.

Whaea Caseymia

Kia Ora! Ko Caseymia Hawkins tōku ingoa. I was born and raised in Kirikiriroa with Kiingitanga values guiding my upbringing.  I am proud alumni of Kohanga Reo, Kura Kaupapa, Te Aho Matua, and Māori boarding school. I am passionate about kaupapa Māori with a focus on building relationships with students, whānau, mana whenua and the wider community.

During the summer break, my whānau had a peaceful camping trip at Tikitapu (Blue Lake).

Mauri Ora!

chawkins@hillcrest-high.school.nz

Matua Wharenui

Kia ora e te whānau, ko Wharenui Hawera tōku ingoa. He uri tenei no Tainui me Ngāti Awa.

Over the summer I was busy starting my part time teaching diploma where I had to do summer school papers, alongside this I had some good time away on the East Coast with family camping.

Tēnā kōutou

whawera@hillcrest-high.school.nz

Matua Matt

Kia ora, Ko Matt Naden tōku ingoa. I was born in Waipukurau and raised in Gisborne and along the East Coast. My whānau whakapapa to Tahiti but I was brought up in a Te Ao Māori environment which has helped me understand the importance of relationships with people and nature. I have a strong passion for Te Ao Māori and Te Reo. I am always learning new kupu or tikanga from other kaiako and ākonga which is awesome. 

Over the summer break I went back home to Gisborne and spent my time with my family and friends. My whānau and I painted the house, and Dad and I did lots of surfing and golf. It was a very relaxing break and I am looking forward to the year ahead :) 

Chur!

mnaden@hillcrest-high.school.nz

Whaea Erica

Tongariro te maunga
Te Awa Kari o Ngātoroirangi te awa
Te Arawa te waka
Maketū te papa tapu
Ngāti Whakaue te iwi
Ngāti Whakaue ki Maketū te hapū
Hans Philip Tapihana rāuā Hineīurama ōku tupuna

Kia ora! Ko Erica Hamilton ahau. I am the Kaiarataki Mātauranga Māori - my role is to help staff to upskill in all areas of te ao Māori. You will find me in the English Department, where I am also the Teacher in Charge of Level 2 English. I am currently studying towards my Masters in Māori Education at Massey University.

I spent a lot of my summer break at Waihi Beach with my whānau, as well as catching up on all the little jobs that I never have time for during the school year.

ehamilton@hillcrest-high.school.nz

Whaea Amber

Kia ora! Ko Amber Ganley tōku ingoa. I was raised in the little town of Woodville in the Manawatū by my incredible Māmā Fay Chard. When I was 12 we moved to Ahuriri for my high school education.

In the holidays we went camping with Mrs Webber and her whanau.

I feel so lucky that I get to work with this incredible team of outstanding Kaiako.

aganley@hillcrest-high.school.nz