We welcome the following new staff to Katikati College.  

Kia ora,

My name is Lucy Taylor and I have the privilege to be teaching a class of Year 8 students this year. Having been relieving at the college these past three years, I feel very at home already. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my whanau, reading and playing card and board games. I especially enjoy the times I win at games against my son. I'm also a big fan of watching my three children play football and other sport.I've loved getting to know my class this last few weeks and know we're going to have an amazing year ahead. I'm very proud to be teaching at Katikati College this year with a fantastic team!

Kia ora,

My name is Jack Burns and I teach English and PE. I am originally from England and I moved to New Zealand 15 years ago.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with whānau, cooking, playing music, yoga, meditation, martial arts and fitness.

The community spirit of Katikati College is fantastic and I look forward to contributing to the school.

Kia ora,

My name is Kate Sutherland and I’m the newest member of the schools’ Technology Department, teaching junior food, resistant materials and fabric.

Originally from Taneatua, south of Whakatane, I’ve spent most of my career working in Auckland as a Graphic Designer. However, I always knew I would return to the Bay, so in 2018 my family and I made the move to Katikati.

As a recently graduated teacher (with heaps of life experience), I am excited to be here at Katikati College and look forward to enabling the growth and aspirations of our amazing students!

Kia ora,

My name is Daniel Johnson and I teach Social Studies, History and Tourism. 

I am originally from Tauranga, but moved over to Hamilton for university and then spent the last 5 years teaching in Hamilton. I recently moved back to the Western Bay of Plenty area to be closer to my whānau. 

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time in and around the water, being with my whānau and creating things in the kitchen. I am looking forward to the journey ahead at Katikati College.

Kia ora!

My name is Jess Butler and I am teaching year 7 this year at Katikati College. I grew up in Tauranga but chose to further my studies while living in Hamilton for the past three years. I quickly decided it was too far from the beach and made the decision to move back to the Bay to begin my teaching career! This also means I am closer to my whānau who are hugely important to me. 

I am also very passionate about getting outdoors as much as possible to enjoy our beautiful whenua! I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Katikati college so far and I am so excited to be a part of such a wonderful team.

Kia Ora,

My name is Simon Turnbull, I have joined the Year 8 teaching team at Katikati College. My family has been part of the Katikati community for over 40 years now. For the past few years I have been avocado orcharding. I am excited to be rejoining the teaching ranks and getting back into the classroom. 

Outside of teaching and maintaining the orchard I am passionate about cricket. These days I spend my time umpiring rather than playing though.

Kia ora koutou,

Ko Tongariro te maunga

Ko Taupo-nui-a-tia te awa

Ko Te Arawa te waka

Ko Ngāti Tūwharetoa te iwi

Ko Ngāti Hikairo te hapu

Ko Hikairo, ko Kauriki ngā marae

Ko Hemopo raua ko Kahu ōku whānau

Ko Ana-Lee tōku ingoa.

My name is Ana-Lee Hemopo and I am pleased to be the new visual arts kaiako working alongside Shannen Bell. I come from a very creative whānau where the arts have played a big part in how I view and see the world around me. After finishing a bachelors in Toi Māori I decided to further my studies into secondary teaching. I am excited to be on this journey and to hopefully expand and create a diverse learning experience for all our youth. 

Outside of the education system I am a busy māmā who enjoys spending time with her whānau, getting involved in sporting events and raranga (creating traditional/contemporary weavings). I look forward to getting to know our students and whānau as the year progresses.

Kia ora koutou

My name is Tara Remington and I am very excited to have joined the staff here at Katikati College. I am passionate about education and have taught in school and tertiary environments.

After spending nearly two decades living in Franklin, my family and I have made the move from being ‘holiday makers’ to ‘perms’ down at Waihi Beach.

As an adventure lover and outdoor education teacher, my favourite thing to do is to share outdoor experiences with others. I am really enjoying being part of the Katikati College community already, and I look forward to the year ahead.

Kia ora,

Ko Māuao, ko Ngongotaha ngā Maunga.

Ko Ūretara, ko Awahou ngā Awa.

Ko Mātaatua, ko Te Arawa ngā Waka.

Ko Tauranga tōku Moana.

Ko Tamawhariua tōku Hapū.

Ko Ngātirangiwewehi, ko Ngai Te Rangi ngā iwi.

Ko Te Rereatukahia, ko Tarimano ngā Marae.

Ko Anahera Mohi ahau.

I have been a Katikati resident since the age of 1 and graduated from Katikati College in 2011. 

Outside of school I love to spend time with whānau, and I also love playing and coaching Netball. I have volunteered my time to many sporting and cultural events over the years and am excited to join the amazing teaching team at Katikati College.  

Kia Ora

My name is Michael Low. This year I have joined the year 8 team here at Katikati College. I was raised in this community since and attended both the primary and college in my youth. Before starting at Katikati College, I have spent most of my adult life working as a Saw Doctor for various businesses around New Zealand. I have recently finished four years at university and am very excited to get started in the classroom. 

Outside of school, I am passionate about our natural world. I love spending time in our beautiful landscape (especially hiking around NZ) and look forward to sharing my knowledge and experiences with my students. I also enjoy playing tennis in my spare time.