Mat Kindley - Head of Faculty

Kia ora, Ko Mat Kindley tōku ingoa

I have been teaching at this kura since 1996. Starting out teaching Horticulture and Science then becaming the head of the Science Faculty in 2009. I have always loved learning about the sciences and learning in general. I am privileged to lead this faculty with amazing staff and facilities.

In the classroom I enjoy doing practical work and I especially love seeing the Year 7 students’ excitement at doing science in a laboratory with some cool equipment. It is so rewarding to see our tamariki grow and change in the seven years we see them.

My wife and I have been living in Katikati since 1995 and have had two children go through the college who are now young adults out in the world. I enjoy travel and hiking in our beautiful country, fishing, and growing fruit and veges in our home garden. I have also been playing football for a local team for over 20 years and I referee football most Saturdays.

Phil Bache

Kia Ora

I am the teacher in charge of senior Physics in Katikati College and have been in that role for almost 11 years. Before that I taught in several schools in Christchurch, having emigrated to NZ from the UK with my wife and children in 2007.  

An important focus during my time here has been to encourage a broader uptake of Physics as part of senior students curriculum options, and especially so for girls. With the aim of enthusing young women towards careers in engineering and other traditionally male oriented careers. 

I have very much enjoyed working as a teacher in Katikati College, with a friendly and supportive team of colleagues, making it a happy place for me to have spent my last years as a teacher before retirement!    

Amanda Besley

Hello

I am Amanda Besley, the Science Faculty Lab Technician.

My journey began with gaining a Bachelor of Science at Auckland University followed by a teaching diploma. After several years teaching at Katikati Primary School, I crossed over to the College to teach junior classes and Science.

I have backpacked twice on round the world adventures, run a marathon and jumped off the Sky Tower. These days I prefer the quiet life such as gardening, reading and voting for Bird of the Year.

My three children have graduated from Katikati College, but my husband is still here. Learning new things, innovating, creating and working alongside students in the labs are my passions. Being able to do these things plus relief teaching make my job the best one in the school.

Jessica Helms

Kia Ora! I have been teaching at Katikati College since 2018. I am originally from Australia, but moved to Whakamarama in 2015 with my husband, who is a local. Since moving to NZ, we have had two children, who both attend Pahoia school. 

I love living in the Bay of Plenty, and enjoy all the things it has to offer in my spare time. I spend a lot of time with my family on our block, and also enjoy camping, reading, sewing and hiking.

My favourite subject to teach in science is Physics, and I love sharing with my students’ practicals that help them understand our physical world.

Mahala Meredith

Ko Mahala tōku ingoa. 

I have been a member of the Science faculty at Katikati College since 2010. 

I grew up in Te Puke and now live in Tauranga with my family. My husband and I have three young kids all attending school in Tauranga. They are very active young people and their involvement in all sorts of after school activities keeps us very busy. When I occasionally get a moment to myself I enjoy sewing, baking and gardening. 

I love everything about being a teacher and think I am very lucky to get to do this job every day.

Anderley Middleton

I am the Mātai Matū Chemistry teacher at Katikati College. I started here in 2001.

I love teaching here because I really like to teach in the laboratory as it is a wonderful classroom. Stile is an awesome resource for Science and the students are caring, fun and positive.  I love teaching Science as there is so much relevant knowledge to pass on to the current generation and I look forward to the creative world we will be living in the future because of them.

Nicola Wynne

Ko Wynne tōku whānau

Ko Nicola tōku ingoa.

I have been working at Katikati College for the last 23 years in the Science faculty. I have been fortunate enough to meet and teach a large range of students and their whānau over this time.

My husband, Gareth and I have two children, our son is studying Marine Studies at Toi Ohomai and our daughter is in Year 8 at Katikati College.

I am passionate about Biology and love to learn new things and apply them in teaching.  I am part of the Pastoral Team, currently with Year 10.  It is great to see the progression and growth in ākonga from Year 9 through to Year 13.