We are delighted to welcome some more wonderful staff to our Saint Paul's Community for 2025. Check out their profiles below.

Julia Kosterman

Kia ora St Paul’s School whānau,

I am thrilled to be joining the team next year and getting to know the wonderful school community. My family and I made the move to the beautiful Tasman Region last December from Auckland. At home, my husband and I keep busy with our two daughters, two dogs, and two cats—our love for animals certainly keeps life lively!

I enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it’s hiking, camping, or simply exploring nature. I’m also passionate about art and creativity, which I love to incorporate into both my personal life and teaching. Before beginning my teaching career, I worked as a registered nurse and also gained experience in television, giving me a wide range of skills and perspectives.

I’m looking forward to an exciting year ahead with the St Paul’s School community!

Erenna Witty

Kia ora,
My name is Ren, and I’m excited to join the Saint Paul’s School whānau in 2025 as a release teacher two days a week. Born in Toronto, Canada, I’ve been teaching since 2013, with experience across all year levels from New Entrants to Year 8 in Toronto, London, and New Zealand. Outside the classroom, I’m a proud mother of two and enjoy reading, cooking, hiking, running, traveling, and spending time with my family.

Teaching is not just about what I can teach my students but also about the valuable lessons I learn from them every day. I’m passionate about building strong relationships and supporting my students to grow into the best versions of themselves. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and working together in 2025!

Matthew Witty

"Kia ora St Paul’s whānau,

My name is Matthew Witty, and I am thrilled to be joining St Paul’s School next year as part of the Year 7/8 teaching team. Having recently returned to Nelson with my family, I am excited to reconnect with the community where I grew up and where I began my teaching journey.

I bring with me over ten years of teaching experience, including in primary and intermediate settings across New Zealand, the UK, and Canada. I have a particular passion for working with senior students, enjoying their curiosity, humour, and the opportunity to promote leadership and innovation within this age group.

As a teacher, I aim to create an engaging and supportive environment where students feel seen, encouraged to take risks, and challenged to think critically. I enjoy facilitating rich discussions, exploring big ideas, and helping students build the confidence to tackle complex problems both independently and as part of a team.

I look forward to meeting you all and getting to know the tamariki and their whānau in 2025!

Ngā mihi,
Matthew Witty"

Abbey Smith

Kia ora, ko Abbey Smith tōku ingoa! I am beyond excited to begin my teaching career at St Paul’s at the beginning of 2025 and be part of your community! I’m

looking forward to joining the junior stars team and teaching alongside Melissa in Kakapo!

I come from Dunedin and have just recently graduated and move Nelson in the new year, where I have previously spent a lot of time on holidays! I grew up in a small seaside community where I learned to value a close-knit community and felt strongly about kaitiakitanga! In my free time, I love to paint, tackle a big DIY project, or get outdoors especially tramping and camping! I love to be creative and I’m looking forward to bringing this aspect of mine and my warm nature into my teaching. I am so excited to be Teaching in the junior team as I come from an early childhood background where I have spent the last 6 years working as an early childhood relief teacher! I have a strong passion for developing strong, creative and resilient tamariki and have a strong understanding in regards to transitions into school.

I look forward to meeting you all and can’t wait to watch your tamariki grow and

flourish within Saint Paul’s!