New Staff

We are pleased to advise that current teachers Keryn Steenstra (Kererū Tahi) and Olivia Hotter (Kererū Rua) have won permanent roles for 2024 onwards.

Greg Pickering & Carly Loveridge are joining us as release teachers across all classes.

Teina Neha will be rejoining Pūkeko Tahi to assist with our growing roll. Teina had just completed a very successful placement in Pūkeko as part of his teacher training. 

Lauren Houppermans has been employed to support with our Kapa Haka rōpū (group) 

Kia ora koutou, my name is Greg Pickering and I’m very excited to be joining the Te Ao Mārama team.
I hail from Matamata, and began my teaching journey in Auckland before moving to Cambridge, where I’ve taught for the last five years.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Te Ao Mārama this term, and have been in the fortunate position of meeting and getting to know so many learners already as a relief teacher.
Beyond the classroom, my wife Emma and I are kept busy by our toddlers Olive and Arthur. We enjoy spending time at the beach, and keeping active.
I’m looking forward to getting to know more of you and working with the fantastic learners and team at Te Ao Mārama!

Kia ora koutou,
My name is Carly Loveridge and I am very excited to be joining the Te Ao Mārama whānau next term. I love working alongside children and helping support their curious minds to grow and explore. Together with a positive mindset, I believe we can achieve anything!
I grew up in the Bay of Plenty, where I started out my teaching career almost 20 years ago. Mount Maunganui holds a very special place in my heart, and is always a favourite maunga to climb or walk around when I can. I have since spent the last 10 years in Beachlands, which is a beautiful part of Auckland on the East Coast. I am certainly looking forward to spending more time exploring Hamilton and making new connections along the way. I have 3 beautiful children who keep me busy and content. In my spare time, I love to keep active and spend time with my friends and family. I am at my happiest when I am at the beach or near water having fun in the waves or splashing around!
I look forward to getting to know you all, and the wider community when I make the move down in the upcoming holidays. I am very excited for a new challenge and to become part of your special school whānau.

Kia ora!
Ko Teina Neha toku ingoa. I am thrilled to join the Te Ao Mārama whānau and start my teaching journey.
My start in education began in 2018 as a teacher aide and I decided to complete my Bachelor of Primary Teaching in 2021-2023.
In my spare time I love doing anything sporty or active.
Nga mihi
Teina 

Kia ora koutou katoa!
Ko Lauren toku ingoa. I te taha o tōku mama, no Ngāti Huri ahau. I te taha o tōku papa, ko te Tiriti o Waitangi tōku tūrangawaewae.
Hi, my name is Lauren and I am excited to be part of the Te Ao Mārama team supporting our kapa haka kaupapa.
Although I spent my university years studying English Literature and Anthropology, you’ll now find me carving taonga pounamu in my home workshop and learning Te Reo Māori through Te Atārangi; that is, when I’m not out adventuring with my husband, our daughter and our two dogs.