Our Senior Team of Learners

Ihutai Team Leader - Kate Manch

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou,

My name is Kate Manch and I am the Team Leader of Ihutai. I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to teach throughout our team again this year which I thoroughly enjoy.

I hope you all have had an enjoyable break. My team is very excited to have all of our students back. They have all been very excited to catch up with teachers and their peers.  I would also like to welcome all new children and their parents/caregivers to Te Waka Unua School. I know our returning students, staff and community will make you all feel welcome and help you settle into Te Waka Unua School. Hero will be the main form of communication for notices, so please check this regularly and let us know if you need help to download the app. 

My passions inside the classroom include Physical Education/Sport and Project Based Learning/STEAM. Outside of school I enjoy playing social sport, travelling and spending time with my friends and family. 

If you have any questions feel free to contact me (kmanch@tewaka.school.nz).

Kate Manch

Ihutai Te Kei kaiako:

Issie Grundy

Kia ora! I'm super excited to be back teaching in Te Kei o Ihutai this year with the year 5 and 6 students. My passions in the classroom include kaupapa and literacy learning, with a background as a writer before I became a teacher.

Outside of school, I love exploring the outdoors, heading to the beach, reading and spending time with friends. My whānau are up in Hawkes Bay and I try to head up North as much as I can!

Nina Young

Kia ora koutou,

I’m excited to be back working in Ihutai Te Kei and connecting with our students for another year of great learning! My classroom passions are ecology and digital technology, and I love helping students explore the natural world while building skills for the future. Outside of school, some of my hobbies include surfing, hiking, travelling, and reading. Bring on 2025!

Ihutai Te Hiwi kaiako:

Demelza Moffitt

Kia Ora, I’m excited to be teaching Year 6 and 7 in Te Hiwi this year. I am passionate about creating a safe, inclusive classroom where students feel supported to have fun, take risks, and grow in their learning. I especially love teaching literacy, social studies, and anything creative, and I look forward to getting to know your child and helping them thrive.

Please feel welcome to connect with me if you have any questions or concerns—I value open communication and working together to support your child’s learning journey.

I am looking forward to a fantastic year ahead!

Peter Mudunaivalu

Ni Sa Bula and Kia Ora,

My name is Peter Mudunaivalu, and I am a teacher in Te Hiwi o Ihutai. I am excited to work with your child this year and I look forward to supporting their learning and growth. My passions in the classroom include Numeracy, Science, Health and Physical Education. A little about me, I enjoy golfing on the weekends and travelling whenever I get the chance. 

Ngā mihi nui,

Peter

Ihutai Te Tauihu kaiako:

Lauren Yaxley

Kia ora koutou, 

Ko Whaea Lauren, ahau. I’m so excited to be back in Ihutai this year. We have an amazing journey ahead—full of ako, whakawhanaungatanga, and plenty of fun. I can’t wait to get to know all of our new tamariki and reconnect with students I taught previously. My interests include reading, walking, swimming, spending time in nature and with my whanau. Let’s make this year one to remember!

Stephen Tait

Kia ora everyone!

My name is Stephen Tait, though the kids at school know me as Matua Stephen. I grew up in Buller on the West Coast, a place that shaped my love for the outdoors and an active lifestyle.

My passions in the classroom are P.E, Kapahaka, Health, Maths and Science. I have a background in personal training and love working with people.

I'm looking forward to watching our school's tamariki grow and teaching them skills needed to ensure they have a successful transition into High School.