Our People
Staff of 2024

Hannah
Principal
Tena koutou katoa
I have the great privilege of leading learning here at Kaikōura Primary School. I am passionate about ensuring high expectations for all our learners and maintaining our caring and inclusive school culture, where everyone belongs. On a personal note, I live on a dairy farm with my husband and our five children and I really enjoy helping out on the farm in my spare time.

Deb
Office Manager
I have lived in beautiful Kaikōura since 2003 and have worked for Kaikōura Primary School for nearly 18 years. I feel very privileged to work at KPS, where everyone is valued and included. When I’m not at school or our business, I love reading, gardening, the outdoors, and travelling to spend time with our adult children and young grandchildren.
Esther
Pohutukawa Class Teacher
Kia ora,
I have the pleasure of working alongside the fantastic team here at Kaikōura Primary. I love getting to know my student’s interests and passions and using those to create fun learning experiences in the classroom.
I am originally from the UK, moving to New Zealand in 2016. I enjoy the outdoor lifestyle that Kaikōura has to offer. In my spare time, you will find me running with my dogs or spending time with my family, hunting and fishing.

Kelly
Resource Teacher of Literacy
Kia ora koutou!
I have the pleasure of working with fantastic tamariki across schools in Kaikōura. I have a background in Speech and Language Therapy and am passionate about oral language, reading and writing.
I whakapapa to Kaikōura and am immensely grateful to be raising my two children with my husband in this beautiful part of Aotearoa. In my spare time I love reading, music and enjoying the outdoors with my whānau.
Ngā mihi nui

Karen
Harakeke Class Teacher/Deputy Principal
I believe teaching and learning are things we all do every day of our lives. As a teacher, it is my privilege to find teachable moments where I can use the children’s passion to build their knowledge and confidence.
We have a busy family, our children are almost all grown up and we have 2 precious granddaughters. I love animals and have horses and dogs with who I share a very outdoors life.
McKenzie
Kowhai Class Teacher
Kia ora.
Ally
Support Teacher
Kia ora koutou
After arriving in Aotearoa on my travels from the UK I immediately wanted to stay! I have lived around the top of the South Island since 2005, teaching since 2013 (part-time since having a young family). I enjoy the unique environment that Kaikōura has to offer and love getting out both in and on the ocean.
As both a teacher and parent at KPS, I value the great facilities, resources and space at our kura as well as the fantastic staff and tamariki who create a welcoming, caring and inclusive culture.

Willie
Rimu Class Teacher
Kia ora koutou
Ko Willie Manuel toku ingoa
No Kaikōura ahau
I enjoy fishing, surfing and rugby. I am a father of two and grandfather of 3. I have been teaching for over 20 years. Before that, I worked at Whale Watch Kaikōura and was a fisherman employed by Virgo Fisheries in Kaikōura. My favourite subjects to teach are Mathematics, Kapahaka, and The Arts.
Naku noa

Nick
Mānuka Class Teacher
I am originally from the South West of the UK but am proud to call Kaikōura my home. Kaikōura Primary School is an amazing place to teach, the open spaces and sea views make for an excellent learning environment. I am passionate about the outdoors and the arts which I integrate into my lessons wherever possible. Mānuka class is a kind, diligent, and fun place to learn, with every child experiencing success (in some shape or form) every day. I strongly believe that children should be active participants, not placid recipients of their education, and my work with Mānuka class is underpinned by this belief.
Mel
Totara Class Teacher
.

Kelly
Support Teacher

Gwen
Learning Assistant
Kia ora I’m Gwen
I moved to Kaikōura almost 32 years ago. I have been at Kaikōura Primary for 27 years as a Learning Assistant and I still love everything about my job! I work with individuals and groups and I have good rapport with all the children. I believe that school should feel like a fun, safe place to be.
Sarah
Learning Assistant and Office Manager
Kia ora I’m Sarah
I feel very lucky to work as a Learning Assistant alongside such an amazing team of teachers and tamariki here at KPS. Every school day is fun, full of smiling faces and positive energy. Outside of school, I’m busy with my young family, Saturday sports, and getting out and about enjoying the biking and walking trails around Kaikōura.
Tania
Learning Assistant

Nigel
Caretaker/Groundsman
I have been the caretaker for going on 5 years in November 2022 and both my children attended KPS. I have a long history with the school from my time working as a local builder and being on the BOT during the rebuild of our school. I enjoy my work here because it is so varied and on a fine day you couldn’t ask for a better office because of our location.
Board of Trustees
- Board Chair – Vicki Gulleford
- Principal – Hannah Simpson
- Staff Representative – Kelly Addis
- Selected member – James bishop
- Elected member – Leanne Taylor
- Runanga Representative – Moana Manawatu
Contact
19 Torquay Street
Kaikōura
7300
Phone 03 3195440
Email Office office@kaikoura.school.nz
Email Principal principal@kaikoura.school.nz
Job Vacancies
There are currently no job vacancies.