Staff – Homai School

Senior Leadership

Christina Patea

Principal

About Me

Talofa lava

O lo’u igoa o Taulapapa Christina Patea. I am Samoan and my parents are from the villages of Tulaele, Taga, Alamagoto and Fetausi. My husband is Laurie Patea and we have four children, and 1 beautiful grandson Abel Patea who is Ngati Hamoa, Ngati Porou & Tainui.
I have been in education for 25 years and I have spent 15 years serving the beautiful community of Manurewa. I am blessed to be gifted with educating our future leaders.

O le ala o le pule o le tautua, the pathway to leadership is through service.

Soifua ma ia manuia.

E: cpatea@homai.school.nz

Nirvana Rao

Lead Coach

About Me

I am of South African descent, living in New Zealand for the last 21 years. Roger and I have been married for 29 years with two wonderful sons, Vashil & Kaden. I have always found passion and self-fulfillment in developing potential in staff and working with students. Teaching for ME is more than just a vocation - it is serving our community to empower all to make a difference wherever possible - no matter how little. I am of the belief that every child can be successful when they are heard and given an opportunity to grow in their own space and time.

E: nrao@homai.school.nz

Uputaua Muaiava

Lead Coach

About Me

Talofa, Kiaora, Hello.
Ko Uputaua Muaiava tōku ingoa nō Hamoa ahau.
My name is Uputaua Muaiava, I hail from the beautiful village of Aufaga in Samoa. I am married to my husband Segialii Tamanini Muaiava from the villages of Magiagi and Safa’atoa Lefaga and blessed with 6 children and 9 grandchildren. I have been teaching for 15 years and truly love each part of my journey. I am thrilled to work in this school where everyone feels like a aiga/whānau/family.

“O le tele o sulu, e maua ai figota.” O faiaoga o le sulu lea o le galuega a’oa’o.
Fishing analogy: The more torches there are, the greater the light, which brings a more abundant catch. Teachers are the torch of light with the work of teaching.

E: umuaiava@homai.school.nz

Ashnee Ganess

Lead Coach

About Me

In 2009 my family and I immigrated to New Zealand from South Africa. I began my journey here at the Best Little School in Manurewa as a Junior teacher, then moved to the Senior school. I am currently one of the Lead Coaches at Homai Primary School and my passion is raising student achievement and continuing to build positive relationships with families and the community. Outside of school, I enjoy travelling to warm beaches, nature walks and time with family.

E: aganess@homai.school.nz

Admin Staff

Bronwyn Warings

Executive Administrator

About Me

My name Bronwyn Waring and I am Executive Assistant to the Principal and Board of Trustees.
I am married to Wayne and we have two children and two grandchildren.
I have worked in varying admin roles at Homai and always enjoy our Homai students and community.

E: smouatt@homai.school.nz

Gayle Coe

Financial Officer

About Me

My name is Gayle Coe and I look after the finances at Homai. I have been married to Richard for 46 years and have 3 children and 7 grandchildren. I enjoy working at Homai and love seeing the smiling faces of the children.

E: gcoe@homai.school.nz

Florance Mouatt

Admin

About Me

Coming Soon

E: fmouatt@homai.school.nz

Margaret Murray

Office Manager

About Me

Ko Taranaki te maunga
Ko Aotea te waka
Ko Waingongoro te awa
Ko Ngāruahine raua ko Ngāti Ruanui oku iwi
No Mātariki oku tipunā
Ko Margaret Murray tõku ingoā

I have been with Homai since 2013 as a Teacher Aide for 5 years. From there I had the opportunity to move into the Reception/Office Administration role. I thoroughly enjoy being in the front line greeting our students/staff and our community each day.

E: mmurray@homai.school.nz

Teaching Staff

Melisha Chand

Learning Support Coordinator

About Me

Bula Vinaka e te whānau!
Ko Koroyanitu te maunga.
Ko Te Moana nui a Kiwa te moana.
Nō Fiji ahau.
Ko Chand tōku whānau.
Ko Melisha tōku ingoa.
Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.
Hey! My name is Melisha Chand and I am from the beautiful islands of Fiji.
My guiding principle is this whakatauki: “Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti aroha o tātou mahi” which means, “Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work.”

E: mchand@homai.school.nz

Tracey Broughton

Teacher

Room 1

About Me

Kia Ora e te whānau

Ko Te Ramaroa te maunga
Ko Whirinaki te awa
Ko Ngātokimatawhaorua te waka
Ko Matai Aranui te marae
Ko te Hikutu te hapu
Ko Ngāpuhi te iwi
Ko Kupe te tupuna
Ko Tracey Broughton tōku ingoa

My name is Tracey Broughton, Hokianga is the place I call home

My philosophy in education is that everyone has the right to inclusive education to grow mentally, socially, physically and emotionally within an environment of opportunity.

E: tbroughton@homai.school.nz

Terangi Haurua

Ahukura Team Coach

Room 2

About Me

"Kare au e rauka, Noku ei toku purotu,
No roto i te kuti kuti o te rangi e,
E Rongo e ka turuturu o te kau-Ariki ki runga,
Ka turuturu o te kau-Ariki ki runga ieee-koko”
Kia orana, my name is Terangi Haurua. I hailed from the beautiful Island of Aitutaki in the Cook Islands. Been living in New Zealand for too long. I have a daughter named Julianna who is currently studying Criminology and Law at AUT. It is my belief that, through education, children will receive the essential skills and tools that are necessary to build a successful life. I believe every child matters and deserves a first class education to get the best chance in life, and as a teacher, I know the difference that great teaching makes to a child’s success in school.

E: thaurua@homai.school.nz

Peter Forsyth

Teacher

Room 3

About Me

I come from a close and loving family of Samoan and Italian descent. My parents have furnished me with understanding, compassion and drive which allows me to both celebrate and acknowledge my dual cultural heritage.
For me, learning is about empowering others, giving them the support, skills and encouragement to follow their dreams and aspirations. My journey through life so far has empowered and encouraged my family and my wife and me to follow our dreams.

E: pforsyth@homai.school.nz

Krystal Sheck

Teacher

Room 4

About Me

Talofa lava, my name is Krystal Sheck and I hail from the Pacific Islands of Samoa. This is my fourth year teaching at Homai Primary School and I’m currently a year 4 teacher. My philosophy of education is that all children are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. It is my desire to create this type of atmosphere where students can meet their full potential. I’m excited for the learning and growth we will encounter this year and I look forward to our learning journey together.

E: ksheck@homai.school.nz

Ruth Chandar

Teacher

Room 5

About Me

For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to be a teacher. This year, I am pleased to be back amongst my highly regarded colleagues and, of course, my awesome Homai tamariki and contributing whanau.
In Room 5 we have developed a strong understanding that we are all teachers and learners. We look out for and care for the learning of each other. We uphold equity and try to ensure that everyone has what they need to accomplish optimum learning. I believe schooling is really an extension of the positives of the wider world.

E: rchandar@homai.school.nz

Johnny Wallace

Teacher

Room 6

About Me

Kia Ora
Johnny Philip Montgomery Wallace.

Tōku Pepeha Tēnā koutou katoa.

Ko Wallace Tōku ingoa Whānau.
Ko Montgomery Tōku matua.
Ko Cloada Tōku whaea.
Ko Philip aka Johnny Tōku ingoa.
Kia ora, kia mau te aroha, Johnny.

E: jwallace@homai.school.nz

Jacinta Chinta

Ahuru Team Coach

Room 8

About Me

Namaste, my name is Jacinta Chinta, married with two children and we migrated from India to New Zealand in 2001. I live in Mangere Bridge with my husband Nathaniel, my daughter Niyothi and my granddaughter Grace. My son Nikhil Joseph, daughter-in-law Julia and granddaughter Abigail Hope live in Hamilton. I have been happily married for thirty six years and God has blessed me with an amazing family.
This is my sixth year of teaching at Homai Primary School where we value relationships first and uphold Homai School values.

“The most valuable resource that all teachers have is each other. Without collaboration our growth is limited to our own perspectives.” - Robert John Meehan

E: jchinta@homai.school.nz

Manju Hindurpersad

Teacher

Room 10

About Me

Kia Ora

My name is Manju Hindurpersad. My dream is to travel the world. My philosophy in life is, if you care about what you do and work hard at it, there isn’t anything you can’t do if you want to. I always encourage my students the more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you read the more places you’ll go. My empowering message is “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela.

Manju

E: mhindurpersad@homai.school.nz

Natasha Tully

Teacher

Room 11

About Me

My name is Natasha Tully. I was born in India, Kolkata - The City of Joy. I love to read, cook, craft and browse the internet. Travelling is my passion. My husband and I have been happily married for seventeen years and we have a beautiful daughter. My motivation as a teacher comes from the words of the great Albert Einstein who once said, Education is what remains when one has forgotten what he has learned in school.

E: ntully@homai.school.nz

Anne Forsyth

Teacher

Room 12

About Me

Kia Orana, my name is Anne Forsyth. I am a Cook Islander and my parents are from the island Mangaia. My husband is Peter and we are both educators. I have been in education for 20 years and Homai school is my 4th school. I have spent most of my 16 year teaching career serving the community of Clendon. The last 2 years I previously taught in Glen Innes teaching in the juniors. I look forward to teaching and serving back here in Manurewa.

He aha te mea nui o te ao? What is the most important thing in the world?
He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata. It is people, it is people, it is people. (Maori whakatauki)

Kia Orana e Kia Manuia.

E: aforsyth@homai.school.nz

Radhika Raj

Teacher

Room 13

About Me

Bula Vinaka e te whānau!

My Name is Radhika and I am from the beautiful Fiji Islands. My hubby Ajay and I have been married for 23 years and have been blessed with 2 twin girls and a boy. Ajay and I have been in New Zealand for the last 17 years.
My philosophy is that: I believe every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can possibly be.

E: rraj@homai.school.nz

Michaela Taranaki

Teacher

Room 15

About Me

Tēnā koutou e te whānau

Ko Maungataniwha te maunga
Ko Te Moho te awa
Ko Mamaru te waka
Ko Te Manawa o Ngāti Tara te wharenui
Ko Parapara te marae
Ko Ngāti Tara te hapu
Ko Ngāti Kahu te iwi
Ko Kahutianui te tupuna
Ko Michaela Taranaki Priestley tōku ingoa

“Whaowhia te kete mātauranga”

E: mtaranaki@homai.school.nz

Alice Aubry-Kirkwood

Teacher

Room 16

About Me

Hawaiki Nui, Hawaiki Roa, Hawaiki Pāmamao
Ka maunu tōku waka i te Moana-Nui-ā-Kiwa
He tai timu, He tai pari, He tai nui
E papaki kau ana ki te Tai-Tama-Tāne
Hokianga-Whakapau-Karakia
Ā, ā Niniwa, ā Ārai-te-uru
Kei reira ka rere te toto o tōku kāwai tāngata,
Arā, te āhuru mōwai o tōku ūkaipō
Ka tangi, ka hotuhotu, kia rātou mā,
Kua whēturangitia ki tua o te ārai
Te kaiārahi whakatere waka ki uta,
Ko te ao, te ao, ko Ao-tea-roa!

I’m into my second year as a teacher in the Moana-nui-ā-Kiwa waka. I’m with one of the two junior classes, teaching year 2-4.

Nōreira, tēnā koutou
Ngā manaakitanga, nā whaea Alice Aubrey-Kirkwood

E: aaubreykirkwood@homai.school.nz

Hera Minhinnick

Teacher

Room 17

About Me

Ko Mōkau ki runga
Ko Tāmaki ki raro
Ko Mangatoatoa ki waenganui.
Pare Hauraki, Pare Waikato
Te Kaokaoroa-o-Pātetere.

Ko Hera Minhinnick tōku ingoa.

E: hminhinnick@homai.school.nz

Te Wairaka Martin

Teacher

Room 18

About Me

Coming Soon

E: tmartin@homai.school.nz

Te Awaiti Te Aho

TMNaK Team Coach

About Me

Ko Taupiri te maunga
Ko Waikato te awa
Ko Tainui te waka
Ko Te Kotahitanga te marae
Ko Ngāti Tipa te hapū
Ko Waikato te iwi

Waikato taniwha rau
He piko, he taniwha
He piko, he taniwha

Ko Maunga Taniwha te maunga
Ko Oruru te awa
Ko Mamaru te waka
Ko Te Kauhanga te marae
Ko Te Paatu te hapū
Ko Ngāti Kaahu te iwi

Ngāti Kaahu tokoiti
Ngāti Kaahu manawanui

Ko Te Awaiti Te Aho ahau

E: tteaho@homai.school.nz

Edward Malopito

Release Teacher

About Me

PEPEHA GAFA

Eki tama SAMOA fanau Niu Sila 1959
TUIMASEVE Edward Eric Fesolai MALOPITO
Ko Maungakiekie maunga
Ko NZ Teal waka
Ko Faleasiu Samoa iwi

Ko HOMAI kura

Ko Pita toku papa
Ko Vaai toku mama

Education starts at home and is a life-long process.
The end justifies the means.
A partnership between the home, school and community.
Balance of body, mind and soul.
Moves forward and values
Effort, Peace and Happiness.

E: emalopito@homai.school.nz

Support Staff

Helan Collings

SST Team Leader

About Me

Coming Soon

E: hcollings@homai.school.nz

Maryalice Goodman

SST

About Me

Hi my name is Maryalice. I've lived in Manurewa for over 36 years. I have 3 grown up children and 1 Granddaughter who attends Homai. I've been part of Homai for a very long time and you could say that I'm part of the furniture. Homai is my second whanau and I love working with the Tamariki and the staff.

E: mgoodman@homai.school.nz

Karita Siakisini

SST

About Me

Talofa lava ! My name is Karita - also known as MRS K. I grew up in the beautiful paradise of Samoa. I then traveled to Aotearoa, to support my family back home, and live my life.I’ve been married for 29 years, and three amazing daughters. As a student support teacher the inspiration I have for teaching stems from this passage, “ O AU A MATUA FANAU “ – CHILDRENS ARE THE PRECIOUS OFFSPRING OF PARENTS.

E: ksiakisini@homai.school.nz

Karen Cate

SST

About Me

Coming Soon

E: kcate@homai.school.nz

John Ikinepe

SST

About Me

Fakaalofa Lahi atu
Given the name John, from my beautiful Niuean parents.
Work and live in Manurewa, did my Schooling here in Manurewa back in the days.
To see our young people grow and to achieve their goals is a blessing.

Some lyrics of a great song, that I personally believe
“I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be”.
Wrote by Michael Masser and Linda Creed
Sang by Whitney Huston

E: jikinepe@homai.school.nz

Angela Hydes

SST

About Me

Kia Ora,

Ko te Atua piringa (the Lord is my refuge)
Ka puta, Ka ora (my salvation, my eternal life)

Ko Wikitoria te maunga e rū nei tōku ngākau.
Ko Waitemata te moana e māhea nei ōku māharahara.
Nō Wēra me Ingarangi ōku tupuna.
Ko Angela tōku ingoa.

Hi, I’m Angela, married to David and mother of 7 children, two dogs, five birds, and a cat. I love working alongside our juniors in the classroom,as well as the sensory, and junk play programs. I’m also studying towards my teaching degree with Waikato University.

E: ahydes@homai.school.nz

Donna Heka-Head

SST

About Me

Fakaalofa lahi atu ki a mutolu oti & Kia ora koutou,
Ko e higoa haaku ko Donna Heka-Head.
My magafaoa originates from Alofi & Tuapa in Niue.
Born and raised in Manurewa, South Aukilani,
Full time Student Support Teacher in Te Moana Nui a Kiwa,
I am currently in my second year at Waikato University to become A qualified teacher here at Homai School.
"Kāore ōku toto Māori, engari ko Aotearoa te whenua i whakatipu mai i a au"

E: dheka-head@homai.school.nz

Lee Johnson

SST

About Me

Toku ingoa ko Lee Johnson
Toku mami ko Paeariki Mataroa-Johnson
Toku teti ko Phillip Johnson
Toku Papa Ruhau ko Taniela Mataroa e John Johnson
Toku Vouvou ko Kairangi Mataroa e Katie Thompson
Toku henua Kuki Airani, Ireland e Laos
Kia Orana e Kia Manuia

E: ljohnson@homai.school.nz

Stephen Mouatt

Caretaker

About Me

Coming Soon

E: smouatt@homai.school.nz

Clayton Friend

Groundsman (M/T/W)

About Me

Coming Soon

E: cfriend@homai.school.nz

Paul Jackson

SWiS (W/T/F)

About Me

Fakaalofa lahi atu.

My name is Paul Jackson and I have too many middle names to list. I am proudly Aotearoa born of Niuean descent. I am the third youngest of eight to my late parents Maui and Liliola of Hakupu and Alofi respectively. I was born and bred in Manurewa and have no great desire to be elsewhere. I have five children and one grandchild who has us all googling. All but one of my children live at home with myself and my beautiful partner Caroline. We have a dog named Meng who is the best and we have a cat named Ruff who is a…cat.

Kia monuina.

E: pjackson@homai.school.nz