Our School
Our People
The wellbeing of our staff and students is at the centre of everything we do. Our educators help all students experience success and feel valued. By building off their interests and applying real-world contexts to their learning, our students are engaged and challenged. We place a large emphasis on continual professional development to ensure that we are at the cutting edge of education and provide the best programmes for intermediate-aged learners.
- Specialists in emerging adolescence
- Student centred teaching
- We use a variety of approaches, materials and resources which acknowledge the diversity of learning needs at this age.
- Engaging, challenging and empowering young learners
- Actively and explicitly teach students to use specific tools to assist with their learning
Kaihautū / Senior Leadership Team
Stephen Eames
Tumuaki/Principal
Stephen Eames
I am a highly motivated, student-focused educational leader possessing a strong commitment to the development of students and staff. I am continually exploring modern learning practices and looking for ways to increase engagement and raise achievement by implementing 21st-century ideas through a pedagogy-first approach.
I love spending time with my family, mountain biking, and enjoying the outdoors.
Dave Gillies
Tumuaki Tuarua
Dave Gillies
Kia ora e te whānau o Rāroa! I am thrilled to be working in such a dynamic and exciting environment that values a rounded approach towards education and provides varied opportunities to nurture skilled and inquisitive learners. I believe learning should be fun and seek opportunities to engage and motivate learning through meaningful contexts. Other things that inspire and motivate me include family time, hill walks & tramping, snowboarding, music, gardening, woodworking & building things, and cooking.
Sam Watson
Tumuaki Tuarua
Sam Watson
Matt Boucher
Tumuaki Tuarua / SENCO & Learning Support
Matt Boucher
Kia Ora Koutou.
I have been in education for over 20 years, as a teacher aide, a teacher, a team leader and a Deputy Principal. I started my life and career in New England, USA and have been in New Zealand since 2008, living and teaching in the Wairarapa and Wellington. In my career I have taught students from Years 1 through 13 at different times. Intermediate School is definitely my happy place. This is an age where educators can really make a difference, and I love working and interacting with intermediate students. My first love is History, and my great passion has become Science. I believe science education is crucial to learning important skills in the modern world. It’s also heaps of fun! In my free time I am a keen stargazer, I play the drums, I do some home brewing, and I love spending time with my friends and whānau.
Whai Wahi
Sam Johnston
Whai Wāhi Learning Co-Leader & Rūma Tekau mā Toru 13
Sam Johnston
Marie Dobbie
Rūma Tekau mā Wha 14
Marie Dobbie
Kia Ora Koutou! My name is Marie Dobbie, and I am very excited to be part of Rāroa Intermediate. Originally, hailing from Tāmaki Makaurau, I moved to Te Whanganui-a-Tara in 2019 for University. In 2023, I graduated with a graduate diploma of teaching from Victoria University here in Wellington.
2025 will be my second year teaching, and I am thrilled to be teaching at the intermediate level. I was lucky enough in 2023 to do an 8-week placement at this school. I loved it so much that I knew I had to come back. I am excited about connecting with my students and building relationships to create a positive learning environment. I want to foster a space where students can explore different interests. This will help them begin to learn who they are and who they want to be as individuals. I am here to help in any way I can and cannot wait to celebrate their learning with them.
Outside of school, I love to read anything and everything. I have a particular interest in classics and history, which is what my degree was in. I also love music, and singing and playing the piano is my way to build my creativity. As well as hanging out with whānau and friends.
Shane Lavery
Rūma Tekau mā Rimu 15
Shane Lavery
Kia ora e te whānau o Rāroa
Rūma Tekau mā Ono 16
Amina Rose (Drury)
Lillian Woodbury
Student Teacher
Lillian Woodbury
I have experience working as a teacher aide and at before-and-after school care programmes. I am excited to move into a role where I can encourage ākonga to learn and be curious about themselves, others, and the world around them.
In my spare time, I enjoy whitewater kayaking, cycling, and playing tabletop games with friends. I look forward to spending this year learning alongside the students at Rāroa.
Mōhio
Jordan Price
Rūma Tahi 1
Jordan Price
Kia ora, I’m Jordan Price and have been working with intermediate age students at Rāroa for 12 years now. My growing passion for writing and everlasting love for maths makes being in a classroom a joy. I get a kick out of seeing students’ faces going from ‘puzzled’ to ‘I’ve got it!’ Watching the confidence, independence and resilience grow within a student is without the best perk of the job. I enjoy making connections with students at Rāroa and bringing the best out of them. I have caught the golf bug and play regularly in my downtime and enjoy a wide range of sports, tending to do lots of sports ‘analysis’.
Rūma Rua 2
Sophie Renouf
Kia ora e te whānau o Rāroa!
I am excited to continue my journey at Rāroa Normal Intermediate and to be part of this wonderful school community. After spending most of my life in Auckland, I have loved settling into Wellington and calling it home.
Teaching is my passion, and I feel incredibly fortunate to do what I love every day. I have enjoyed building strong relationships with our students and whānau, and I look forward to continuing to grow, learn, and embrace new opportunities together.
Outside the classroom, I am passionate about sports and staying active. I love the outdoors and enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I am also an avid reader and feel most at peace when I’m at the beach or anywhere near the water.
Rūma Toru 3
Christy Nicholls
Paul Cooper
Rūma Wha 4
Paul Cooper
Ruby Dickinson-Yeoman
Master’s Student – Teaching & Learning
Ruby Dickinson -Yeoman
Abby Smalley
Mōhio Learning Leader
Abby Smalley
Kia ora koutou, ko Abby tōku ingoa. After teaching just down the road at Ngaio School, I was stoked to join Rāroa in 2023. This year I will be spending another year as the Team Leader of Mōhio. I have completed my Master’s, researching wellbeing in education. Weaving this into the classroom is a passion of mine, as I strive to support children to feel emotionally capable while encouraging them to take risks and embrace challenges in their everyday lives. Integrating multiple areas of the curriculum to create meaningful, project-based learning experiences is what I enjoy most about teaching. Originally from Auckland, I’ve called Wellington home for the past 14 years. In my spare time, you’ll find me tramping in the sunshine, curled up on the couch with a good book, or pottering in the vege garden.
Manawanui
Rūma Iwa 9
Hayley Gotlieb
Kia ora koutou,
Ko Hayley Gotlieb tōku ingoa. I was born and raised in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, from the mighty Tawa! After completing my Master of Teaching last year, I’m excited to be back at Rāroa as a classroom teacher in Manawanui.
I believe in creating safe, inclusive learning environments where students feel confident to be themselves, take risks, and grow as curious, resilient learners. Building strong relationships and supporting students to recognise their strengths is central to my teaching approach.
Outside the classroom, I’m a sporty person who enjoys playing football, running, and staying active. This year, I’ve also decided to learn the guitar after never having learnt a musical instrument before.
I’m looking forward to being part of the Rāroa community and working alongside students, staff, and whānau.
Rūma Tekau 10
Clare Myer
Kia ora e te whānau o Rāroa! Ko Claire Myer tōku ingoa.
I’m originally from Aorangi (Feilding) and moved to Te Whanganui-a-Tara after spending two years teaching in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland). Since joining the Rāroa whānau, I’ve loved being part of this community and continuing to grow my practice at the intermediate level after previously teaching Year 5 and 6 students. I’m passionate about creating a classroom environment that inspires curiosity, encourages growth, and offers fun, engaging learning experiences for all ākonga. Outside of teaching, I enjoy reading, spending time with my whānau, heading out for walks with friends, and going for runs.
I’m excited for the year ahead in Manawanui and to continue supporting our ākonga as they take on new challenges.
Rūma Tekau mā Tahi 11
Dillon Shearer
Ko Maunga Emiemi te maunga
Ko Waikare te awa
Ko Whangaroa te moana
Ko Ngā Puhī te iwi
Ko Ngāti Kahu me Ngāti Ruamahue ngā hapu
Ko Mamarī te waka
Ko Dillon tākū ingoa.
I come from a small place known as Kaeo, but my turangawaewae remains wherever my whanau are. Yes, I am Māori and very proud of it. I have a passion for te aō Māori and try to upskill myself wherever possible and intend to share these taonga with my students at Rāroa this year. I am very excited to be teaching again in the Manawanui space.
I previously left a role in 2023 where I was a House Parent who supported our vulnerable rangatahi for 3 years. Through this experience I gained some valuable knowledge about how to engage with our young ones and support them in ways where they can go into communities and represent themselves in the best way possible.
I aim to apply my life skills and past experiences into my teaching to create a space of āhurutanga so students can thrive in this environment. When I’m not at school I’m a total whanau guy, most people would know me by “Uncle” because I like to surround myself with my favourite people in the world, my nieces and nephews. Other things I love are cooking, anime, music, art and being near the water. I look forward to being in team Manawanui and working with all these amazing people.
Tadhg Delany
Learning Leader & Rūma Tekau mā Rua 12
Tadhg Delany
Kia Ora koutou! Ko Tadhg Delany toku ingoa. I’m originally from Te Papaioea (Palmy North) but now call Te Whanganui-a-Tara home. I am very excited to enter my 4th year at Rāroa. Nurturing whanaungatanga and manaakitanga in ākonga is something I see vital in my role and work to create an environment where students grow a love of learning. I love working alongside students to become the best people we can be! Personally, my life revolves around music, sport, and whānau. I have a music degree and I love making, playing, and listening to music. I’m also a big EPL and NBA fan and enjoy playing football and golf. I look forward to working with the Rāroa community and all the excitement 2025 brings.
Motuhake
Michael Anderson
Rūma Rua Tekau mā Tahi 21
Michael Anderson
Nō Tenemāka me te Aerana ōku tūpuna,
Engari, nō Taranaki au,
Ko Anderson tōku whānau,
Ko Michael tōku ingoa.
My name is Michael Anderson, I’m from the Taranaki region and moved to Wellington in 2018 to Study Educational Psychology, and more recently, Education. I’m happy to be heading into my third Rāroan year, continuing to work with the fantastic team of Students and Teachers.
This is an exciting age group as we further explore passions in more depth and apply skills to real-world learning. I thoroughly enjoy working in such a collaborative and passionate environment and am excited to be a part of this awesome learning team.
When I’m not in class, I can often be found keeping active outdoors and playing sports or, on a rainy Wellington day, inside playing music.
Jordan Meade
Rūma Rua Tekau mā Rua 22
Jordan Meade
Tēnā koutou katoa
Ko Aerani, ko Ingarangi ōku whakapaparanga mai
Ko Whanganui te whenua tupu
Ko Meade tōku whānau
Ko Jordan tōku ingoa
Kia ora, I am Jordan Meade. I am originally from Whanganui and have been teaching for 14 years both in New Zealand and overseas. I love the diversity of teaching and enjoy seeing students grow over the year as they explore new passions and strengths. I am excited about joining the Rāroa team for 2026. I have been working in a high school for the past few years and am thrilled to be able to get back into an intermediate classroom. Outside of school, you will find me either at the beach or in the forest. I love water sports and getting out in nature with friends, family and my dog. I am also learning to sail, so look forward to being out in the Wellington Harbour.
Victoria Burton
Rūma Rua Tekau mā Wha 24
Victoria Burton
Kia ora koutou! Teaching at the intermediate level is a true passion of mine, as it’s a key time for ākonga to explore their potential and embrace new opportunities. With a background in philosophy, I foster deep thinking, curiosity, and problem-solving while taking a strengths-based approach to build on each student’s unique talents and abilities. My goal is to help ākonga grow in confidence, capability, and independence, empowering them to thrive both in and beyond the classroom. Outside of school, I enjoy walking my dog, Bao, swimming in rivers with my children, and upcycling treasures from Op-shops.
Kelly Herbert
Rūma Rua Tekau mā Rima 25
Kelly Herbert
Kia ora koutou. I have been teaching Intermediate age students for a number of years now, yet still get excited having the chance to support our students as they find their feet as people first as well as learners. Developing positive relationships and getting to know each other underpins my class culture. Seeing kindness and respect puts a smile on my face, as does seeing people find the courage to try new things. I am privileged to be able to support ELLs (English Language Learners) as they navigate the challenges of embracing and learning English alongside my role as a class teacher. When not at work, I can usually be found at netball, reading, enjoying walks in the bush or gardening. If I can be of help, please feel free to get in touch. We are all part of the wider village wanting our youngsters to feel safe and thrive.
Aaron Wright
Motuhake Learning Leader
Aaron Wright
Kia ora, my name is Aaron. I started with Rāroa in 2018, it is a fantastic school and I am humble to be part of such a progressive and successful school. I love teaching this age group. It is a special time in the development of the adolescent brain, which I can help shape to ensure they are successful, life-long long learners. I really love teaching and learning in a collaborative environment. Utilising the skills of others and providing a holistic education is so important in this day in age. I have many different passions with travel, spending time with family and time on the golf course being the top of my list.
Sophie Baker
Student Teacher
Sophie Baker
Nō Te Matau-a-Māui ahau
Kei te noho au ki Pōneke
Ko Sophie tōku ingoa
Kia ora, my name is Sophie Baker, and I grew up in Hawke’s Bay and have lived in Wellington for three years studying for university. I am a Masters student at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, and feel very privileged and excited to be completing the placement part of my degree at Rāroa Intermediate in 2026. In my spare time, I enjoy going for walks in New Zealand nature trying to spot tūī, listening to music and playing my guitar, and enjoying Wellington’s array of kai with friends and whanau.
Whakaute
Charlotte Pollard-Brown
Rūma Rima 5
Charlotte Pollard-Brown
Kia ora e te whānau!
I am so excited to be joining the Whakaute team at Rāroa this year, and am looking forward to all the fun things we have planned. I am heading into my fifth year as a teacher and have taught both in Auckland and in London, most recently at Rewa Rewa School in Newlands.
My teaching practice is heavily relationship-focused, building strong foundations to support learning and risk-taking. I strive to build a classroom environment where all tamariki can feel that they have the tools and support to thrive.
When I’m not at school, you’ll catch me reading, keeping active or spending quality time with my whānau and friends.
Let’s have a great year!
Reem Arhaim
Rūma Ono 6
Reem Arhaim
Kia ora koutou! Ko Reem tōku ingoa. I’m Iraqi and Palestinian, and I moved to Aotearoa when I was 1. After 10 years of living abroad in a few different countries I’ve settled back into Karori, Pōneke where I grew up.
This is my fourth year teaching at Rāroa, and I’m excited to be joining the Whakaute team this year. I’m passionate about supporting my students wellbeing and creating a classroom environment where they feel safe, respected, seen and heard. My goal is to nurture each student’s unique voice and help them feel confident and valued in their learning.
Outside of school, I enjoy cooking labour of love meals from my heritage, traveling and exploring, trying out new restaurants, and spending time spoiling my three nephews and 1 niece. Looking forward to the year ahead and connecting with everyone.
Dan Fouhy
Rūma Whitu 7
Dan Fouhy
Ko Rangituhi te maunga,
Ko Paremata te moana,
Ko Dan tōku ingoa.
My name is Dan Fouhy and I am in my 3rd year as a kaiako here at Rāroa. I come from up the road in Tawa and have experience as a teacher aide at Tawa Intermediate before committing to study teaching, giving me a really strong understanding of diverse learners and the needs that come with each tamariki. I am a believer in the importance of connecting with learners before anything else, and I strive to make all learners I work with feel safe, heard, and confident in their identities and their abilities.
Things that make me tick are my people (whether that be friends or whanau), music, the outdoors, my passion for teaching, good kai, and the ability to give to a community to build positive change.
Clementine Westlake
Whakaute Learning Leader
Clementine Westlake
Pārekareka (DPE)
Bridget Baker
Kaiārahi Ako Art & Design
Bridget Baker
Kia ora, ko Bridget Baker tōku ingoa. I am lucky to be part of Pārekareka as the art and design teacher. I believe I have the best job in the school. As an educator I am passionate to help students to express their learning and themselves using visual arts. I enjoy teaching using inquiry processes that allow students to make connections, create new understandings and dig deep into what they are learning about.
When I am not at school I enjoy exploring the outdoors with my dog Tui, creating in the kitchen, snowboarding and making time for family and friends.
Shona Dowman
Kaiārahi Ako Edible Design
Shona Dowman
Kia ora, I’m Shona Dowman and I have been working in the foods area of DPE for 30 plus years at Rāroa (18 of those in a Job Share arrangement). I am secondary trained specialising in Home Economics and Clothing and Textiles. I particularly enjoy working with this age group and I love seeing them discover new skills and talents.
Chris Bailey
Kaiārahi Ako Industrial Design & Pārekareka Team Leader
Chris Bailey
Ngā mihi nui. Ko Chris Bailey toku ingoa.
This is my twelfth year at Rāroa Intermediate. Working in Industrial Design, I am privileged to provide students with the opportunity to design and create using a range of materials, learning a variety of skills around basic construction, as well as digital design. I am lucky enough to be able to teach students CAD (computer aided design) to use with 3D Printers, CNC Router, and my personal favourite (and often referred to as my “third child”), the Laser Cutters.
Speaking of children… I have two beautiful kids, Micah (15), and Charlotte (13) who both attend Newlands College. My wife Kallie, along with being a remarkable Mum, is a trained secondary school teacher and currently works in the parliamentary engagement team at the Ministry of Education. We are a very passionate vegan family, concerned with compassion for animals, protecting our environment and planet, and living the best, healthiest lifestyle possible.
I have many many interests. I LOVE anything football. I have played for, and now coach the U13 TDP team for North Wellington AFC, and support the best team in the world – Liverpool FC (YNWA). I have coached the Rāroa Redhawks (boys football team) for ten years. I really enjoy music and have an eclectic range of musical interests. I play the drums, the didgeridoo, and dabble with the guitar (self-taught so don’t expect too much), as well as other various percussion instruments. Other than that, I enjoy home DIY, making things (lucky because I get to do it for a job), fitness and exercise recently discovering a passion for trail running, eating a healthy plant-based diet, being outdoors, and anything that involves adrenalin.
Liz Fa’alogo
Kaiārahi Ako Performing Arts
Liz Fa’alogo
Kiā ora and warm Pacific greetings! I co-lead Performing Arts at Rāroa. I am the Performing Arts kaiako/ teacher in Pārekareka. I teach other rōpu in the school as well. Pārekareka are a team of creative, talented and innovative teachers who take the Technology and Creative Arts programme for adolescents to another level and I feel very privileged to be a part of Pārekareka. I have a passion for ‘culturally responsive teaching’ which is largely concerned with making connections with how students think, and what they already know and can do, both in school and in their wider lives. I am a semi-professional singer and prefer recording in a studio to ‘live’ performances. Although I have many singing highlights, my most challenging singing experience was auditioning for the Australian cast of the Disney Musical “The Lion King”. It was a fabulous experience!
Chris Johnston
Kaiārahi Ako Creative Media
Chris Johnston
One of my favourite parts about teaching is that we get to change our “hats” to suit our focus. In the past my students and I have become Game Designers, Podcast Producers and Sports Team Coaches. I love pursuing project-based learning tasks with my team, and tapping into student interests. I’m really into reading, music, podcasts, film editing and baking things. I enjoy making and playing games, whether it’s on a console or a table top. My focus in Pārekareka is Creative Media which will have us look into everything from film making, audio production, to game design.
Tom Boekhorst
Kaiārahi Ako Digitech
Tom Boekhorst
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing sports and video games. I am a basketball fanatic and love listening to and playing music as well.
Support Staff
Mary-Anne Walker-Bain
Kura Kaimahi
Mary-Anne Walker-Bain
I’m very excited to have joined the Rāroa term recently. I have been in the service and hospitality business for a few decades and have always wanted to work in the education sector.
I have two grown up daughters who are exploring the world, and my husband Mike is also in the schooling system.
Relationships are my strength, and I look forward to meeting and supporting you and your whanau to help make your childs intermediate years happy and successful.
In my spare time I like to walk, cook delicious food, and be with family.
Aroha Mai aroha atu
Carmen Conijn
Principal Assistant/Payroll Officer
Carmen Conijn
I am the Principal assistance and payroll officer. I have enjoyed being part of the Rāroa team since 2016. I have three grown up children and four grandchildren. I love spending time with my grandchildren, reading, gardening and going to the movies.
Clare Forest
Kaitaki Pukapuka/Library Manager & Executive Manager
Clare Forest
Marianne Dobie
Kaitaki Pukapuka
Marianne Dobie
Guten Tag. My name is Marianne Dobie and I have been involved with libraries since I was a student librarian at Intermediate. I have worked in public libraries and government libraries as well as school libraries. I love reading and want to share this passion. I believe that reading for pleasure adds to your quality of life as it stretches the imagination, teaches empathy, and is a very portable hobby.
Simon Coleman
Kaiwhakahaere Rawa/ Caretaker & Groundsperson
Simon Coleman
I’ve recently returned to Aotearoa after being based in Asia. I’m super excited to have joined the team and be a part of the Raroa community. My focus is maintaining the school facilities and keeping the grounds in good shape so they are ready to be enjoyed.
Away from work I enjoy spending time in the outdoors, travelling, watching sport, and meditation. I’m also fascinated by blockchain tech, macro-economics and history.
Learning Support Staff
Guanny Liu-Prosee
Kaiako/Teacher Learning Support
Guanny Liu-Prosee
Kia ora and nǐ hǎo! This is my second year as the extension opportunities coordinator, but I have been a kaiako at Rāroa since 2015 when I moved to Johnsonville from Auckland. With a previous career in radio journalism, and over 15 years experience in improvised comedy, I have a particular interest in writing, public speaking, and drama. I’m proud founder and coach of Raroa’s very own Instalaughs, and passionate about the teaching of drama as a tool for emotional wellbeing. Outside of school, you’ll see me performing during fringe and comedy fests, as well as the wonderful independent theatres we’re so lucky to have in Wellington. I have two bubbly little girls who attend Cashmere avenue school. With one of my children being identified as twice-exceptional (giftedness and dyslexia), I have a special interest in the subjects of giftedness, learning conditions, and other types of neurodivergence. Thank you for entrusting me with your unique and exceptional tamariki. I love working with them!
Amelia Caldwell
Amelia Caldwell
Support Teachers
Anna Robinson
Kia ora koutou.
My name is Anna and I’m an experienced and passionate teacher of the Year 7 and 8 age group. I have taught in a variety of schools, both here and overseas, at different year levels. However, the unique challenges and rewards of teaching the Intermediate level has struck a chord with me.
As a support teacher, with consistent classes each week, I get to know the students well and can build on their learning and create positive relationships.
I really enjoy my part-time role at Raroa, as it suits my busy family life, with my husband and 3 daughters.
We love getting outdoors camping with friends, travelling around NZ, visiting family in the South Island and walking our much loved dog, Kevin.
Sue Collins
Kia ora everyone. I have had the privilege of teaching at Rāroa for nearly 20 years. I love working with young adolescents and supporting them through the sometimes rocky road of becoming a young adult. I enjoy the challenges and changes that teaching offers and being part of the community that is our school. Getting to know each child as an individual is very important to me, as is furthering their learning and development. I enjoy spending time with my family (pets included) and friends. I have a granddaughter who I am lucky enough to have living in Wellington. Reading is a passion and I enjoy gardening, love animals and watching sport.
Leah Mckenzie
(On study leave 2026)
Leah Mckenzie
Kia ora koutou. Ko Leah McKenzie au. He kaiako au ki te kura waenga ō Rāroa. My name is Leah McKenzie, and I am proud to be one of the teachers at Rāroa. This year, I’m thrilled to be back in Manawanui as both a teacher and the team’s learning leader. Teaching intermediate-aged ākonga is a passion of mine because of the meaningful connections you can build with this age group. That’s why I’m now entering my 8th year at Rāroa. I’ve lived my entire life in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, spending most of my time in the Hutt Valley, though I now call Titahi Bay home. In my spare time, I enjoy heading to the beach with my dog, Charlie, and travelling around New Zealand.
Wellbeing Support
Kathryn Geddis
Counsellor
Kathryn Geddis
Kia Ora, for the past 22 years I have been a Primary School teacher both in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas. During my time as a teacher I developed a passion for the wellbeing of our tamariki and undertook my postgraduate study in counselling. When I am not working I am hanging out with my lovely husband and mostly lovely daughters.
Harriett Johnston
Counsellor
Harriett Johnston
Kia ora koutou, my name is Harriett Johnston and I will be here each Wednesday and Thursday. I am a counsellor with provisional membership of the NZCCA. I’m particularly passionate about supporting ngā tamariki o te kura with their mental health and well being.
When I am not at school, I enjoy relaxing with friends and whānau, reading, playing board games, walking – especially in Zealandia or anywhere near the ocean.
