Our Team

Kathleen O’Hare

Tumuaki | Principal

Kia ora koutou, ko Kathleen ahau.

For more than 30 years I have had the privilege of working alongside tamariki, whānau, kaiako and communities in education. I am passionate about creating learning environments where rangatahi feel a strong sense of identity, belonging, and purpose, and are empowered to achieve success as themselves.

Being the founding Tumuaki of Kura Toa is an honour, and I look forward to working alongside whānau and our community to bring the vision of our kura to life.

Bachelor of Education (Teaching), Diploma of Teaching,1986 Trained Teachers Certificate, 1987 Diploma in Te Reo Māori / Heke Reo Māori

Ramari Spain

Kaiako | Coach

Kia ora everyone, ko Whaea Ramari ahau.

A passionate educator with over 15 year’s experience, I bring a background in elite sport where I combined my love for health and wellbeing with sports science before moving into the classroom.

My commitment to rangatahi drives me to weave the wisdom of our tūpuna with the modern world, with the hope of making a meaningful difference in the lives of every young person who enters our kura.

Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary), Master of Kinesiology and Sports Science.

Erica Blundell

Kia ora, ko Erica ahau.

I am passionate about ensuring every child has the support and opportunities to thrive, and I love being part of the Ngāti Toa team backing our tamariki to succeed.

I've played rugby and basketball regionally, and nowadays enjoy CrossFit, AFL or anything active. Being of Chinese heritage, I value helping kids feel proud of who they are and the strengths they bring to their community.

Bachelor of Arts (Education, Psychology), Master of Educational Developmental Psychology, Postgraduate Diploma Educational Psychology Practice.

Educational Psychologist

Calisa Hippolite

Kia ora, Ko Whaea Calisa tēnei.

With over 10 years in iwi education I have seen the growth of this space over the years and it’s exciting!

I whakapapa to Ngāti Toa and Tahiti and feel proud that this is part of my identity. When I’m not working, I love a weekend camp, spending time with my growing whānau or taking on a good reno project.

Bachelor of Arts (Education), Postgraduate Certificate in Leading Change, Postgraduate Certificate in Project Management.

Education Manager

Bianca Elkington

Dreamer

Kia ora everyone. Ko Bianca ahau.

Raised in Takapūwāhia I have had the privilege of receiving many life lessons from those around me. My passion for education comes from my own experience as a learner who saw the disconnect between home and school.

My life’s work will be to support every child to have access to an education that is meaningful and connected. I’m most happy among our youth, listening and learning from all they have to offer.

Bachelor of Arts (Education), Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary), Master of Education, PhD – candidate.