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, Diploma in Te Reo Māori

Rowan Taurima

Tumuaki Tuarua | Deputy Principal

Kia ora koutou, ko Rowan ahau.

Born and raised in Porirua, I have a deep connection to this community and feel privileged to return in a role that allows me to contribute to the aspirations of Ngāti Toa and our rangatahi.

As the founding Tumuaki Tuarua of Kura Toa, I am honored to help establish a kura where every rangatahi can thrive as themselves, achieve excellence, and remain proud in their identity, language, and culture. I bring more than 20 years of experience in secondary education as a teacher and school leader and have dedicated my career to building strong relationships with ākonga, whānau, and communities..

Bachelor of Arts (History and NZ Studies), Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary), Diploma in Careers Guidance.

Shalae Nawahine

Kaiwhakarite | Administrator

I grew up in Takapūwāhia and whakapapa to Ngāti Toa, which has shaped who I am today. After secondary school, I received a basketball scholarship to the United States, where I played Division I basketball for four years. That experience taught me the value of hard work, strong relationships, and having people who believe in you.

After ten years overseas, I returned home to Porirua, where I am now raising my children. I’m passionate about supporting rangatahi to dream big, work hard, and experience success. I'm so excited to be apart of the Kura Toa team and help our young people prepare for life beyond school!

Bachelor of Public Health, Minor in Business

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.

Estelle Horomona

Kaiako | Coach

Nō Porirua ahau, ko Ngāti Toa te iwi. Growing up in Porirua has given me a deep connection to this community, and I feel privileged to teach and support ākonga here.

My passion for teaching grew from my time as a personal trainer, where I discovered the importance of strong relationships, encouragement, and helping people recognise their potential. These values remain at the heart of my teaching. I am excited to be a part of the Kura Toa story and play a part in the development of our tauira as they achieve their goals.

Bachelor of Communications: Radio Broadcasting, Graduate Diploma: Teaching (Primary), Certificate in Personal Training.

Educational Psychologist

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.

Calisa Hippolite

Education Manager

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.

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 Student.

Aidan Otene Dickens

Kaiako | Digital Learning Lead

Kia ora tātou. Ko Aidan tōku ingoa.

I am a passionate kaiako with over 10 years of tertiary teaching experience in filmmaking, digital design and animation.

Alongside teaching I also ran my own production company for a stint, and completed a Master of Arts in Screen Production.

I am excited to be joining the team at Kura Toa. My iwi is Ngāpuhi, and I live in Lower Hutt with my wife and our two tamariki.

Master of Arts in Screen Production, Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Diploma in Digital Filmmaking (Level 5 ), Diploma in Audio Engineering (Level 5), Diploma in Photography (Level 5), Diploma in Digital Media and Design (Level 5)