Our Staff

Principal

Lisa Bates

Pod 1 (Year 0 - 1)

Heather Kershaw

I really enjoy being part of the Upper Atiamuri School team. I have a wide range of experience teaching at all levels. Prior to teaching at Upper Atiamuri I taught for 11 years at the Princess of Wales Health Camp School now known as Stand. This gave me an understanding of the most effective ways to support students to engage with their learning and to overcome any challenges that they face. I want my students to develop a love of learning, have an inquiring mind, challenge themselves - I want them to be the best learners that they can be in all areas.

Pod 2 (Year 2 - 4)

Miss Zoe Purdon

Teacher - Pod 3 (Year 5-8)

Mr Craig Render (Matua Craig)

Kia Ora e te Whānau o Upper Atiamuri.

Kei te noho au kei roto i te taumarumau o Ruapehu

I tipu mai ai i nga tahata o te moana o Taupō nui a tia

Kei Mokai ahau e noho ana

Ko Matua Craig toko ingoa.

I am very excited to be joining the Upper Atiamuri teaching whānau for 2022. My name is Craig Render and I have been teaching for over 15 years with roles in both High School and Primary. I moved to Mokai 5 years ago with my partner and young family - Tom and Ella - to escape the Auckland hustle! I look forward to being a small part of this amazing kura and meeting you all throughout the year.

Ngā Manaakitanga

Teacher Aids

Suzanne Hendra

Trudy Jenkins

Aroha Kohere

Office Administrator

Kirsteen Mudie

Hi, I’m Kirsteen and have been working in the school office since 2017. I previously worked as a mechanical engineer but working part time suits me better now I have children. I have three children who go to school in Ngakuru so am lucky that I get to cheer them on when we have inter-school events!

Free and Healthy Lunch Coordinator

Jo is our fabulous Lunch creator. Every day making fresh lunches for all our tamariki.

All dietary needs are taken care of and a fresh, healthy, yummy lunch is delivered to each classroom everyday. We are very lucky!