Staff

Gayle August

Office Administrator

I was born in Waipukurau and after attending secondary school I worked for two General Practitioners until going overseas for 12 months.  On return I worked at the Waipukurau Hospital as Secretary to the Chief Nurse and the Head of the Social Work department. I then married and had my daughter who was 6 months old when we shifted to the Omakere District to take over part of the family farm.  My son arrived two years later and both children attended Omakere School. I  soon became very involved in this rural school and was elected onto the Board of Trustees and relieved in the office for the Secretary from time to time. I have a serious passion for Omakere School and am dedicated to helping the staff, students, Board of Trustees and parents in any way I can to help make a difference.

Diane Smalec

Teacher Aide

I have been working at Omakere School as a teacher aide and bus driver for two years.  I immigrated from England in 2008 and now live on a lifestyle property with my partner Dave in Central Hawkes Bay.  

I love the children at Omakere and enjoy assisting with the learning programme in the Junior room of the school. I enjoy reading, cooking, art and travel. 

Carol Burkin

Caretaker

I have lived in the Omakere Community for a long time, and held my position of Omakere school caretaker for 11 years.  I love gardening and get a great deal of satisfaction from keeping the school enviroment tidy and 'green.'  I try as much as possible to involve the children in 'gardening projects' when I am working in the school grounds.  We have an ongoing committment in working with the Genesis Reforestation Project, which involves our school children in planting and growing natives to supply our local beaches and parks as an environmental protection initiative.