Ngā Kaimahi Staff

Tēnā koutou katoa

Ko Tapuae-o-Uenuku te maunga
Ko Te Tai o Marokura te awa
Nō Kaikōura ahau
Ko Sarah rāua ko Alyce, ko Callum, ko Bailey āku tamariki
Ko Taylor tōku whānau
Ko Suzanne tōku ingoa
Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.

Kia ora, I’m Sue Taylor, the Principal of Omakere School. I have spent my career teaching and leading in rural schools across the Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay, including time at Porangahau School, and I am a passionate mathematics specialist, having completing post graduate diplomas in inclusive education and maths education including my Masters in Mathematics Education.

At the heart of my leadership is a simple belief – he tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata. It is all about the people. I believe strong schools grow from shared vision, open and inclusive approaches, excellent communication, and positive, trusting relationships where everyone feels valued, empowered, and able to contribute their strengths.

With four children and four mokopuna spread across Aotearoa, I understand the importance of partnership between school, whānau, and community. I am proud to work alongside our amazing staff, tamariki, whānau, and wider community to nurture Omakere School as a future-focused, student-centred place of learning where every learner is known, supported, and encouraged to be their very best.

Ngā manaakitanga

Sue Taylor

Kia Ora, my name is Samantha Bell and I am one of, the two lucky teachers to be teaching in our Junior Room at Omakere School.  I have been teaching for 17 years and have taught at a number of schools both in New Zealand and England. I began my teaching journey at Mahora School in Hastings where I taught for 3 years in the Junior and Middle school before heading over to England for a couple of years teaching in large primary schools in the London area.  When I came back to New Zealand I taught at Hastings Girls High School for a year, then at Arthur Miller in Taradale for 4 years before we started our family. During this time I have taught a range of year levels from Year 0 -10 and have enjoyed aspects of them all. I live in the Omakere community with my husband Gus and our 3 children, Monty, Fleur and Holly.  We farm sheep and beef on a coastal property on Pourerere Road. I grew up in Central Hawkes Bay and attended Flemington School for my primary years and appreciate how lucky our children are to attend a great country primary school. I love teaching and am driven to provide an exciting learning environment for all my students. My teaching passions include Literacy, Sport, Enviroschools and The Arts.  I love that being a teacher allows me to still be creative and that I get the opportunity to share my passions with our tamariki. 

Tena Koutou Katoa

Ko Rebecca tōku ingoa 

Ko Omakere ahau 

Ko Humphries tōku whānau

Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.

Kia ora! I am proud to be part of the wonderful team here at Omakere School. My teaching role is varied and rewarding; on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, I work across the school releasing teachers for their Classroom Release Time (CRT), and on Thursdays and Fridays, you will find me in Ruma Tupu. I feel very lucky to work with students of all ages and I really value the relationships I get to build with our tamariki as they grow.

I am passionate about teaching and believe in providing a broad range of experiences for our learners. While I focus on building strong foundations in Literacy and Mathematics, I also have a real love for Science and Physical Education, and the curiosity and confidence these subjects spark.

In addition to teaching, I coordinate sports for our school and serve as the Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO). I am deeply committed to supporting students with diverse learning needs and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Outside of school, I am married to Mark, and we have three children: Caitlyn, Toby, and Millie. When I’m not at school, I’m happiest at home on the farm with my family, following the kids in their various activities, playing a spot of tennis, or keeping busy in the garden! I am also a Justice of the Peace, so please feel free to contact me if you require documentation witnessed or a declaration made.

Kia ora, my name is Karen Barkle tōku and fortunate to be teaching a wonderful group of tamariki in Ruma Kahikatea. 

I’m married to Craig, and we live on a small lifestyle block with our dog, Mooch. We have three children and are blessed with three beautiful mokopuna who fill our whānau with joy.

I’m originally from Wellington, and before having children I worked in a range of corporate administration roles. When we moved to Hawke’s Bay in 1995, my aroha for teaching began as I volunteered as a parent helper at our children’s kura. I started my teaching journey at Taradale Primary School, where my own children were students.

I’m passionate about teaching subjects such as Mathematics, Literacy, Digital Technology, Visual Art, and my favourite - Performing Arts. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching ākonga grow in confidence and creativity as they perform in front of an audience.

I absolutely love being part of Omakere School. It’s a true privilege to teach in a rural kura surrounded by a supportive staff and whānau.

Kia ora koutou, 

Ko Nicole Nimon tōku ingoa, I am a kaiako in Ruma Kōwhai. I feel very fortunate to be part of the staff at Omakere School and to work with such amazing tamariki.

I have been a teacher for 15 years, with time off in between to have my three beautiful tamariki - Oliver, Phoebe, and Matilda. I am married to Richard, and we live on a small rural block on the outskirts of Ōtāne.

I am passionate about pāngarau (mathematics) and completed my postgraduate studies in this area, becoming a Mathematics Specialist Teacher while working at Windley School in Porirua and Frimley School in Hastings.

In my free time, I attend Omakere Playcentre with my daughter Matilda, enjoy spending time in my kitchen baking, especially trying out new bread recipes, and exploring our beautiful region with my whānau.

I have a deep appreciation for Omakere School and the wider community, and I feel privileged to be a part of it.

Ngā mihi,

Nicole Nimon

Kia ora koutou katoa, my name is Anna-Kate O’Brien, and I am very excited to join Omakere School for 2022 as the Middle Room Teacher. After spending a year as a Chef Tutor and becoming a mum, I decided to embark on a Post Graduate Diploma of Teaching. My degree is in finance, so I am very passionate about mathematics. I am also passionate about literacy, sports, and visual arts.

I am originally from Invercargill but left for Auckland at the age of 10 and then to Hawkes Bay at 14.

During high school I spent a year on student exchange to Denmark. Since finishing High School I have lived all over New Zealand as well as Yorkshire, England. After marrying my Irish husband Ted, we decided to settle in Tikokino to start a family. We now have two boys Tadhg and Oisín and three dogs – Titus, Indy, and Egbert. When I’m not running around after the boys (big and small), I love cooking, spending time in my garden and veggie patch, camping at the beach, reading and listening to music.

I believe learning is a life-long endeavour and I feel privileged to be a part of the learning journey of the tamariki at Omakere School. I look forward to meeting you all and becoming a beneficial part of your community.

I'm  Marion Harty.  I am currently teacher aide between our 3 classrooms.  I started out as cleaner for our school after my husband passed away.  I also got to be Lochie Anderson's teacher aide and was with Lochie for nearly four years.  After a brief break I am back at Omakere School and am thoroughly enjoying it.  I consider it to be a privilege and pleasure to be amongst our children.  All three of our children attended our school and my husband was BOT chairman for a time.  I like crafting from time to time and enjoy my little dog.

Hi My Name is Jayde Voelkerling, I am extremely lucky to be apart of Omakere school as a part time one on one teacher aide for one of our incredible special needs students. 

I’m a farm girl who grew up in the Taihape high country. My Husband and I moved to Tikokino, Central Hawke’s Bay 10 years ago with our young family and have loved every minute of it. We have three boys Daniel 12, Liam 10 and Sam 6. 

I have done a lot of work in ECE but never worked at a school and I am thoroughly enjoying my position at Omakere!

The kids are great, the staff are great and the atmosphere is amazing!

Kia ora, my name is Fiona Strong and I am proud to be part of the team at Omakere School as a Teacher Aide, specialising in Structured Literacy. I’m passionate about supporting our tamariki in their learning journey and feel very fortunate to work alongside such a dedicated and caring staff.

My husband Geoff and I moved to Omakere in 2020 and quickly felt at home in this wonderful community. We have three children: Sophie, who is currently studying at Massey University; Jacob, who has recently begun his small motors apprenticeship; and Amy, who attends CHB College.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors—whether it’s helping out on the farm, relaxing at the beach (Kairakau is our favourite!), or pottering in the vege garden. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a special place here at Omakere School.

Ki ora, my name is Chloe Hill and I’m lucky enough to be one of the two teacher aides working in room Kahikatea along side one of our special needs students.

My family and I moved to CHB in 2022 and live on a rural property on Pourerere Road. My husband Robert and I have four daughters, Zoe, Hunter, Willow and Vada.

Since moving to Omakere I have been blown away with the kindness and support of the people here. I’ve become a huge advocate for our school and community and also have the role of president of the Omakere School and Community Association (OSCA).

In my spare time you’ll find me with my family, shopping and baking.

After taking 11 years off work to be at home with my family I am now very excited to be part of an amazing team at my favourite school.

I have been working for Omakere School as the Office Administrator for some years now.  I have an absolute passion for Omakere School and am totally committed to helping the staff, students, Board and parents/ caregivers in any way I can, to make a difference. 

I previously lived in the Omakere District for many years and supported the local Playcentre, Community Hall, Dog Trials etc. Both my son and daughter completed their Primary School education at Omakere School. I have been living in Waipawa for the last ten years but find myself still gravitating to the District's events.

If I was ever asked what job satisfaction is, my  answer would be - work in a school office!  Every day is different and exciting.  One never knows what is going to happen! The students  and the staff are the ones that make the day so special.

Caretaker

“I’ve been involved in Music and Theatre for as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a passion for it”.

Danny has been involved in the performing arts for over 25 years, with countless theatre shows, performances in bands, duos and a solo music career, he is no stranger to the stage.

After a tour of Aotearoa with Australian Celtic band ‘Riogh’ in 2013 he met up with his future wife Kate and soon after called Hawkes bay his home. He now resides in Otane and focuses his time on music tuition for young people, giving them opportunities to really experience all aspects of music and providing them with skills for higher schooling and indeed for a lifetime.

“I strive to create the same passion for music that I have, in everybody I work with.”

Danny

My name is Carol Burkin, Rex and I have lived and worked in Omakere for almost 30 years.  Our 2 boys, Bryce and Dion, both attended Omakere School.

 For approximately 12 years now I have been employed as the caretaker at Omakere School.  I get a lot of pleasure from gardening and am passionate about keeping the school grounds clean, tidy and green.  I also work voluntarily with the children growing native plants in the schools shade houses.  I enjoy working with the children, showing them how to grow native plants.

Marie and her husband, Phillip, have lived in the Omakere area since 2013. They were married at Pourerere Beach in October 2014.  Marie has five children Daniel, Cameron, Stephanie, Zariah, Irena. 

Marie enjoys the friendly staff and the great location of our school to her home and beaches.