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Staff

Staff

Leadership Team

Senior Leadership

Kyran Smith

Principal

About Me

Tēnā koutou
Ko Rangitoto te maunga e rū nei taku ngākau,
Ko Whangaparaoa te moana e mahea nei aku māharahara,
Nō Orewa ahau
E mihi ana ki ngā tohu o nehe, o Motu Kairangi e noho nei au
Ko Kyran Smith tōku ingoa
Nō reira, tēnā koutou katoa.

I moved to Wellington when I was 20 to go to Teachers College. I've never moved away because I love it here!

I began my education career working as an untrained teacher in a preschool. This was the job that inspired me to become a teacher. Once trained, I taught 5-6 year olds. To widen my experience I moved on to teach the middle year levels, then moved on to teaching the intermediate year level Year 7-8s. I taught in this area for ten years before becoming a Principal.

It is an absolute privilege to be the Principal of Kahurangi School, and I love the role! It's extremely rewarding to lead such a wonderful school community. With our teaching team and staff I work hard every day to ensure our tamariki are supported to be the very best they can be. Just like whānau, I want the best for the children.

When I'm not at school my family is a big part of my life. I also love good food, travel and the company of friends. My secret pleasure is a regular dose of reality TV. It's a fun way to decompress after a busy time at school.

E: principal@kahurangi.school.nz

Ruth Cooper

Deputy Principal

About Me

Tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Ruth tōku ingoa. I love being an educator, I believe knowledge empowers us all and gives us choices in life. I particularly enjoy the energy and uniqueness that each child brings to our school. With over 20 years of experience in education, I am committed to fostering an environment where well-being, equity, and the celebration of diversity are at the forefront. I strive to guide and support all of our tamariki to be happy, confident and proud of who they are. Personally I am a huge animal lover, who enjoys spending time with my dogs, swimming, cooking and eating, and watching too much T.V.

E: ruth@kahurangi.school.nz

Natalie Ballantyne

Junior School Team Leader

About Me

Kia ora tātou. Ko Natalie Ballantyne tōku ingoa. Teaching is part of my DNA, having grown up the daughter of a school principal. I went into teaching right out of school and have been doing it ever since! I consider myself a life-long learner and I like to read a lot to keep up to date with educational research. Making sure that children feel heard and seen is a priority for me. This involves creating a welcoming and safe space for tamariki to keep connecting with me whether it be in a classroom, out in the community or in the playground. I have a particular passion for Literacy and strive to share that love with children, helping them to feel the excitement of becoming readers and writers themselves. When I am not at school I enjoy gardening and walking the Kāpiti coastline with my husband and spending time with friends and family. At the weekend you might see me out and about on the sidelines, watching my two sons playing sport.

E: natalie@kahurangi.school.nz

Claire Brown

Senior School Team Leader & Teacher

Year 5-6

About Me

Kia ora! This is my 12th year teaching here at Kahurangi. I especially enjoy working with our older learners and leading an amazing team of teachers. Some of my favourite things about teaching are outdoor games, reading a novel together and visual art. I'm a born and bred Wellingtonian so I am strongly connected with my whānau and friends here. In my own time I love to read, play hockey, socialise and spend time with my young daughter.

E: claire@kahurangi.school.nz

Teachers

Teachers

Emma Belam

Year 0-1

About Me

Kia Ora! After 12 years of teaching in the UK, I have recently moved to New Zealand and am loving the new adventure so far! As a teacher, I feel passionate about fostering a love of learning and nurturing children's self-belief so that they feel confident to aim high and achieve their dreams. I believe that building strong, positive relationships with children and their families is incredibly important and I strive to make sure my classroom is a fun, safe and welcoming environment for all. Aside from teaching, my passions include music, books, theatre, food and travel.

E: emma.belam@kahurangi.school.nz

Maddie Boyes

Year 1

About Me

Kia ora! Ko Maddie tōku ingoa. Nō te whanganui-a-tara ahau. I have been working at Kahurangi for a few years now, and I am absolutely loving being part of this wonderful community. As a kaiako, I see genuine and quality relationships as the starting point to providing a safe and happy learning space, where ākonga can grow, learn and thrive. I am passionate about creating an environment where individual needs, interests and cultures are recognised, catered for and nurtured. Aside from teaching, I enjoy going to the beach, travelling and spending time with my whānau.

E: maddie.boyes@kahurangi.school.nz

Grant Clarke

Year 2-3

About Me

Kia ora. I've lived in Te Whanganui a Tara for the last 20 years with some time abroad. I've started teaching later in my career and worked previously as a veterinarian and in government. I am privileged to be part of the Kahurangi team. I am keen to create strong relationships with tamariki and their whānau, so that they enjoy learning. I love art, the outdoors, science, my wonderful wife, teenage son and mountain biking. Two cats (Spot and Floof) share their home with us. You'll probably see me cycling around Strathmore.

E: grant@kahurangi.school.nz

Emma Muirhead

Year 2-3

About Me

Kia ora! Ko Emma tōku ingoa. I love being part of the Kahurangi teaching team, and this year, I have the privilege of working with Year 2-3 tamariki. I am passionate about creating a positive, creative, and supportive classroom environment where all learners feel encouraged to explore, grow, and develop confidence in their abilities. I bring lots of energy to my teaching and enjoy spending time outside playing sports, especially gymnastics. I also love designing and creating art, and I look forward to continuing to share these passions with my students. I’m excited for another great year of learning and discovery at Kahurangi!

E: emma.muirhead@kahurangi.school.nz

Brynne Hey

Year 4

About Me

Tēnā tātou. Ko Brynne tōku ingoa. I grew up in the sunny Hawkes Bay but now love living in the Eastern suburbs community. This is my third year teaching at Kahurangi and I am thrilled to be a part of such an amazing hapori. As a kaiako, I am passionate when it comes to building reciprocal learning-focused relationships. I believe my warm, positive, and supportive demeanour fosters an inclusive akomanga where tamariki can feel safe to learn and thrive. In my spare time, I enjoy being in the sun, walking with my new Frenchie puppy, cooking, and spending time with my family and friends. Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi - everybody has something to offer, and by working together we can all flourish.

E: brynne@kahurangi.school.nz

Anika Molloy

Year 4-5

About Me

Tēnā tātou! Ko Anika Molloy tōku ingoa. Nō Ingarangi, Aerani, Kōtirana me Hōrana ōku tipuna, arā, he tangata Tiriti ahau. This is my second year teaching at the wonderful Kahurangi School, and I love it! Prior to studying teaching I had the privilege of completing a degree in te reo Māori, New Zealand Sign Language and Education. I am an enthusiastic person with a passion for building meaningful relationships (whānaungatanga). I believe our tamariki are the greatest taonga (gift) to our society, and desire to create inclusive, nurturing, and empowering learning environments where each child can thrive in their identity and strengths. When I am not at school, I love tramping, climbing, gardening, being creative, volunteering at The Free Store, and spending time with whānau and friends.

E: anika@kahurangi.school.nz

Anna Ravendran

Year 5-6

About Me

Tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Anna tōku ingoa. My family are from Sri Lanka but I was born in England and call Aotearoa home after being here for over 20 years. Before teaching, I worked in international development. During this time I was fortunate to travel across the Pacific. I love working in a school! I am passionate about lifelong learning, creating an inclusive environment and building strong relationships with learners and their whānau. In my free time, I enjoy exploring Wellington’s coastline, learning new languages, trying new art forms and spending time with my whānau and friends.

E: anna@kahurangi.school.nz

Sarah Ramsay

Year 6-7

About Me

Kia ora koutou. Ko Sarah Ramsay tōku ingoa. Nō Aerana me Kōtirana ōku tipuna. Kei Te Whanganui a Tara tōku kāinga. I have been a kaiako for a couple of year and have loved helping tamariki in their learning journey. It is incredible to see the spark of curiosity in the tamariki and hearing all of their awesome pātai everyday. I always strive to create an akomanga here all ākonga feel success and take an active role in their learning. I am passionate about the histories of our country and physical education. Outside of kura I love walking my dog, sewing and baking.

E: sarah@kahurangi.school.nz

Nicholas Masters

Year 7-8

About Me

Kia ora, I’m Nicholas Masters. I live in the eastern suburbs, but have spent the past few years teaching year seven and eights in Porirua. I am excited to become part of the Kahurangi community and to be teaching in the city I grew up in. I’m committed to nurturing academic achievement, but also to providing my students with diverse avenues for success at college and beyond. My teaching philosophy is underpinned by high expectations; knowing my learners; and fostering resilience, ambition, and cooperation. Outside of school, you’ll find my playing sports or staying active in some way.

E: nicholas@kahurangi.school.nz

Emma Tapuai

Year 7-8

About Me

Kia ora, I am Emma Tapuaī. I have been teaching for over 20 years. I love my job as a teacher and am passionate about children’s learning and education. I strive to make sure all my students have success. I especially love teaching Maths, Reading and Physical Education. Outside of school, I love spending time with my two young children and my husband. We enjoy going to the park, playing and watching sports, and trying different cuisines.

E: emma@kahurangi.school.nz

Vangela Araboglos

Part-time Teacher

About Me

Yeia Sas! My name is Vangela Araboglos. I am very excited about my part time role at Kahurangi and being part of a warm, caring community of whanau. I have been teaching for over 30 years and have a passion for getting the best out of each child. I particularly value creativity, building confidence in children and developing a love of learning. When I am not at school I enjoy baking, long walks, gym workouts and family outings.

E: vangela@kahurangi.school.nz

Judy Bragan

Part-time Teacher

About Me

Teaching is a second career for me having previously worked as a nurse. During my teaching career I have developed a particular passion for helping young children learn to read and alongside classroom teaching have been fortunate to train in Reading Recovery. For the past few years I have further developed my career taking on a Leadership role as one of the Deputy Principals. Originally from Dunedin, Wellington is now my home and I have lived in the Eastern suburbs for many years. Outside of school family is my main priority, with two young adult daughters and the new addition of a Golden Retriever puppy.

E: judy@kahurangi.school.nz

Meta Beyers

Part-time Teacher

About Me

As a teacher, I strive to instil kindness and care for Papatūānuku, her creatures, plants, and people. As a librarian, I aim to foster lifelong reading habits. As a potterer, I understand the value of gardening and crafting. As an immigrant, I advocate for language learning to cultivate tolerance and empathy in our complex world.

E: meta@kahurangi.school.nz

Lesley Mitrakas

Part-time Teacher

About Me

Tēnā koutou! I feel fortunate to be part of the Kahurangi School community as a part-time teacher. I am a Wellingtonian—I grew up on the Kāpiti Coast and have lived and taught in Miramar for over 20 years, having worked in the corporate world before becoming a teacher. Teaching our tamariki brings me great joy. I am dedicated to fostering a love of learning and building children’s self-belief in a happy, fun, and safe classroom. I love reading, walking, and gardening, and I spend most weekends cooking with family and friends in our Olympic AFC kitchen during the football season while watching my adult sons play for our club.

E:

Julia Park

2025 - Parental Leave

About Me

Annyeonghaseyo! I was born and grew up in South Korea and moved to Aotearoa 5 years ago with my husband. This is my 3rd year at Kahurangi and I love being part of the Kahurangi community. As a kaiako, I am passionate about creating a safe and positive learning environment where students can feel safe and make mistakes to learn, grow and be the best version of themselves. I strive to provide a warm, safe and inclusive environment in the classroom to help develop our tamariki’s diverse knowledge, skills and interests. Outside of school, I love doing reformer pilates, playing tennis and spending time with my puppy, Winter.

E: julia@kahurangi.school.nz

Support Staff

Support Staff

Margaret Hudson

Office Manager

About Me

I have been Kahurangi's Office Manager since it was established in 2013. Prior to that I was the Office Manager at Miramar South School - so I have been doing this for a very long time, and enjoying every day. Each day is unpredictable and fun - because of the fabulous children and the fabulous staff!

E: office@kahurangi.school.nz

Angela Keane

Teacher Aide, Office Assistant

About Me

Talofa Lava! I'm Angela Keane, known as Mrs Keane to the tamariki. Growing up in Strathmore, this vibrant community is not just where I work but an extension of my roots. Wearing multiple hats as a dedicated Teacher Aide, Office Administrator, Duffy Coordinator and Road Patrol Coordinator, I prioritize the safety and well-being of our young learners. As a registered LAT with a Samoan background, I bring cultural richness to our learning environment. Each day presents new opportunities to inspire, guide and nurture the unique potential within each tamariki. Working with our tamariki is not just a profession; it's a calling! The magic of witnessing curiosity and the joy of discovery in their eyes make every day at Kahurangi School truly special.

E: angela@kahurangi.school.nz

Samantha Renner

Teacher Aide, Office Assistant

About Me

Born and bred in the Miramar Peninsula. I am half Samoan and half German. I have been employed at Kahurangi School since 2013 and have enjoyed watching the children grow up and go on to bigger and better things, including my daughter who also attended Kahurangi School until 2019 and loved it. The greatest part of working at our kura is creating a cherishable bond with tamariki who end up teaching me even more than I teach them.

E: sam@kahurangi.school.nz

Hannah Lousley

Teacher Aide

About Me

My name is Hannah Lousley, and I am one of the Support Staff here at Kahurangi. I've been fortunate to work at Kahurangi for the past five years, and I absolutely love my role. It has inspired me to train as a teacher, which I'm super excited about and currently working towards on the days I’m not here. I believe every child learns in their own unique way. Getting to know each student and understanding how they learn is my top priority so we can work together to achieve the best possible outcomes. Kahurangi has a truly special community—one that I feel privileged to be a part of and to share with everyone.

E:

Leah Cooper

Counsellor

About Me

Tēnā koutou katoa. I am Leah Cooper the new counsellor for Kahurangi School. I have 15 years experience in mental health and wellbeing; working with young people, adolescents and adults. I provide talking therapy for families and students when things are feeling hard at school or at home. This can include but is not limited to; anxiety, worry, low mood, change and loss, anger and trauma. We can work together to problem solve, develop skills to manage hard feelings, identify strengths and values as well as to shift thinking to be more flexible and helpful in moving forward. I am at Kahurangi School two days per week. Referrals can be made through Kyran, your child’s classroom teacher or you can email me directly.

E: leah@kahurangi.school.nz

Fono Ioapo

Grounds Person

About Me

Coming Soon

E:

Term Dates 2025

Term 1: Mon 3 Feb – Fri 11 Apr
Term 2: Mon 28 Apr – Fri 27 Jun
Term 3: Mon 14 Jul – Fri 19 Sep
Term 4: Mon 6 Oct – Wed 17 Dec

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