Staff – Mokoia Intermediate School

Senior Leadership Team

Whaea Ally Gibbons

Principal (Acting)

Principal's Office

About Me

Kia ora koutou, I am delighted to be the Acting Principal of Te Kura Takawaenga o Mokoia/Mokoia Intermediate for Term One. I see this role as one of stewardship — caring for our kura on behalf of our students, whānau, and community, guided by The Mokoia Way: Limitless! Passionate! Mokoia! I bring 27 years of senior leadership experience across diverse school settings. My leadership is grounded in equity, culturally responsive practice, and learner wellbeing, with the needs of ākonga at the heart of all I do. When I’m not at school, I spend as much time as possible with my three mokopuna, aged 2, 6, and 9. They inspire me to keep challenging myself — from mountain biking and waka ama to swimming, playing pickleball, and proudly dressing up as their Super Kui. I also enjoy training for the Rotorua Marathon, walking and riding in the beautiful ngahere of the Redwoods, reading, going to shows, and travelling.

E: principal@mokoia.school.nz

Whaea Kathryn McMurdo

Deputy Principal

DP Office

About Me

Kia ora, I started my journey at Mokoia Intermediate in 2015 after moving down from Auckland with my family. I have more than 16yrs of teaching under my belt in middle and upper primary, and intermediate. I enjoy teaching both Year 7’s and Year 8’s and watching them grow as learners in their time with us. I am the lead teacher of Mathematics, specialising in accelerating learners and making maths achievable for all. I am in charge of organising both the inter school Math’s competitions and Cricket. When I’m not teaching you’ll find me on the side of a sports field, walking, biking or swimming with my family or enjoying a good book.

E: kmcmurdo@mokoia.school.nz

Matua Dean Henderson & Ripley

Deputy Principal

DP Office

About Me

Kia ora koutou, I’ve been teaching for almost 30 years in various schools across Rotorua. I have a passion for inclusive education and making sure that all students have access to a high quality education. If your child has additional learning needs feel free to contact me so we can work together toward the best outcome. In my home time I’m a devoted doggy dad to Ripley, my French Bulldog. I love reading grimdark fantasy, pottering in the garden and buying stuff I really don't need.

E: dhenderson@mokoia.school.nz

Kaituna

Whaea Jess Gibbs

Learning Centre Leader, Year 8

About Me

Kia Ora!! I am so excited to be back at Mokoia Intermediate. I look forward to working with your tamariki here at Mokoia and being a part of their schooling journey! This will be done with lots of fun and learning along the way! I am born and bred in Rotorua and spend my spare time with my husband and 2 boys enjoying all that Rotorua has to offer. I have a personal passion for performing arts and singing, football and generally enjoying the outdoors with our 2 Labradors".

E: jgibbs@mokoia.school.nz

Mokoia Huata

Year 7

About Me

Howdy! I am Matua Mokoia and I am the classroom teacher of Kaituna 4 at Mokoia Intermediate. I enjoy all aspects of teaching and believe school should be a place where students feel safe, supported, and motivated to learn. My teaching focuses on strong relationships, meaningful learning, and giving students the confidence to have a go. I implement creativity throughout my programme to engage learners, encourage problem-solving, and help students express their thinking in different ways. As their home room teacher, I will be working closely with students in literacy and mathematics, supporting them to build strong foundations and a positive attitude towards school. My goal is for every student to leave K4 feeling proud of their growth and saying they genuinely enjoyed their time at Mokoia Intermediate.

E: mhuata@mokoia.school.nz

Whaea Casey Smith

Year 7

About Me

Kia ora! I’m Whaea Casey, and I currently teach Year 7 in Kaituna 5. I’m passionate about taking learning beyond the classroom walls, making it hands-on, and helping students understand how they learn best—not just what they’re learning. I love connecting learning to real-life contexts, especially in maths, where we focus on the why behind the learning and how it applies in the real world. You’ll often find our class moving, thinking, creating, and occasionally laughing at my very questionable sense of humour. Outside of school, I’m an Olympic weightlifting coach at Ethos and a competitive lifter myself. Fitness and P.E. are a regular part of our classroom, and we even visit the gym a couple of times a year so students can explore different ways to stay active—especially if traditional sports aren’t their thing. Mā te kaiako, mā te tauira, ka ako — through the teacher and the student, learning will happen.

E: csmith@mokoia.school.nz

Matua Richie Cribb

Year 8

About Me

Kia ora koutou, I am Matua Richie and I am the classroom teacher of the wonderfully talented students in Kaituna 1. I believe in creating a supportive and caring learning environment where all my students can feel confident to achieve their best. I love teaching and I enjoy the challenges and rewards the profession comes with. My students will engage regularly in fitness and P.E and experience all sporting codes and movement concepts. I also enjoy teaching literacy such as writing where students can express their ideas across all writing genre. In the weekend and holidays, I love chilling with my beautiful wife Becs, and tamariki Kaya, Keanu, Aria & Eli. "This is the Way" Mandalorian 2019

E: rcribb@mokoia.school.nz

Whaea Rangihotuana Monaghan

Rumaki Kaiako, Year 7

About Me

Tēnā koutou katoa, Ko Rangihotuana Monaghan ahau. He uri ahau nō Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa, Te Arawa, Te Aupouri me Ngai Takoto. I have been in education for over 20 years and I have taught in Rumaki the majority of my career. I love teaching our tamariki and helping them grow into the best they can be.

E: rmonaghan@mokoia.school.nz

Whaea Tiare Davis

Rumaki Leader, Year 8

About Me

Kia ora rā, ko Whaea Tiare tōku ingoa. He kaiako reo Māori ahau kei Kaituna 2 e mahi ana. I grew up in Ōhakune and attended Kura Kaupapa Māori on my marae, an experience that shaped both my identity and my lifelong commitment to te reo Māori and mātauranga Māori. I have experience across a wide range of settings, including Kura Kaupapa Māori (Aho Matua), Secondary Schooling (Te Reo Rangatira), Rumaki Reo, and Bilingual education. My teaching journey has taken me through Palmerston North, Foxton, Ōhakune, Christchurch, Burnham, and Rotorua. In 2021, my whānau and I relocated from Christchurch to Rotorua, where I continue to grow my practice and serve my community. I hold a Master of Education in Māori Education and am deeply passionate about creating culturally inclusive learning environments that inspire and empower diverse learners to succeed as Māori. My husband and I are proud parents of three beautiful tamariki. Outside the classroom, I value quality time with my whānau, which often involves supporting my tamariki in their sporting pursuits. My interests include te ao Māori and kapa haka, netball, touch, physical wellbeing and training, socialising, and music. Singing has opened many doors for me, including opportunities to perform within the reggae scene alongside artists such as Katchafire, Kora, 1814, and Sons of Zion. Ngā manaakitanga.

E: tdavis@mokoia.school.nz

Waiteti

Kimberlee Fields

Year 8

About Me

Kia ora, ko Kimberlee Fields toku ignoa I am excited to be coming back to Mokoia Intermediate. I attended as a student and as a teacher from 2021 - 2023. This is my 8th year teaching and is something I am very passionate about. I was born and raised in Rotorua but have lived in Tauranga for the last 4 years. My hobbies include reading, pottering in my garden, gardening and listening to David Bowie. When I'm not at school, I am at home with dog Bowie, cats Daisy and Ember, and partner Coenraad.

E: kfields@mokoia.school.nz

Whaea Isabel Katene

Year 8

About Me

Tena Koutou, ko Isabel ahau. I teach in Waiteti 2. I enjoy spending quality time with my whānau, reading, chilling with friends and spending time in some favourite local spots around Rotorua. I have been teaching for a little while now, but every day for me is a learning day... I hope to meet you one day 😊 Nā Isabel

E: ikatene@mokoia.school.nz

Whaea Annie Hutchison

Year 7

About Me

Kia ora koutou, I have been teaching for five years and have a strong passion for teaching, particularly in the intermediate years. I believe in creating a fun and inclusive classroom where students feel comfortable, supported, and excited to learn, while enjoying their two years with us. I especially love creating art with my tamariki and making the most of outdoor learning opportunities and P.E. I was born in Tāmaki Makaurau but now love living in Rotorua. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my whānau (including my fur babies), going to the gym, and relaxing by the lake.

E: ahutchison@mokoia.school.nz

Mrs Tineke O'Callaghan

Learning Centre Leader, Year 7

About Me

Kia ora! I’ve been teaching in Rotorua for 22 years, with a brief stint in London along the way. I’m passionate about inclusive education and have a particular strength in supporting students with dyslexia, as well as helping neurodiverse learners reach their full potential. As a proud mum to two beautiful girls, I know how important it is to nurture each student’s unique strengths. I love anything bright and colourful—especially hot pink—and sparkly things always catch my eye! My aim is to inspire all students to push beyond their comfort zones and grow, both academically and personally.

E: tocallaghan@mokoia.school.nz

Puarenga

Gareth Upston

Year 8

About Me

Coming soon

E: gupston@mokoia.school.nz

Matua Jireh MacFarlane-Roach

Year 8/Sports Co-odinator

About Me

Kia ora, my name is Jireh Macfarlane-Roach. I’m 27 years old, born and raised in Rotorua, and I completed my schooling at Horohoro Primary School and Rotorua Boys’ High School. I’m passionate about building positive relationships with students and whānau, and I bring my love for basketball, music, and my faith into the way I connect with and support learners. In the classroom, I enjoy supporting students across the core learning areas, with a focus on literacy, numeracy, and developing strong learning habits that set students up for success. I value creating a safe, encouraging environment where students feel confident to grow, learn, and be themselves.

E: jmacfarlaneroach@mokoia.school.nz

Miss Deana Turner

Year 7

About Me

I am the classroom teacher for Puarenga 2. I strongly believe that every student has the right to an education in an environment where they feel safe, valued, and a true part of our classroom whānau. I am committed to creating a supportive and caring learning environment where all students are encouraged to build confidence and strive to achieve their best.

E: dturner@mokoia.school.nz

Mrs Toni Bocock

Year 7

About Me

I started teaching at Mokoia in 2010. I have been teaching for 35 years from year 1-7. I really enjoy this age group and working with our enthusiastic, dedicated staff. I love building strong relationships with my students and their whanau. I support students to take risks with their learning, gain confidence, celebrate each other's strengths, try a variety of activities and have lots of fun. I organise the school water polo team. In my own time I love getting into the forest, spending time with friends or going to Ohope Beach.

E: tbocock@mokoia.school.nz

Mr Glen Law

Learning Centre Leader, Year 8

About Me

I have been teaching at Mokoia since 2010, and really enjoy being part of the Mokoia community. I have three daughters and a gorgeous, (well I think so) schnoodle named ChewwyBarker.

E: glaw@mokoia.school.nz

Utuhina

Matua Jerome Namana

Technology - Music/Band

About Me

Music has always been my passion, and I feel fortunate to share it with my students each day. Over the past five years, teaching has become just as meaningful to me. I love helping students achieve success in music, build confidence, and experience the excitement that comes from learning and performing.

E: jnamana@mokoia.school.nz

Whaea Fiona Wilcock

Technology - Visual Arts

About Me

Kia ora, I am lucky to be the Visual Arts Specialist Teacher at Mokoia Intermediate. A strong advocate for supporting the creative thinking and visual expression of our young people. I hope to inspire and empower your tamariki through creative hands on minds on learning experiences. I love living in Rotorua where the arts are a thriving and rich part of our beautiful rohe. I enjoy living here with my musical husband, energetic son, and three very affectionate cats.

E: fwilcock@mokoia.school.nz

Whaea Lisa Te Whare

Technology Leader - Digital/Science Ext.

About Me

I am a 'career change' teacher, who has had previous experience in private sector corporate Sales, Marketing and Account management. I have experience in Project management in the tertiary sector. My qualifications include Fine art, Design, Contemporary Maori Design, and Business Marketing. I have industry sales experience and training in industrial chemical supply. I come from a family of teachers, and finally heeded the call to change careers. My Tribal affiliations are Ngati Hine (Matawaia), Kai Tahu (Kati Huirapa) and by marriage, Ngati Whakaue (Te Roro o te Rangi). As the leader of Utuhina technology, it is my wish for the students to shine in a different light, to be curious, to develop their academic confidence and practical skill base, and take away a positive lifelong memorable experience.

E: ltewhare@mokoia.school.nz

Whaea Delina Dibben

Technology - Food

About Me

After 2 years of relieving at Mokoia Intermediate, an opportunity to be apart of Utuhina came along. With my 18 years of experience in the hospitality sector, it was the perfect fit for me. I am the food Technology Teacher and I love to teach children to make dishes they never thought were possible. We focus on using everyday ingredients and lifting these dishes to a cafe standard. I also provide an inclusive environment and adapt the lessons to suit all allergies and cultural food preferences.

E: ddibben@mokoia.school.nz

Matua Jeremy Donnell

Technology - Hard Materials

About Me

I’m a practical teacher who loves turning ideas into tangible projects, usually with wood, tools, and a fair bit of sawdust. Outside the classroom, I play inline hockey and enjoy staying active. I’m married with two kids, which keeps life busy and fun. My Christian faith shapes how I approach teaching, relationships, and community, and I enjoy encouraging students to have a go, learn from mistakes, and take pride in what they create.

E: jdonnell@mokoia.school.nz

Support Staff

Waengaehe Administration Centre

Support Staff

Mrs Sue Rasdall

Office Manager

Admin

About Me

I have four adult children and three grandchildren. I enjoy the outdoors especially camping, walking my dog, swimming and time in the coromandel. I have been at Mokoia for 19 years, starting off in the classroom and then later into the office to gain full time employment. I love the school environment and the relationships that I build with the students. Mokoia is a great place to work, each day brings different challenges and rewards.

E: srasdall@mokoia.school.nz

Janet Du Fall

Finance Officer

Admin

About Me

I am proud to be the longest serving staff member of Mokoia Intermediate with the school having been a big part of my life for the last 24 years. I love my job and working in the school environment.

E: finance@mokoia.school.nz

Mrs Heather Lind

Resource Manager

Library

About Me

I am the longest serving member of staff here at Mokoia Intermediate, where I have been employed in various roles for over 21 years. I love my job as each day brings variety, new challenges and also many rewards. Eastside has been my home for 30 plus years where my two adult children attended both Rotokawa and Mokoia Intermediate Schools. Outside of school hours I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling, reading and socialising with close friends.

E: hlind@mokoia.school.nz

Whaea Cheyla Samuels

Learning Support/Choir

About Me

Ko Cheyla toku ingoa. I have been passionate about working with our tamariki/rangatahi since I was a little one myself and have been doing so since the age of 16. I am one half of the Band teaching team and choir teacher at Mokoia as well as being apart of the best LSA staff in the motu. Nga mihi nui kia tātau katoa.

E: csamuels@mokoia.school.nz

Matua Hori Hapi

Kaiarahi i te Reo

About Me

Everything I do within the kura is always about the needs of our Akonga. Mauri ora!

E: hhapi@mokoia.school.nz

Whaea Antonia Wright

Learning Support

About Me

Kia ora, I have been a learning support assistant at Mokoia for 2 years. I love working with the dedicated staff here, and helping Mokoia tamariki get the best out of their time at intermediate. I love all things creative and do a lot of art and sewing in my spare time. I also love spending time with my husband, 2 children (aged 7 and 13), and our dog, Peppa, particularly in our beautiful forest and lakes here in Rotorua.

E: awright@mokoia.school.nz

Whaea Donnella Mattock

Learning Support

About Me

I am a returning student of Mokoia. I'm enjoying being back at Mokoia but being an LSA is quite the different role. I enjoy helping the students be the best they can be in all aspects of their learning. I am a wife and mother of one boy who also has had the privilege of going through Mokoia Intermediate. I look forward to many more years to come.

E: dmattock@mokoia.school.nz

Whaea Anna Ranginui

Learning Support

About Me

Kia ora, I’m passionate about my role as a Learning Support Assistant, where I get to support both teachers and students. Born and raised in Rotorua, I’ve got a special connection to this place, as a proud past student of Mokoia Intermediate. I’m also a mum to two beautiful girls who keep me on my toes! I genuinely love what I do, and I feel so grateful to be part of the Mokoia community, working alongside such amazing students and staff every day!

E: aranginui@mokoia.school.nz

Matua Renata Clarke

Learning Support

About Me

I've been working at Mokoia Intermediate for a little while now not as long as some of the furniture, but pretty close! As an LSA, my job is to support our amazing learners as they navigate their daily challenges, helping them grow from 11 to 21 in the two years we have them. Every day here at Mokoia Intermediate brings something new for both the staff and students alike, and I love being a part of it.

E: rclarke@mokoia.school.nz

Christian Te Whare

Learning Support

About Me

Kia ora! I'm Whaea Christian. I'm passionate about the sciences and arts. To support my tertiary studies, I began volunteering in Mokoia's science lab in 2023. I'm now a learning support assistant in Waiteti 2. My iwi affiliations are Ngāti Whakaue (Te Roro o Te Rangi, Uenukukopako), Ngāti Tahu/Ngāti Whaoa, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Hine and Kai Tahu. As an LSA, I enjoy empowering students to engage positively in their learning and get the most out of their time at school.

E: ctewhare@mokoia.school.nz

Whaea Ellen Leach

Learning Support

About Me

Hi I’m a very proud mum of 2 sons, 4 granddaughters and one grandson my role at school is to support , guide and assist you to be the best you can be. That can be done in many ways. I’m a great listener and will always do my best to help in any way I can.

E: eleach@mokoia.school.nz

Karyn Thaine

Learning Support

About Me

Coming soon.

E: kthaine@mokoia.school.nz

Whaea Ali Marett

Learning Support

About Me

I started at Mokoia in 2025 and im really enjoying being part of the Mokoia family. Outside of school my hobbies include walking my dogs in our beautiful Whakarewarewa forest, hiking the backcountry, low level mountain biking and pretty much anything outdoors. I am also a dog trainer and exhibit my own dogs in breed shows throught the year. I enjoy supporting your tamariki through their learning journey look forward to seeing them flourish at Mokoia.

E: amarett@mokoia.school.nz

Moana Hunter

Learning Support

About Me

Kia ora, I have been involved with Mokoia as a learning support assistant since 2015. Last year in 2025, I did leave my role, but I am grateful to be back with our Mokoia whanau again. I have two beautiful children, who were fortunate to be educated at Mokoia. As a learning support assistant, I enjoy making connections, working along side our students, seeing them grow and develop in their learning and as young people.

E: mhunter@mokoia.school.nz

Whaea Brooke Robins

Learning Support

About Me

Kia ora! I’m super excited about my role as a Learning Support Assistant at Mokoia Intermediate. Born and raised in Katikati Bay of Plenty and made the big move to Rotorua 3 years ago with my 3 beautiful children and we are loving life here! Im really looking forward to working at Mokoia this year and supporting the teachers and students throughout 2026!

E: brobins@mokoia.school.nz

Mr Bert Hollis

Caretaker

Bat Cave

About Me

Hi I'm Bert, I've been the caretaker at Mokoia for a few years now. In my spare time I enjoy hiking and the outdoors.

E: bhollis@mokoia.school.nz

Mrs Wendy Mitchell

Dental Therapist

Dental Clinic

About Me

Kia ora, I have worked as a dental therapist in the Rotorua area for over 40 years, with the past five years spent at Mokoia Intermediate. I have always had a close connection with the east side community and have had two children attend Mokoia in the past, with one now also working at the school. Supporting the wellbeing of my clients and maintaining good dental health is something I’m truly passionate about.

E: wmitchell@mokoia.school.nz

Miss Sara Gardiner

Dental Assistant

Dental Clinic

About Me

Kia ora, I work in the dental clinic at Mokoia Intermediate and have been here for the past five years. I enjoy working with the students and being part of such a supportive staff and school community. I love getting to know the students and helping make their time in the clinic a positive experience, and I’m looking forward to another great year at Mokoia.

E: sgardiner@mokoia.school.nz