I am a mother of 2 beautiful girls, Georgia who attends Port Ahuriri School and Lill who is in her second year at Tamatea Intermediate. I am an experienced teacher having taught locally at both Marewa Primary School and Port Ahuriri School since relocating to the Hawkes Bay a number of years ago. I am extremely passionate about education and ensuring quality, inclusive and equitable education for all. 

Nga mihi

Kelly Batten

My name is Maree Matthews, and I am a teacher at Onekawa Primary School. I live with my husband Shaun, who runs his own engineering business, and my two daughters Holly and Ella. Holly was in Year 8 at Tamatea Intermediate last year, and Ella will be a student here in 2024.

I have been a primary school teacher for 23 years and have taught both in New Zealand and in the UK, where I lived for 16 years. I have held various leadership roles in education as well as being a class teacher in all primary year groups up to year 6. I am currently a year 5/6 teacher and am also the staff representative on the Board of Trustees at Onekawa School. I am passionate about education and believe strongly in access to quality education for all. 

Ko Takitimu te waka, Ko Tamatea Arikinui te tangata, Ko Ngāi Te Rangikoianake te hapū, Ko Kahuranaki te maunga, Ko Ngaruroro, ko Tukituki ngā awa, Ko Poukawa te waiū, Ko Te Hapuku te tangata

I attended local schools, graduating from Napier Boys High School. I am married and currently have four children, two attending. I have a background in child and adolescent mental health and quality improvement, so I understand the developmental needs of youth, their current challenges, and ways of improving our system. With a strength-based approach, focus on equity and fostering of student’s curiosity, I believe we can offer quality education to all students. I have served on the Napier Kindergarten Board and on our local swimming committee. I coach Hockey at primary level and for the Intermediate as well. I am an avid sports photographer and can often be seen on the side lines or in the pool supporting local and regional events. I am looking forward to serving you on the Tamatea Intermediate School Board of Trustees.

Tēnā koutou, ko Pii-Tuulia taku ingoa. I'm originally from Finland but I have been calling Aotearoa and Napier home for more than 10 years.

My son started at Tamatea Intermediate this year. I'm passionate about ensuring good educational outcomes for all children, and I understand the important role that effective school governance plays in achieving that goal. I believe that my understanding of educational practice in New Zealand and overseas would provide valuable insights to the board.

I'm an Associate Professor at the School of Business at EIT, where I lecture on organisational sustainability, business strategies, and research methods. My research focusses on educational management, policy, and sustainability. My governance experience spans both non-profit and private sectors. My goal would be to ensure that Tamatea Intermediate continues to be a positive environment for all of our tamariki . I would love to bring my educational management and governance experience to the School Board. I would be delighted to receive your support.

Kia ora, Ko Kurstina Pohe tōku ingoa

or a.k.a (Princess).

My role is in the learning support team and helping out with other jobs around the school.

Born and breed in the Bay, Titahi bay, Porirua, I have moved around the country both the North and South.

I have held lots of different roles in my life from Kindy cleaner,TF Medic to MOD and am still trying to figure out what I would like to do when I grow up.

I have been blessed with 5 children and 7 moko. (another on the way)

I have recently come into the role as the new board member for Tamatea Intermediate school, I am looking forward to learning new things and meeting new people, I am excited to be even more involved in our wonderful school community and hope I can bring something to the table. 

“Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti arahia o tatou mahi.”

“Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work”.

Jo Smith

School Principal