Our Team

Senior Leadership Team

Steve Mouldey

Tumuaki-Principal
stevem@nukumea.school.nz

Kia ora koutou!

I am extremely privileged to be the Foundation Principal for Nukumea Primary. I am a principal who is open, enthusiastic, future-focused and keeps learners at the centre of all that I do.  We have an amazing community developing here at Nukumea and I love working with both the students and their families on the growing opportunities available at our school.

Sarah Burnett

Tumuaki Tuarua-Deputy Principal
sarahb@nukumea.school.nz

Kia ora koutou

I am a Nukumea Primary School Foundation Deputy Principal and have been involved in education for nearly 20 years! I am incredibly passionate about ensuring all our ākonga secure sound foundations in literacy and numeracy as well as be provided with opportunities to thrive in all areas. I love to read, listen to, and engage with all things curriculum and share my learnings with others (some might call me a bit of a nerd). I also don't mind missing a chance to pose for a silly photo!  I live in Kaukapakapa with my husband and our three children and our cat Luna.  

Andrew Cowie

Tumuaki Tuarua-Deputy Principal
andrewc@nukumea.school.nz

Kia ora koutou, 

I am privileged and excited to be one of Nukumea’s Foundation Deputy Principals. From being part of the foundation leadership team when we began to develop and build our local curriculum and systems in 2022, to where we are now with the staff and students in our new buildings, my experience has been incredibly rewarding and enriching. I am passionate about innovative teaching and learning, outdoor education, music, drama, storytelling, digital citizenship, and restorative practice. It is wonderful to meet and get to know our growing community!

Administration Team

Joyce Oorschot

Kaiwhakahaere-Office Manager
office@nukumea.school.nz

Kia ora koutou

This is my 3rd year as Nukumea's Office Manager since we opened at the start of 2023.  Living and working on the Hibiscus Coast I continue to feel so privileged to be part of this unique journey at a new and evolving kura. Our local community is diverse and supportive, helping embody Turangawaewae and Manaakitanga, two of our school values. I look forward to the continued growth as we welcome more tamariki and their whānau into our Nukumea community. 

Teaching Team

Caroline Smeed

Kaiako-Teacher
carolines@nukumea.school.nz

My name is Caroline and I am the new entrants teacher at Nukumea Primary School. Prior to joining the foundational team at Nukumea Primary School I worked for many years in Early Childhood Education. Here I developed an interest in relationship based teaching, the use of play as a tool for learning and the inherent creativity of young children. Combining these influences with the more formal learning environment of school is something I really enjoy. Transition to school is such an important time and I consider it a privilege to take our youngest learners on this journey.

Clare Fielding

Kaiako-Teacher
claref@nukumea.school.nz

I am a passionate teacher dedicated to inspiring young minds and fostering a love for learning. I believe in strong home-school connections to support every child's growth. I currently teach our wonderful Year 4-5 class. Living locally with my family, I cherish being part of this wonderful community. 

Kate Thompson

Kaiako-Teacher
katet@nukumea.school.nz

Kia ora! I am proud to have grown up on the Hibiscus Coast and to now teach at Nukumea Primary School. I am passionate about using evidence-based best teaching practices to build strong foundational skills in literacy and numeracy. These skills are essential for every student to fully engage with the curriculum as they move through their years at school, finding a path that celebrates their unique strengths. Building strong relationships, and keeping open communication with whānau is crucial so we can work together to ensure each student feels happy, confident and successful while at school.

Tara Murrie

Learning Assistant
taram@nukumea.school.nz

I am so excited to join the team at Nukumea Primary as a Learning Assistant. I live on the Coast with my two adult children and enjoy walking my German Shepherd pup along the many beautiful beaches. I believe that every child has the right to learn in an environment that makes them feel confident and supported. I aim to encourage all children to achieve their fullest potential by building relationships and developing trust while working together with their classroom teachers.

Lisa Everett

Kaiako-Teacher
lisae@nukumea.school.nz

Kia ora e te whānau! I teach Year 5/6 and feel privileged to be working in such a friendly and future-focused environment here at Nukumea Primary. I am currently studying a Master of Contemporary Education, specialising in student agency and engagement through gamification (using game elements in the classroom to enhance learning). I am passionate about working alongside my students to design our programme and environment, empowering them to take charge of their own learning. I am also involved in leading digital technology. Outside of school, I play and run 8-ball pool competitions, participate in a weekly quiz night with my parents and friends, and enjoy archery.

Samantha Mottram

Kaiako-Teacher
samantham@nukumea.school.nz

It’s a privilege to be part of the Foundation Team at Nukumea Primary. I’m passionate about fostering creativity and ensuring every student reaches their fullest potential through a locally focused curriculum, and mana-enhancing approach. I strive to create a classroom environment where tamariki feel welcomed, inspired, and supported to build a strong sense of belonging and identity. In addition to this, I have a deep love for learning in the outdoors, where I believe students can connect with nature and develop essential life skills. You'll often find me in the garden or at the beach! I also highly value wellbeing and am dedicated to supporting the emotional and social development of akonga, empowering them to thrive both in and out of the classroom. 

Kelsey Stevens

Kaiako-Teacher
kelseys@nukumea.school.nz

Kia ora! I am excited to join the team at Nukumea Primary School as a classroom release teacher. I live on the coast with my husband, two toddlers, and our labrador. I am passionate about building relationships with ākonga and their whānau as well as staff to ensure we get the most out of each other. I have a sporting background and I like to use that while I am in the classroom. I look forward to connecting with you all.