Waitetuna School Staff

At Waitetuna School we provide a caring and nuturing learning environment. Teachers lead the learning through authentic, related and real learning experiences based on collaborative learning and student agency. Waitetuna School is based on self-motivation and student ownership.

From left - Jessica Otton - Board funded teacher aide, Robyn Marquand - Deputy Principal and Junior Room teacher, Amanda Nasilasila - Principal, Ali McCartie - Senior Room teacher, Lorna Dansey - Office Administrator, Travis Browne - Middle Room teacher.

Robyn Marquand

JUNIOR ROOM TEACHER

I have been a part of the Waitetuna community for the past 16 years. All 4 of my children started at the Playgroup here, which was a fantastic way to be a part of the local community. Connor and Shannon are now at Raglan Area School, Danielle and Toby are still here at Waitetuna School, and my husband Bevan is on the Board of Trustees.

Travis Browne

MIDDLE ROOM TEACHER

My name is Travis Browne and I am fortunate to be part of the teaching team at Waitetuna as the middle room teacher. We are a mixed classroom of year 3, 4 and 5 students.

I have been teaching for 13 years from years 3-6 in Hamilton and recently shifted to work at Waitetuna in 2023. Prior to teaching I practiced law in Auckland and Hamilton. I was born in the small community of Wainui, half an hour north of Auckland but moved to the Waikato for University and have made it my home for the past 19 years, with the last 7 being based in the Waitetuna Valley. My wife Lizzie and I have two sons, Xander and Theo, who both attend Waitetuna School.

Ali McCartie

SENIOR ROOM TEACHER

I live with my husband and teenage son in the beautiful Waitetuna Valley, on a sheep and beef farm. I completed my Bachelor of Education (teaching) degree at Massey University (Massey Scholar) while I worked as a teacher aide/principal release.

Amanda Nasilasila

PRINCIPAL

Tena koe, Bula Vinaka and Welcome to Waitetuna school. I joined Waitetuna School as Principal in 2020 and it is wonderful to be a part of this great little school. A small school with a big heart is something we pride ourselves on. I lead a high quality, enthusiastic group of teachers and staff. Lorna is our very experienced office manager and Richard our very skilled and efficient care-taker/cleaner. We also have an enthusiastic teacher aide, Jess who manages our library and is involved with our School PTA and other part time teacher aides and staff.