Māharahara is our Middle Team (Years 3-4) in Kura Auraki (mainstream) and is housed in Akomanga 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 & 18. Māharahara is led by Rachel Mason, who is fondly referred to as ‘Whaea Rachel’ by the children.
Māharahara refers to the many streams that flow down from the Māharahara Peak.
Rachel Mason
Ko Tararua ngā pae maunga
Ko Manawatu toku awa
Ko Papaioea toku wahi noho
He kaiako ahau kei te Kura Tuatahi o Papaioea toku kura
Ko Mason tōku ingoa whānau
Ko Rachel tōku ingoa
No reira ko ahau tēnei
Tena koutou, tena koutou
Tena koutou katoa
Kia Ora! I’m Rachel Mason and I am lucky enough to be the team leader of Māharahara - our middle school team full of amazing Year 3 and 4 students. This year you will find me in Akomanga 15. I really enjoy getting to know the students in my class, in our team and in our wider kura, along with all of their amazing whānau, and seeing them thrive in their learning each and every day! In my spare time I enjoy playing netball, heading out along our beautiful river walks with my little Foxy dog Daisy, spending time with family and friends and trying my hand at DIY renovations in my home - if you have any handy hints, feel free to let me know!
Rachel Mason TEAM LEADER
Galatia Rose
Talofa! I’m Galatia Rose and I’m excited to be back teaching full-time in Akomanga 14. I am looking forward to supporting your child through their learning journey this year. I love empowering your tamariki to be their best and building their self confidence. I am passionate about encouraging creativity, especially through the visual arts. In my spare time I will usually be hanging with my family - my 4 year old and my partner. I love being outdoors, keeping my indoor plants alive, reading and being creative.
Galatia Rose Teacher
Ryan Dunn
Kia ora koutou,
I am excited to continue teaching in the Māharahara team in 2024. I live locally and am extremely proud to call Manawatū home! My passions centre around my love for sport, particularly rugby league and basketball. If you are in our kura and also love to chat about sport, then come and see me in A17!
My curriculum passions are mathematics, science and ICT. One of my ongoing goals is to provide opportunities for students to shine in different lights. The range of abilities, passions, knowledge and skills that our akonga posses always astounds me. My challenge is to provide the environment and opportunities to enable students to showcase what they can do. I look forward to interacting with as many of you as possible throughout the year.
Ryan Dunn Teacher
Hannah Forth
Hannah Forth Teacher
Lesley Blackmore
Kia ora koutou! I am Lesley Blackmore and the teacher in Akomanga 13. A classroom full of vibrant and curious children is a learning place of immense importance. I feel so fortunate to be part of the process where your children's learning and well being is nurtured, enhanced and encouraged, especially so through the medium of learning through play. This type of teaching is so beautifully tailored for the Year 2 and Year 3 age and will be an exciting opportunity for us all to feel valued and honoured.
Lesley Blackmore Teacher
Georgia Green
Kia Ora! I’m Georgia Green and I am lucky enough to be beginning my journey in Akomanga 18 this year. I am really excited to get to know the akonga, as well as their whānau, and see all the ways that they can thrive and strive in their learning each day. In my spare time, you will find me playing indoor netball (or any sports really), getting creative, or finding new places to explore - if you have any cool destinations, come find me. I love teaching all areas of the curriculum with a particular love for anything hands on. A goal of mine this year is to create a classroom environment where everyone feels included and free to be themselves.