Role

Katrina is a lecturer and teaches a range of courses within the Bachelor of Teaching – Primary programs. Katrina works closely with tauira, guiding their journey to become effective kaiako by offering support through coursework, practicum placements, and pastoral care.

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Education Background

Katrina’s passion for learning and teaching has shaped a diverse and rewarding career that began in Wairoa in 1997. From there, she moved overseas to teach, including working with ESOL (English as a Second Language) students. Upon returning to Hawke’s Bay, and later settling in Napier, Katrina continued to teach while raising her three children. Over the years, she has taught at a variety of schools across all age groups, even taking on the role of Principal. In addition, Katrina worked for Ko Taku Reo as a Resource Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, where she developed conversational skills in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), further enriching her expertise in education.

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Research Background

Katrina is deeply passionate about advocating for neurodiverse tamariki and supporting kaiako to create optimal opportunities for tamariki and their whānau. With neurodiversity in her own whānau and a family that whakapapa Māori, she focuses on implementing supports that benefit both neurodivergent and neurotypical tamariki. Additionally, Katrina is committed to integrating Kaupapa Māori pedagogies into her teaching and learning practices, always seeking ways to embed te reo Māori and tikanga Māori in everything she does. Her Master’s in Specialist Teaching explored how Resource Teachers can utilise Ka Hikitia-Ka Hapaitia in their daily work. Furthermore, she is dedicated to trauma-informed education.

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Teaching Interests

Ko te tamaiti te putake o te ao – The child is at the centre of everything. As an educator, She sees no greater reward than feeling you can truly make a difference in the life of a child. Therefore, children’s wellbeing is the focus behind all of her educational philosophies. Building strong relationships and developing a sense of whanaungatanga with students, showing them that they are valued and appreciated, is the foundation for trust and respect which is crucial for nurturing a lifelong love of learning.

With te reo me ōna tikanga Māori woven throughout her teaching approach, she wants to ensure tamariki Māori are provided with the support and space to blossom and succeed. She encourages students to recognise and foster learners’ successes in all domains – academic, sporting, cultural, and artistic – and to enhance the qualities, gifts, and talents that each individual has. This is an important part of ensuring each learner fulfils their potential. She believes that every learner has the right to education, and as educators, it is our job to adapt, support, and cater to each individual as needed, always with their wellbeing at the forefront.