Staff – Hurunui College

Leadership and Management Team

Stephen Beck

Principal

About Me

Stephen Beck serves as the Principal of Hurunui College, bringing a wealth of educational leadership and a strong dedication to rural schooling. Having recently completed a two-year appointment as the Ministry of Education's regional area schools advisor, Stephen has returned with a refreshed perspective on community-led education. Guided by the belief that working together is vital for the survival and success of area schools, Stephen is proud to lead Hurunui College's dedicated staff, students, and families.

E: principal@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Georgia Garbutt

Head of Exploring and Teacher of Waitā

About Me

Georgia Garbutt serves as the Head Teacher of the Exploring Learning Community at Hurunui College, bringing a deep passion for student well-being and a strong dedication to rural education. In her role, Georgia works closely alongside the Deputy Principal responsible for Years 1 to 8 to foster an inclusive, supportive environment where the school's younger learners can thrive. She strongly believes that a successful area school relies on building meaningful relationships and providing a learning experience that reflects the unique character of the Hurunui community.

E: gg@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Megan Johannis

Executive Officer

About Me

Behind the scenes at Hurunui College, Megan wears many hats to keep our school operating at its best. As part of the school management team, she handles everything from financial and property management to health, safety, and privacy compliance. Megan also proudly leads a team of support staff members, working collaboratively to maintain a safe, tidy and welcoming environment for all our staff, students and visitors.

E: executive@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Jane Marsh

Deputy Principal Responsible for Years 1-8 and SENCO

About Me

Jane Marsh serves as the Deputy Principal responsible for Years 1 to 8 and the Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO) at Hurunui College. Working in close collaboration with the Principal and the Deputy Principal responsible for Years 9 to 13, Jane is dedicated to ensuring a seamless, supportive educational journey for our younger students. In her vital role as SENCO, she is passionate about working tirelessly to ensure that every learner receives the support they need to thrive.

E: jm@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Lewis Turner

Deputy Principal Responsible for Yrs 9-13, Technology

About Me

Lewis is passionate about helping young people find success in ways that are meaningful to them. As Secondary Deputy Principal, he works alongside students, whānau, and staff to support learning, wellbeing, and future pathways. He believes that strong relationships are at the heart of great education and is committed to creating opportunities that allow every student to thrive both in school and beyond. With a strong focus on student engagement and real-world learning, Lewis enjoys helping students discover their strengths and develop the skills and confidence they need for their future.

E: LT@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Teachers In Charge

Philip Biddlecombe

eDean, TiC eLearning, TiC Performing Arts

About Me

Phil Biddlecombe serves as the Teacher in Charge of eLearning and Performing Arts at Hurunui College. An accomplished percussionist, conductor, director, and composer, Phil brings extensive international experience to his role. He has performed at the Royal Albert Hall, toured Europe, and played with prestigious ensembles like the Wellington Brass Band and the Yorkshire Wind Orchestra. Passionate about sharing the rich diversity of music, Phil works to inspire the next generation of performers. In addition to his classroom roles, he is a Year 13 Ako teacher, dedicated to supporting senior students as they navigate their unique future pathways beyond school.

E: pb@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Lee Copplestone

TiC Health and PE, TiC Sport, Secondary Dean and Teacher of Visual Arts and PE

About Me

Lee Copplestone serves in multiple teaching capacities at Hurunui College. He is the Secondary Dean, Teacher in Charge of Health and Physical Education, and Teacher in Charge of Visual Arts. A multi-talented educator, Lee works directly with students across both the creative and physical disciplines, teaching Visual Arts and Physical Education. In addition to his classroom and dean responsibilities, he is one of the Year 12 Ako teachers, where he is committed to supporting students as they navigate their crucial NCEA/NZQA milestones and exploring their pathways for life after school.

E: LCo@hurunuicollege.school.nz

William Harnett

TiC Social Sciences

About Me

William Harnett serves as the Teacher in Charge of Social Sciences at Hurunui College, where he helps students understand their world and their place within it. Alongside his department leadership, William is one of the Year 11 Ako teachers, playing a pivotal role in supporting students as they navigate their initial NZQA/NCEA milestones and begin the exciting journey toward their post-school pathways. He is also a part of the staff cultural team, committed to supporting cultural responsiveness and kapa haka across the school.

E: wh@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Dr Tim Kelly

Principal's Nominee, TiC Science

About Me

Dr Tim Kelly (Ph.D., M.Sc.(hons), P.G.C.E.) serves as head of the Science Department and the Principal's Nominee. Tim is also an Ako teacher (Year 10 in 2026) and has worked at the school since 2005, teaching his own three children during that time. Tim is an adjunct fellow of the University of Canterbury and a government-appointed member of the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee. Tim is the science hub facilitator for Canterbury Area Schools and the Agriculture hub facilitator for the North Canterbury region.

E: tk@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Viv McIntosh

TiC Technology and Careers Advisor

About Me

Viv McIntosh serves as the Teacher in Charge of Technology and the school’s Careers Advisor, where she is dedicated to helping students develop practical skills and plan for their futures. Viv teaches a diverse range of subjects, including Food, Textiles, Tourism, and Hospitality. Alongside her department leadership, she is a Year 13 Ako teacher, playing a pivotal role in supporting senior students as they navigate their crucial final year and explore their post-school pathways.

E: vm@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Julia Steel

TiC English

About Me

Julia Steel serves as the Teacher in Charge of English, and teaches English and Drama. Alongside her department leadership, Julia is one of the Year 12 Ako teachers. In this role, she is committed to supporting students as they navigate their crucial NCEA/NZQA milestones and supports them to explore their pathways in tertiary education and life after school.

E: js@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Chris Toki

TiC Te Reo Maori, Teacher of Waitī

About Me

Chris Toki serves as the Teacher in Charge of Te Ao Māori and the classroom teacher for the Waitī class, teaching Te Aeo Māori alongside our Year 3 and 4 students. As a member of the staff cultural team, Chris plays a vital role in nurturing and supporting cultural responsiveness and Te Ao Māori across the entire school.

E: ct@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Teaching Staff

Jenny Banks

Teacher of Ururangi

About Me

Jenny Banks is the classroom teacher for Ururangi class, where she teaches our Year 0 and 1 students. She is passionate about supporting new learners as they embark on their transition-to-school journey, expertly guiding them through their foundational first year at Hurunui College.

E: jb@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Kate Boyd

Teacher of Waipuna-a-rangi

About Me

Kate Boyd is one of the classroom teachers for the Waipuna-ā-rangi class, teaching our Year 2 and 3 students. Known for delivering engaging, practical, and diverse lessons, Kate is dedicated to fostering a love of learning. She is equally passionate about the environment, actively nurturing a love of the outdoors and adventure within her students.

E: kb@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Rachel Cooper

Teacher of Hiwa-i-te-rangi

About Me

Rachel Cooper serves as the classroom teacher for the Hiwa-i-te-rangi class, teaching our Year 6 and 7 students. She is deeply passionate about building her learners' confidence, creating an inclusive learning environment, and fostering a lifelong love of reading. Rachel also has a strong personal connection to the school community, with her own children attending Hurunui College.

E: rc@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Kate Frame

Teacher of Waipuna-a-rangi

About Me

Kate Frame is one of the classroom teachers for the Waipuna-ā-rangi class, teaching our Year 2 and 3 students. She is dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of learning in her students and has a deep, personal connection to the school community, with all of her own children having attended Hurunui College.

E: kf@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Jenny Jackson

Teacher

About Me

Jenny Jackson is a multi-disciplined teacher who teaches Primary PE and teaches in the Waitī class in collaboration with Chris Toki. She brings an abundance of energy to her teaching practice and is dedicated to inspiring a lifelong love of sport and physical activity in our learners.

E: jj@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Bridie Mata'afa

Teacher of Social Sciences

About Me

Bridie Mata'afa teaches Geography and English to our Year 9 to 13 students. Alongside her classroom roles, Bridie is one of the Year 11 Ako teachers. She is deeply passionate about creating inclusive learning opportunities and is dedicated to supporting her students as they navigate their crucial NCEA/NZQA journey and exploring their potential future pathways.

E: bm@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Tamara Muirson

Science Teacher

About Me

Tamara Muirson teaches Science, Biology, Health, and Mathematics to our Year 9 to 13 students. Alongside her classroom duties, Tamara is one of the Year 9 homeroom teachers, where she plays a vital role in supporting our learners as they transition from the primary side of their school journey into the secondary school environment. She is also dedicated to empowering student voice and leadership through her support of the student council.

E: tm@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Michaela Scanlan

Teacher of Matariki

About Me

Mik Scanlan teaches the Year 8 Matariki class, where she plays a vital role in preparing learners for their upcoming journey into the secondary school environment. She is the school's Specialist Classroom Teacher, PB4L Leader, and shares the Cultural Responsiveness leadership role alongside Will Harnett. Mik is deeply committed to developing kapa haka, Te Reo Māori and cultural responsiveness across the school community. She brings a warm and enthusiastic approach to her teaching and is dedicated to inspiring learners to explore new opportunities and grow with confidence.

E: ms@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Keri Zino

Teacher

About Me

Keri Zino is a multi-talented and multi-disciplined teacher who teaches in the Exploring Community part-time. Keri teaches primarily in Waitā, covering their PE, Art, Science and Social Science subjects. She plays a vital role in our learners' journey, where she is deeply dedicated to fostering and nurturing a love of science and creativity.

E: kz@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Support Staff

Beth Bailey

Learning Assistant / ICT Technician

About Me

Beth Bailey is a Learning Assistant for our Secondary students as well as our IT Technician. She plays a vital role in keeping our technology and our classrooms running smoothly. As an IT expert, Beth can fix almost any glitch while simultaneously encouraging and supporting students in their daily lessons.

E: bb@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Chris Brown

Librarian

About Me

Chris Brown is our school and Hawarden Community Librarian, responsible for keeping the library running smoothly. He is keen to ensure that both new and classic literature, along with other library resources, are continually available through our library, serving the needs of both students and the wider community.

E: library@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Pattie Chisnall

Learning Assistant

About Me

Pattie Chisnall is a Learning Assistant in the Akoranga room, where she plays a vital role in supporting our students with additional needs. She is passionate about inclusive education that is accessible to all learners and brings her signature positive energy into the classroom every day.

Gaylene Crouchley

Learning Assistant

About Me

Gaylene Crouchley is a Learning Assistant in the Discovery Learning Community, where she plays a vital role in supporting our youngest learners. She is deeply passionate about fostering a love of learning in our students as they navigate the very beginning of their school journey.

Jess Davison

Guidance Counsellor

About Me

Jess Davison is our Guidance Counsellor, playing a vital role in looking after the wellbeing of our secondary students. As a Clinical Social Worker, Jess brings a wealth of experience to her role and works collaboratively with our nurse, Robyn Frost, to ensure both the emotional and physical needs of our learners are met.

Robyn Frost

School Nurse

About Me

Robyn Frost is our Registered Nurse, who plays a vital role in looking after the health and wellbeing of our secondary students on Fridays. She works collaboratively with our Guidance Counsellor, Jess Davison, to ensure both the physical and emotional needs of our learners are met.

Bronwyn Gunn

Gateway / Sports Coordinator

About Me

Bronnie Gunn is our Sports Coordinator. She is the driving force behind our sports initiatives, expertly planning, coordinating, and delivering the diverse sports programmes our school is involved in. Working tirelessly alongside our Sport and PE teachers, Bronnie ensures the logistics for every external event are flawless. Beyond the field, she is a master of fundraising, running events and securing essential grants to ensure our teams have the resources they need to succeed.

Nicci Heywood

Literacy Intervention Support

About Me

Nicci Heywood is a Learning Assistant in the Discovery Learning Community who provides vital Literacy Intervention Support. She is deeply passionate about structured literacy and supports our students to gain success in their learning.

Melissa Janssen

Learning Assistant

About Me

Melissa Janssen is a multi-talented and multi-disciplined Learning Assistant and Teacher in the Exploring Learning Community, where she plays a vital role in supporting our learners. She provides classroom support alongside teaching in collaboration with Rachel Cooper and Georgia Garbutt. Melissa brings creativity and a true flair for art to every classroom and she is dedicated to inspiring our learners to seek answers from outside the box.

Paul and Sue

Groundskeepers

About Me

Paul and Sue make up our fantastic groundskeeping team, where they play a vital role in keeping our school looking its absolute best. Together, they maintain our stunning grounds and take amazing care of our gardens, while also ensuring our facilities remain in tip-top shape.

Lauren Molhoek

Office Administrator

About Me

Whether Lauren is coordinating complex stationery requirements or gently convincing a student that everything is ok, she brings five-star hospitality to the hallways. She believes that every band-aid should be applied with a smile, every spreadsheet is a work of art, and a little bit of magic is required to keep the school community spinning on its axis. If you need a form filed, a problem solved, or a reminder that life shouldn't be taken too seriously, she’s got you covered. Just make sure you sign in first.

E: office@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Janet Tilson

Learning Support Coordinator, Specialist Teacher (ORS)

About Me

Janet Tilson is our Learning Support Coordinator and Specialist Teacher (ORS). She plays a vital role in ensuring our school is a diverse and inclusive environment for all learners. She facilitates all forms of support that our learners need to thrive, working tirelessly to make sure every student has the tools and is in the environment they need to succeed.

E: jti@hurunuicollege.school.nz

Brona Youngman

Learning Assistant

About Me

Brona Youngman is a Learning Assistant who plays a vital role in providing classroom support for our secondary students and teachers. She brings a wonderful effervescence and passion for inclusive learning into the classroom each day, ensuring all of our learners feel supported and inspired.