Our Staff

At Mokoia Intermediate, we are proud to have a diverse team of passionate and dedicated professionals who work together to support every learner’s success. Our staff bring a wide range of experience, expertise, and strengths across curriculum areas, student wellbeing, cultural leadership, sports, the arts, and learning support.

From classroom teachers and specialist educators to support staff, leadership, and administration, every member of our team plays an important role in creating a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment. We are committed to building strong relationships with our students and whānau, ensuring every child feels valued, supported, challenged, and inspired to achieve their personal best.

Together, our staff embody the Mokoia Way, fostering a school culture where learning, belonging, and success go hand in hand.

Meet Our Staff

Kāinga o Waengaehe

Whaea Ally Gibbons (Tumuaki – Principal)
Matua Dean (Tuarua Tumuaki – Deputy Principal)
Whaea Kathryn McMurdo (Tuarua Tumuaki – Deputy Principal)
Whaea Sue Rasdall (Office Manager)
Mrs Janet Du Fall (Executive Officer)
Mr Gareth Upston – Sports Coordinator
Mrs Heather Lind – Resource Manager/Librarian
Caretaker/Groundsman Mr Bert Hollis

Kāinga o Kaituna

K1 Matua Richie Year 8 supported by Whaea Cheyla Samuels
K2 Whaea Tiare Davis Year 8 (Rangatira o Rumaki) supported by Matua Hori Hapi
K3 Whaea Jessica Gibbs Year 8 (Rangatira) supported by Whaea Antonia Wright
K4 Matua Mokoia Huata supported by Whaea Donnella Mattock
K5 Whaea Casey Smith-Pope Year 7 supported by Whaea Anna Ranginui
K6 Whaea Hotu Monaghan Year 7

Kāinga o Puarenga

P1 Mr Gareth Upston and Matua Jireh MacFarlane-Roach supported by Whaea Alison Collins
P2 Whaea Deana Turner Year 7
P3 Mrs Toni Bocock Year 7 supported by Whaea Moana Hunter
P4 Mr Glen Law (Rangatira) Year 8 supported by Whaea Brooke Robins

Kāinga o Waiteti

W1 Whaea Angela Hudson-Pryor Year 8 supported by Matua Renata Clarke
W2 Whaea Isabel Katene Year 8 supported by Whaea Christian Te Whare
W3 Whaea Annie Hutchison Year 7 supported by Whaea Ellen Leach
W4 Mrs Tineke O’Callaghan Year 7 (Rangatira) supported by Whaea Karyn Thaine

Kāinga o Utuhina – Technology, Art, Science, Food & Music

Whaea Lisa Te Whare (Rangatira) – Multi Media, Digital Technology and Science
Whaea Delina Dibben – Food Technology
Whaea Fiona Wilcock – Ngā Toi (Art)
Mr Jeremy Donnell – Hard Materials
Matua Jerome Namana – Music

Dental Clinic

Mrs Wendy Mitchell – Dental Therapist
Ms Sara Gardiner – Dental Assistant

Whaea Ally Gibbons

Principal (Acting)
Principal's Office

Kia ora koutou, I am delighted to be the Acting Principal of Te Kura Takawaenga o Mokoia/Mokoia Intermediate for Term One. I see this role as one of stewardship — caring for our kura on behalf of our students, whānau, and community, guided by The Mokoia Way: Limitless! Passionate! Mokoia! I bring 27 years of senior leadership experience across diverse school settings. My leadership is grounded in equity, culturally responsive practice, and learner wellbeing, with the needs of ākonga at the heart of all I do. When I’m not at school, I spend as much time as possible with my three mokopuna, aged 2, 6, and 9. They inspire me to keep challenging myself — from mountain biking and waka ama to swimming, playing pickleball, and proudly dressing up as their Super Kui. I also enjoy training for the Rotorua Marathon, walking and riding in the beautiful ngahere of the Redwoods, reading, going to shows, and travelling.

principal@mokoia.school.nz