Meet Our Team
Our Team
Tumuaki / Principal: David Nicoll
Kindergarten Kaiārahi / Centre Manager: Tash Robertson
Office Administrator: Grace Simmonds
Financial Administrator: Bronwen Goodman
Property Manager: Simon Bell
Caretaker: Josh Begg
Enrolment Officer:Tash Robertson
Kindo / Enrolment Administrator: Seirian Borren-Robertson
Our Governance Bodies
Kāpiti Waldorf Trust: proprietor of our land and buildings and the guardian of our ‘Special Character’ for school and kindergarten, also oversees the governance of our Early Childhood Education at Te Rāwhiti Kindergarten
School Board: responsible for Te Rā School’s performance, and ensures that all legal requirements are met
Kindergarten Teachers and Assistants 2026
Kererū Group: Harri Burrel and Sarah Wheeler with Alana Silke
Korimako Group: Beth MacGibbon and Mary Holmes with Fiona Mason-Raynel
Riroriro Group: Lotti Henehan with Norrita Attwood
Kororā Group: Sarah Wheeler and Vanessa Baker
Breaks: Peter Hill and Veronica Bastholm
Playgroup: Natasha McLean, Lana Clark and Summer Henderson-Bush
Class Teachers 2026
Class 1: Isla Jacquet
Class 2: Lily Redgrave
Class 3: Ashley Gibbs
Class 4: Aleka Beaumont
Class 5: Julia Nass
Class 6: Susanna Dilks
Class 7: Adrianne Pollock
Teacher Release: Natasha McLean
Specialist Teachers and Support Staff
Literacy Support: Thereza Scott
Eurythmy: Sue Pegler
Handwork: Sharon Wilmshurst
Woodwork: Paul Fletcher
Music and Waiata Teacher: Katherine
Cooking: Perrine Boy and
Natasha McLean
Gardening: Perrine Boy
Orchestra: Mary Taylor
String Programme: Mary Taylor
Teacher Aides: Amber Dahlberg
Kāpiti Waldorf Trust
(Proprietors Trust)
The Kāpiti Waldorf Trust, as governance body, founded Te Rāwhiti Kindergarten and Te Rā School. The Trust made the choice to negotiate an Integration Agreement with the Ministry of Education in order for Te Rā to become a state-integrated school with a special character (Waldorf School).
The Trust continues to be the governance body that safeguards our Special Character. It ensures we deliver high quality Waldorf education and owns and/or leases the land and buildings. The Trust also holds the licence for our kindergartens operating at the Raumati South site.
KWT Chair: Joannes Boele van Hensbroek
Trust Members: Tash Robertson (Kindergarten Licencee), Doris Zuur, Paul Fletcher, James Dilks Bridie Fahey & Simon Bell
School Board
Back Row: Anita Mortlock, Elisabeth Patelesio, Ashley Gibbs, Cat Hendra, Cassie Lawrence
Front Row: David Nicoll, Larah van der Meer, Tash Robertson
Every state, state-integrated schools and kura in New Zealand is governed by a school board, which is a Crown entity. A Crown entity is an organisation that is part of New Zealand’s public sector.
The board’s job is to see that everything that needs to be done gets done – legally, ethically, and in the best interests of its students. It is also the employer of all staff, including the Principal, and sets the overall strategic direction. The Principal is the board’s ‘Chief Executive’ and manages the School or Kura in line with the board’s direction and policies.
Presiding Member: Larah van der Meer - chair@tera.school.nz
I am mum to Carter in Class 4 and Liliana in Class 2. Having been through Taikura Rudolf Steiner School from kindergarten through to class 12, I appreciate what Waldorf education offers and am passionate about supporting Te Rā School. In my professional life I am the Research and Advocacy Director for Autism New Zealand where I have worked for the last 7 years.
Principal: David Nicoll
Kia ora e ngā whānau o te kura o Te Rā
I am on the board as part of my role as Principal. I feel very grateful for the amazing people we have had on the board over my time here!
I've been principal at Te Rā for the past three years. I love the work of bringing people together and being a part of an organism and a community that is truly wanting to bring something good into the world.
Before coming into this, I had been a teacher at Te Rā between 2013 and 2021. During that time I took a class from Class 1 - 7. From 2017 I started to get involved with aspects of school leadership. First as an across school maths leader, then as a co-principal/deputy principal in 2020.
My partner and I came to Kapiti in 2013 with a baby, a 2 year old, a 12 year old and a 14 year old. That baby is now in Class 7! I feel so grateful for the time we have had in Kapiti and to grow our family as part of this community. For many years I got to know the hills and forests in the area as a mountain biker. More recently, my main hobby and fitness activity has been through playing football at Kapiti Coast United!
Teacher Rep: Ashley Gibbs
Kia ora e te whanau,
Tēnā koutou katoa
Ko Ashley Gibbs tōku ingoa.
No Heretaunga ahau.
Kei Paraparaumu ahau e noho ana inaianei.
I am the class 3 teacher at Te Rā, where I’ve taught for 4 years. I am passionate about creating an environment where all children love, learn and laugh.
I’ve taken on the teacher representative role because I believe a strong teacher voice is needed to ensure positive learning and well-being outcomes are provided for all our ākonga. My aim is to ensure staff perspectives are clearly communicated while supporting the board to make informed, balanced decisions.
As an ex-Waldorf student, parent, and class teacher, I have a range of perspectives to bring to this role and am particularly focused on providing educational experiences that meet the needs of all our students. I value collaboration and open communication, and look forward to contributing to a board that serves our learners, our whānau and our wider school community.
Parent Rep: Cassie Lawrence
Originally from Australia, I have been living in Aotearoa New Zealand for the past 10 years. My professional background is in healthcare, having spent the first 10 years of my career working as an intensive care nurse before moving into medical research specialising in intensive care medicine. I currently work as a Project Manager for the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand.
I was educated at a Waldorf school and have a deep appreciation for holistic education that values creativity, critical thinking, social responsibility, and learning in balance with emotional and physical development. This is why I chose to send my children to Te Rā Waldorf School and why I am committed to supporting the school community through my position on the board. I have a strong focus on collaboration and communication, for the long-term wellbeing of the students, staff, whānau, and the wider community.
Parent Rep: Elisabeth Patelesio
As a parent and a former Waldorf student, I feel a strong connection to Te Rā and the values of Waldorf education. I believe in an approach to learning that recognises and nurtures each child’s individuality, helping them grow into capable, confident people.
My professional background has been in the disability sector, where I’ve worked with organisations focused on supporting people and communities to thrive. Through this work, I’ve developed a strong understanding of governance and the role it plays in creating stable, supportive organisations. As a board member, I’m committed to helping ensure Te Rā has the foundations it needs to continue providing a rich and meaningful education for our children.