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Jose Entrican
I began as an arts student with a teaching background and was employed originally by Apple in the early days to help communicate the wonders of computing. So began a long enthusiasm for and enjoyment of the power of software to make our lives easier. Now self employed, I have focused on Microsoft Office as an everyday productivity tool – with Excel a speciality. Who knew that spreadsheets could be so fascinating!
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Julia West
I have a Bachelor in Social Sciences and have studied effective ways of communicating over the last ten years. I enjoy facilitating conversations where each participant is listened to and understood. I use a variety of skills including those of Compassionate Communication (also known as Non-Violent Communication). I am also an NLP Master Practitioner.
I also have a post graduate diploma in Arts Therapy.
I have previously tutored at Wellington Polytech and the National College of Design and Technology.
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Julie Poirier
Julie is an instructor with Kia Haumaru, a nationwide network of trained and accredited teachers of Empowerment Self Defence. Formerly known as the Women’s Self Defence Network – Wāhine Toa has been providing personal safety education to women, girls and members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Aotearoa for over 30 years. Their work is informed by mana wāhine and feminist understandings of both the causes and solutions to the problem of violence in Aotearoa.
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June Renwick
June loves teaching and sharing her vast repertoire of recipes, skills, cooking styles and secrets. Initially trained as a Home Economics teacher, June has taught many night classes and has run a home cookery and other food establishments with her husband Don. Her inspiration was her mother who ran a successful catering business and was a great cook.
Have a look at one of June's favourite recipes on our blog: June's Dutch Fish Cakes
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Karen Balmer
A qualified pattern maker, I have over 25 years in the Fashion Industry; the past 10 years teaching sewing & design. I have a fine appreciation for colour, shape & form……My foundation if you like. It is the underlying essence in all I do.I love to see others express their individuality, and sewing is a wonderful form of self expression.I live with my husband Alex, and our daughter Chani, who is now 20, and in her second year at Auckland University.In May 2015, I walked The Camino. A brief stop in Lourdes, France, then on to St Jean Pierre du Port to begin a 40 day solo Journey on foot to Santiago de Compostela. 33 days of walking…..798 kms. As I walked, I fell in profoundly in love; with the Earth, and with her Devic Realms……the Spirit, or Energy of Nature, that exists alongside us. -
Karim Lakhani
Qualified in both medicine and philosophy, Karim enjoys exploring the intersection of these realms. His writing often interrogates fraught moments in the lived experiences of perennial strangers -- the immigrant, the exile, the stricken. Karim has taught ethics and creative writing to medical students in the midst of their initial exposure to illness and mortality. Most recently, his creative nonfiction has appeared in Fire words Magazine, Hippocampus Magazine, and Gone Lawn.
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Kate Thompson
Kate loves helping her students gain the English language skills and confidence they need to get ahead in their daily lives and careers. She gained her CELTA teaching qualification from AUT University and has taught in New Zealand (community education) and Morocco (a refugee programme). In her life beyond teaching, Kate is Head of Communications for a sustainability firm. She has learned languages herself and understands the challenges!
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Kathy Skellern
June 2021: "Kathy is truly an amazing, dedicated and enthusiastic teacher."
Award to Kathy following her June course: -
Kay Garvan
My journey into this field of natural health began 38 years ago. While pregnant with my first child, I went to a Holistic Healer to support a healthy baby and pregnancy. Her advice allowed me to treat my children successfully and naturally for any ailments they had. This experience of providing the body with what it needed in order to be well led to me studying several different modalities. I started a natural remedies support group for young Mums and Dads by providing speakers from all over the country on how we can treat our children naturally.
When I started my own clinic, my passion was to empower people to help themselves. This class is to share a powerful art to restore harmony to mind, body and spirit so we can shift to a new positive way of living and being.
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Keely Shelton
Financial Adviser (Mortgage and Investment Qualified)
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Kirsty Cantley
About Kirsty Cantley.I am a qualified English Language Teacher with 18 years experience. I also hold a Bachelor of Business and Certificate in Teaching Adults. I am very passionate about language teaching and linguistics. I have taught all levels of ESOL, including delivering IELTS classes. Helping others understand the English language through learning grammar, increasing vocabulary, improving pronunciation and adapting to a new culture is what I enjoy. It is great fun meeting new people and seeing others grow in confidence.As a Kiwi, I enjoy getting away at the weekend to our bach and spending quality time with my family. NZ is a great place to live.Testimonials from student September 2023:Hello,
I have just completed half of my Upper-Intermediate Intensive course and would like to thank all the ladies in the office for organising everything.
The course content itself is comprehensive and well-structured. It covers everything from grammar and vocabulary to speaking and writing skills. Each lesson builds upon the previous one, creating a logical and easy-to-follow progression. And I really love the material in the student book. Also, more hours help better remember the information received.
I must begin by applauding our remarkable teacher, Kirsty Cantley. She is nothing short of fabulous! She has a natural passion for teaching and her dedication to her students' success shine through every aspect of this course. Kirsty has a gift for making even the most complex English grammar rules seem simple and understandable. She fosters a warm and inclusive learning environment that makes students feel comfortable expressing themselves, and she always goes the extra mile to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Kirsty has a unique approach to teaching which helps me a lot in real life. Only thanks to her preparation for each lesson, her true interest in making us confident in English, let me communicate with people easily.
I’ve been studying English at Selwyn Community Education for 3 years now and plan to continue. The level of English that I have achieved at Selwyn allowed me to turn my hobby into a profession, allowed me to have a social life. Studying at Selwin has made a remarkable difference in my language proficiency, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from the best education centre.
Warm regards,
Yulia S
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I wanted to take a moment to share my feedback on Kirsty's teaching. Kirsty is an exceptional teacher, she always shows a high level of passion and patience in her teaching, which has greatly contributed to my learning experience. Her willingness to share insights into Kiwi culture during our lessons, adds an extra layer of engagement and cultural enrichment to her classes. That's very helpful to me , a new immigrant. Furthermore, Kirsty's teaching style is fantastic. Her lessons are well-structured, informative, and enjoyable, and l can feel my improvement since I started. Emma
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Komal Swamy
Hi, my name is Komal Swamy and I am a private chef. My journey as a chef started at the age of 18 in Auckland, New Zealand. I attended Auckland Hotel and Chef training school because I wanted a career which didn't feel like work. For me, when I'm in the kitchen I am in my happy place: it's the one place where I feel a sense of purpose. Here I thrived and knew this was the path I was meant to follow. Being born in Fiji and coming from the Pacific Islands, I understand the importance and nutritional value of fresh and organic produce. This is what further stemmed my interest in food. I make food with the mindset of how I ate whilst growing up. Using only finest and the freshest handpicked, organic, free range ingredients to make simple, tasty and most importantly healthy meals. When I cook for others, and I can see and appreciate them enjoying food I have cooked, it brings me warmth. Cooking good, honest food from the heart is what I pride myself on.
My interests:
• Love travelling, visited 20 countries and counting
• cooking and trying different cuisines
• Love a good laugh
• Always smiling
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Konrard Wojak
Konrard Wojak is an experienced woodworking tutor who has been teaching adult courses at Selwyn Community Education and other community education programmes for more than a decade.
He teaches woodworking with a warm and friendly style and loves seeing the pleasure students get from their completed projects.
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Kristina Cope
I am a qualified architect, interior and cabinetry designer and now have a specialised business called Creating Design Clarity. Creating Design Clarity teaches homeowners what their unique design personality is prior to starting a project, ensuring they love the finished room makeover or renovation, regardless of whether they are DIY or use a design professional.
What does that have to do with sourdough? Nothing! Except making sourdough is something I do in my downtime, it gives me a nice break from work. I love making this bread! You can’t beat it toasted with avocado and marmite. Baking is therapeutic, old-school and about making sure you get the right texture and structure, both just as important as a well-planned home!
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Kristy Atkinson
I have taught classes on essential oils for two years and used oils extensively for more than two and a half years.
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Kyan Krumdieck
Kyan is a Denver born, Christchurch-raised Queer filmmaker.
He has written and directed over a dozen films, which are a blend of character comedy and drama that often tackle some aspect of sexuality. This year, Kyan made his first funded film Repugnant through the Someday Stories initiative. The film stars Donogh Rees as a woman attempting to “cure” a pug of his homosexuality. The film also features Hamish Parkinson and Simon Prast.
Last year his TVNZ New Blood pilot The Sisterhood starred Amanda Billing and centred on a secret society of women who can time travel when they have sex. The episode won Best Pilot at the New Zealand Web Fest.
His short The Grind, about Christchurch gay men’s experiences on Grindr, won Best Student Film at Show Me Shorts 2015.
This year he won Best Script for La Coquille at the 48 Hours Auckland Finals, where the film also won Best Auckland Film.
Professionally Kyan has worked on 7 Days, edited for animation at Toybox and written for Shortland Street. Additional Crew Roles: AD, Animation Editor, Director’s Assistant
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Lawrence Xu-Nan
I have a PhD in Ancient History from the University of Auckland, specialising in ancient Egypt. I have also taught at the University of Auckland as a tutor and lecturer, as well as a number of continuing education courses and public lectures.
I have an interest in all aspects of ancient Egypt, from language and literature to material culture. My thesis focused on ancient Egyptian literature, particularly those from the Graeco-Roman periods, where I looked at how ancient Egyptians constructed their narratives to be enjoyed by the audience. I also go to Egypt every year on excavation near Luxor.
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Leilani Tamu
Born in Tamaki Makaurau under the shelter of Maungakiekie, poet Leilani Tamu is a descendant of Te Moana nui a Kiwa (Samoa & Tonga). Her first book The Art of Excavation (Anahera Press, 2014) was birthed into the world following a decade of poetic meditation tempered by the personal and political.
Leilani's published writing has featured in a range of anthologies and journals, including 'Remember Me: Poems to Learn by Heart from Aotearoa New Zealand' (edited by Anne Kennedy, 2023).
Leilani has delivered reviews for RadioNZ's Nine to Noon programme and been a judge for the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards.
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Lesley Alexander
Lesley Alexander is a botanical and natural history artist living in Riverhead, Auckland. Originally from the UK, Lesley has 1st Class BA Hons in Scientific Illustration and worked for various London publishers before moving with her Kiwi husband and three children to New Zealand. Later, she completed the Diploma in Botanical Art run by the Society of Botanical Artists in the UK, gaining a Distinction.
She exhibits regularly both in group exhibitions as well as having successful solo exhibitions.
Lesley teaches botanical drawing and painting in Auckland, facilitates the art group at the Auckland Botanic Garden as well as being a tutor for the ‘Seasons Art’ classes aimed at adult beginners in Orewa and Takapuna.
You can see Lesley's website here: LesleyAlexanderArt.com
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Lesley Pearce
Lesley is a textile artist who dyes and prints all her own fabrics for her art panels. Her process is one of discovery and a dialogue with the material, form, line, colour and surface textures. Her background is predominantly in education as a teacher and facilitator of workshops around NZ.
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Lilian Weisz-Koves
Lilian credits her mother for her passion for cooking. After graduating, she worked in England and New Zealand restaurants. Lilian is a regular cook at Hungarian community events and won several prizes at community cooking competitions.
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Lina Xu
I graduated from Whitecliffe in 2022 with a Sustainable Fashion Design Degree. I love tailoring and embroidery. Tambour Embroidery was one of my sustainable practices in my final year. I couldn’t find much information about tambour embroidery in New Zealand and no one was teaching it. Therefore, I took it as my mission to revive this beautiful craft and started teaching tambour in April 2023.
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Liza Cornelius
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Lizzie Snow
Lizzie Snow works under her artist name 'fortyonehundred'. Inspired by fractals in nature, Lizzie creates contemporary explorations of the mandala and free-flowing artworks.
Her credentials include a Master of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Design, over 150,000 followers online, numerous high-profile collaborations, professionally produced online courses, and significant media coverage.
She has collaborated with brands including Apple, Lululemon, Converse, Whittaker's, and more.
The mediums Lizzie engages in includes original drawings and paintings, limited-edition prints and products, and internationally commissioned murals.
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Lorenzo Lorrai
Hi everyone, my name is Lorenzo and I'm a chef, originally from Italy. I've been in New Zealand for almost five years. I have over 16 years experience as a chef working in fine dining restaurants around the world (Melbourne, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Auckland).
I'm historically aware of my family's culinary background, and the wonderful times I spent cooking with my Nonna led me to my vocation in food. I've developed a taste for experimentation, technical exploration and challenges. Currently, I feel inspired to teach others the love and the passion of Italian cooking in a simple and easy way, using organic and fresh produce.
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Lorna Gardiner
After moving to New Zealand from the UK, Lorna re-trained as a florist as she had always had a passion for flowers. Since then, she has worked both in retail and wholesale florists and is keen to share her knowledge of floral design and simple and practical techniques that you will be able to use at home.
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Lucette Hindin
Lucette learnt to sew and knit as a child, enjoyed a career in devised theatre, and now pursues embroidery as an art form. See her work at www.lucettehindin.com
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Lucie Blazevska
Originally from the Czech Republic, Lucie spent time living and studying in Paris before settling in Auckland. Artistic expression came naturally for Lucie, and a creative career was always in her future. She studied graphic design and visual communication and is now pursuing a postgraduate degree in art therapy after personally experiencing the healing properties of making art and craft.
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Lyndiana Rosieur
Kia ora! Ko Lyndiana tōku ingoa. He uri tēnei nō Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngā Puhi. My name is Lyndiana and I affiliate to the iwi of Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Raukawa and Ngā Puhi.
In 2017 I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Māori Development majoring in Māori media. To further my studies I started my Master of Arts in Māori development in 2018. My research focused on how universities can improve Māori students’ transitions from secondary school to university. A case study was completed with Māori students from AUT’s kapa haka group and Māori association.
While completing my Master’s degree I have been teaching and assisting in various papers at AUT including reo Māori, noho Marae (Marae stay over experience), literacy and history papers. Working at AUT made me realise I am passionate about teaching; it is rewarding being able to share knowledge with students and watch them grow in their own learning journeys.
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Lynn Oram
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Maca Bernal
Visual artist Maca Bernal is renowned for her mindfully designed, handcrafted contemporary jewellery. Best known for her work Links, pioneered in 2015, she explores alternative ideas of value in her jewellery.
Born in Chile, based in New Zealand since 2012, she has studied jewellery in both Chile and New Zealand, obtaining a Master’s Degree from the Otago Polytechnic, Dunedin School of Arts in 2018. You can see more of her work on her website www.macabernaljewellery.com
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Margaret Woollett
Margaret Woollett, a Freelance Calligrapher and Lettering Artist, has been involved with lettering and calligraphy for more than 25 years, as a student, freelancer and teacher. She works from her Devonport studio taking classes, teaching at community centres and working freelance for a wide range of commercial clients.
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Maria de Jong
Maria de Jong has been writing biographies and helping others to write their memoirs for 12 years. She also tutors Memoir Writing Classes in Auckland. Her business, Life Stories, offers writing, editing, book design and printing services. She is passionate about preserving stories for future generations, and has a special interest in New Zealand and Pacific Island history. Maria has a Diploma in Journalism from the Auckland University of Technology and worked for the New Zealand Herald. She co-authored the award-winning art book, Fred Graham Creator of Forms – Te Tohunga Auaha. Maria has four grown-up children and in between writing she enjoys walking her border collie in Cornwall Park.
Website: www.lifestories.co.nz
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Maria Kim
My name is Maria, and I am originally from South Korea, been in New Zealand for over 20 years.
My passion for the French language started when I was in high school. I continued studying French at the University of Auckland where I also obtained a teaching diploma in French and music teaching. I worked as a private tutor for about 10 years and I worked at Birkenhead College as a French teacher.
I have a strong passion for not only teaching but also learning foreign languages myself. I also love travelling and discovering new cultures.
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Marilyn Giroux
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Marina Pasichnik
Marina has a doctorate in theology and degree qualifications in law, music, and teaching and has presented her research in New Zealand, Poland, Romania, and Russia. She enjoys public presentations.
She currently works as a fixed-term Professional Teaching Fellow (lecturer) at the University of Auckland.
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Mark Laurence
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Mark James Hamilton
Mark has been exploring and teaching voice work for over three decades in Scotland, England and Aotearoa. He was first trained by Dr Nadine George who was a student of the pioneering voice teacher Roy Hart. Mark uses core principles and exercises to help people find their own unique vocal potential by linking qualities of breath to singing and speaking. He has shared his knowledge with a wide range of people, ranging from work with young performers through to community projects, and coaching teachers and other professionals. Mark enjoys helping people discover how voice work is a great way for boosting confidence, expanding expressive range and flexibility, improving public speaking and presentation abilities, and making communication more effective in all kinds of contexts. You will find this course especially valuable if you use your voice in a work context, needing to command a room when delivering presentations or leading teams.
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Marla Compton
I have just finished nutritionist training and would like to start helping others eat a more healthful diet. I was a hospital pharmacist for 22 years and was involved in medication and diet management for cardiac and diabetic patients.
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Masami Utsugi
My name is Masami. I was born in Iwate, in the northern part of Japan. I have been living in Auckland for more than 20 years. I have a passion for food. I grew up with parents who run a bistro in Japan, and I have been working in the hospitality industry for many years. Whenever my family get together, all we talk about is food.
I can't imagine my life without having the food industry pay a major role in my life. I was working for an award-winning Asian cooking school for about four years, and currently work as chef in a restaurant.
Cooking is my passion and I would love to share my knowledge of authentic Japanese food with you.
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Matt McLean
Matt McLean is a potter and ceramic sculptor, a tutor of 40 years standing, well known for his large scale multi-pieced works. He exhibits regularly and has received numerous awards. He has also executed several large Public Arts Projects.
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Melinda Szymanik
Winner of Children's Choice at the 2009 NZ Post Book Awards with The Were-Nana. Melinda's short stories are published in school journals and anthologies.
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Michael Smythe
Michael Smythe spent 30-something years as an industrial design practitioner before completing a Master of Design Management. Having equipped himself to strategise the future, he was invited to teach design history to Bacherlor of Product Design students - "because, Michael, you were there for quite a bit of it". This led to writing NEW ZEALAND BY DESIGN: a history of New Zealand product design (Best First Book of Non-Fiction at the 2012 New Zealand Post Book Awards). This was followed by GIFFORD JACKSON New Zealand Industrial Design Pathfinder (2013), and DESIGN GENERATION: how Peter Haythornthwaite shaped New Zealand's design-led enterprise (2018).
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Miimetua Tarapu
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Miriam Bissett
Current Classical Studies teacher at Taylor's College. I have a PhD in Ancient History from the University of Auckland and have tutored at the University of Auckland in several stage 1 and 2 papers.
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Muriel Roake
I am passionate about seeing people grow and succeed and I am determined to give information, education and support to mature people in making choices about the next phase of their life. As a senior entrepreneur myself, I understand many of the issues and the journey. Masters of Management in HR. Lectured on post-graduate HR Diploma in Learning and Development. Over 30 years experience in HR, Organisational Development, Learning & Development roles with responsibility for customer service, technical, product knowledge, emergency procedures training and leadership development. -
Nancy November
Nancy November is an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Auckland. She holds a PhD in Musicology from Cornell University and has written four books about music and culture in Beethoven's era.
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Naomi Azoulay
I discovered the magic of collage over a decade ago and have not stopped collaging since. I love sharing my passion for collage with others, an accessible, easy, therapeutic medium that brings calm and joy.
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Nathan Grey
Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Kia ora everyone, my name is Nathan and I am really excited to help you along your way in learning Te Reo Māori. I am currently undertaking my teaching degree in Te Reo at Te Wānanga Takiura and am passionate to share my culture with you. I really look forward to meeting you and cannot wait to get this journey started.
Kia ora rā
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Nats Subramanian
After working in IT Management for over two decades, my wife Uma and I decided to create our own travel business, showcasing real India to international visitors. My passion is travel, culture and, more importantly, people. I have escorted my guests, guided them and shared my knowledge of my home county, culture and heritage. Join me in this enjoyable journey to learn about the nation of 1.2 billion people.
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Nichole Fernandez
My name is Nichole Fernandez.
I was born in the 70's in South Africa in the beautiful city of Durban.
I come from a large family and there was always lots of cooking going on. At 6 or 7 I developed a keen interest in all the food preparations. I would stand close by and watch: taking in as much as possible. Eventually, to my amazement, I was given a piece of chicken to cut up which was a great joy: finally I showed Mum that I could do it and get it right!
My passion for cooking and baking continued over the years. I attended a school in which cookery and sewing was part of the curriculum and I studied Home Economics. After school, I worked as a baker and later a chef purely on skills and experience.
I have now made NZ my home and this new adventure has found me teaching adults and children and I love it. I believe that anyone can be great at cooking and baking - we all have gifts and talents - and it often requires someone taking the time with love and devotion to cultivate those giftings.
My young chefs are amazing: I'm always humbled by them after each lesson. I honestly want to leave a generation of kids who will continue to cook for their families and themselves as I believe that food brings the family together at the table and it is a quintessential human experience.
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Nicolas Drexler
Join French Pastry Chef Nicolas Drexler to learn authentic French pastries. Nicolas has 18 years of experience as a chef. He has worked with several Micheline Star Chefs in Monaco and France. And he has cooked for several celebrities, the royals of Monaco and famous soccer players. He is eager to share his broad experience and passion for cooking with you.
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Nicolette Borich
Nicolette is the owner of Dooney & Daughters, a furniture paint and craft specialist shop in Remuera. She has owned the shop for almost seven years and in that time has taught hundreds of people the arts of decorative furniture painting and decoupage. She is a strong believer that anyone can be creative and finds that decoupage is an amazing way to turn everyday objects into something truly special.
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Nigel Metge
Nigel Metge is President of NZ Chess Federation and started competitive play back in the days of Bobby Fischer!
He is currently rated ca. Elo 2000 (strong Club Player) and plays every week in Club and National tournaments.
His best result is 5th in one NZ Championship and shared first in one North Island Championship. He is qualified as National Instructor and is now nominated as Development Instructor. Nigel also coaches juniors.
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Nik Trainin
Nik is a financial adviser with The Advice Hub, specialising in Investment Planning, KiwiSaver, and Personal Insurance. With over 15 years of experience in the financial industry, encompassing banking, investment, and personal insurance, he has consulted with a diverse range of clients.
Nik helps individuals and families in realising their financial goals by delivering personalised financial planning and investment guidance. He works closely with each person to fully comprehend their unique needs and goals, and then crafts a customised plan to support their financial security and prosperity.
With experience as a personal coach and youth mentor, Nik is particularly passionate about educating and empowering individuals to navigate their finances skilfully. His commitment to transforming people's mindsets about planning for retirement and achieving financial freedom from an early age has been a driving force behind his success.
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Nina Babich
I have been a scrap-booking consultant for 9 years. During that time I have taught individuals or smaller groups the art of album-making, stamping techniques and paper craft in general. I have also taught kids groups.
In my daily job as an IT Business Analyst, I engage both business and technical people to participate in both decision making and getting the work done as part of software development within an insurance company.
I am comfortable with speaking in front of a large group and teaching techniques to achieve completion of projects.
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Olga Garkavenko
Dr Olga Garkavenko is the Managing Director of NZ Cosmeceuticals. She is a scientist in her own right in the field of biomedicine; she was, for a long time, affiliated with a leading biomedical company in New Zealand. She holds three patents related to regenerative medicine, and she has written numerous papers in scientific journals. Her work has been presented at many international conferences.
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Olga Lychagina
Privet, hello. My name is Olga Lychagina. I was born in Russia. After graduating from the university I qualified as an English language teacher and I dedicated my life to teaching English from children to adults. My motto has always been : ‘I love to teach, I teach to love.
In 2013 I moved to Auckland hoping that I would be able to use my skills and experience in New Zealand. I have been teaching Russian language to the children from bilingual families and doing some private tutoring. I would like to share my knowledge and skills with anyone who is keen to learn Russian language. My personal philosophy is that learning and teaching always go together. I teach my students and I learn from them too, there is something new to learn every day.
I would be happy to take you on an exciting journey to explore Russian language, culture and traditions of Russia. -
Oscar Zhou
French-trained pastry sous chef and chocolati
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Paloma Mora Guerrero
Paloma Mora Guerrero is an Art Historian graduated with honors from the Universidad Iberoamericana, México. She wrote a final thesis for University about Photojournalism and Photographic archives for magazines at the beginning of the digital era. She also studied Photography in Coyoacán, the famous neighbourhood where Frida Kahlo lived in what nowadays is the Museum named 'The Blue House.' Since 1997, she has consistently visited and studied indigenous cultures. Recently, she brought her collection of Pre-Hispanic books by recognised Archaeologists and Historians to New Zealand. She is delighted to share this collection and the greatness of Pre-Hispanic Art that inspired Mexican 20th century artists.
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Paul Crowhurst
Paul is the owner operator of a landscape company specialising in small space gardens, planters and indoor landscaping. He brings a wealth of experience to his tutoring at Selwyn.
Additionally, Paul is Programme Coordinator at the Framework Trust and works part time with mental health patients to rehabilitate them to mainstream social life and employment.
Comments about Paul from students.
Well-Designed Garden November 2013: "Good, open and inclusive. Very helpful.""Fabulous"
Productive Boxes, Balconies, Backyards November 2013: "Very good knowledge. Communicated well." "Really knowledgeable and engaging" "Very clear and really knowledgeable" "Thorough knowledge of the subject matter and interacted easily with us" "very friendly and open to questions and discussion" "Paul is clearly knowledgeable and a clear and enthusiastic communicator"
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Paul Lee
I specialize in Early American History focusing on intercultural relations as
well as military-civilian relations. I am currently working on a book
manuscript about the British troops in the American Colonial Southeast. I
love discussing history with people as I always learn something new and
interesting from their own perspectives and experiences. -
Peter Brannan
I've worked 35 years in IT in pretty much every role from training to development, including 15 years as a Microsoft Access developer. I have written over a dozen commercial systems. I really enjoy teaching and passing on my experience and skills and getting people excited about managing data and building systems.
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Peter Force
My mother sent me to my first life drawing class when I was sixteen. I’ve worked as an illustrator, T-shirt designer, advertising creative and artist. I love the immediacy and colour of soft pastels.
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Peter Wheaton
Peter has been a mechanic since he was 17 and has done years of diesel work. Over the years, he has relearned the trade to account for the updated electronics now in vehicles. He has trained apprentices to trade certificates, and as has been doing warrants since 1991. He has been at Tetley Wheaton Automotive for over twenty years.
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Philippa Smith
I have a PhD in communication and language and am passionate about improving digital literacy in a world swamped with information online. I was an Associate Professor at Auckland University of Technology teaching critical media studies including analysis of new media texts, before working as an independent consultant to assist people navigate the vagaries of the internet.
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Phillipa Gee
I am a jewellery designer working with a range of materials and techniques, supplying galleries throughout New Zealand. I enjoy passing the skills I have on to others. The studio I work from is set up for teaching so I’m looking forward to utilizing this space.
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Prateek Vasisht
I’m an operational and organisational improvement professional who specialises in designing business processes and operating models.
Problem-solving is a core skill. We use it all the time in our personal and professional lives. I’m teaching this course to give attendees an intuitive framework and practical techniques for improving their problem-solving skills and decision-making efficacy.
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Rachael Burke
Rachael is an artist and art educator from Tāmaki Makaurau. She teaches life drawing at Lakehouse Arts, and visual art at Māpura Studios, a creative space providing programmes in visual arts practice, creative expression, dance-movement, music and art therapy for people living with disability and diversity. She completed a Fine Art degree with (Honors) at Whitecliffe College of Art and Design in 2021.
"For me, art is the oxygen of society, and I get a great deal of joy nurturing and encouraging creative expression. I really enjoy connecting with people, exchanging ideas, and sharing knowledge through my years of study and ongoing art practice.
This class is for anyone who wants to approach the figure in a variety of ways. This life drawing class is less about getting everything anatomically perfect, and more about learning to let go of analytical thought, through a series of fun and spontaneous exercises that allow you to draw with less fear and more creative expression."
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Ranginui Logan Belk
"Ko Ranginui Logan Belk ahau. I come from Ngati Hine, Rereahu and Ngati Tūwharetoa. I have studied up to level 6 te reo Māori in a rumaki full immersion style. Although we grew up speaking English, my family speak te reo often now, and half my nephews and nieces have te reo as their first language. My pursuit of the language started as an adult when I began my social work degree in 2020, which taught me about the long and enduring fight to keep my people's language alive. I am privileged to share the beautiful taonga of te reo with you and am keen to support you in this journey."
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Rebecca Caroe
Rebecca Caroe is an accomplished public speaker delivering keynotes, workshops and seminars. She is a B2B marketing and CRM specialist with experience in Australasia, European and US markets. She delivers tactical digital marketing insight framed around a practical methodology which listeners find easy to understand and take action.
As an expert in search engine marketing and direct response copywriting, her focus on practical digital marketing suits SME businesses. She is known for her involvement with the sport of rowing and commentated for the BBC at the London Olympics.
When Rebecca speaks at your event, you will be learning practical marketing tips which can be applied immediately in your business.
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Rebekah Watkin-Ward
Rebekah Watkin-Ward is currently a keeper at Auckland Zoo and has been Senior Canine Attendant at the Auckland SPCA. Having previously studied at Massey University, she is now pursuing further study at Unitec with the animal industry. She is excited to bring Pet First Aid knowledge to more people in the Auckland area.
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Reem Ayyub
Reem Ayyub has lectured on “Women in Islam” and “Introduction to Islam” at Auckland University and Selwyn Community Education. She developed a programme that encompasses women’s status in Islam in relation to our modern society.
Ayyub also works as head of Arabic and Islamic studies at a NZ primary school, where she teaches and establishes curricula and assessment that integrates with the New Zealand curriculum and pedagogy.
Ayyub has experienced life in both the Middle East and New Zealand, and has come to make sense of both worlds. She is passionate about bridging the two cultures and breaking misconceptions and prejudices that have no business in everyday life.
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Regi Gallina
I have worked as chef for 30 years which includes restaurants both in Auckland and Taupo, and I have worked as Culinary Arts Tutor. I am a proud Kiwi Brazilian of Italian and Spanish heritage and I have a passion for Italian, Spanish, and South American flavours. Spending time sharing my passion with others is my happy place!
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Riccardo Lucignani
Riccardo is from Civitavecchia, the port of Rome, and moved to New Zealand in 2019. He is an architect, interior designer and landscape architect and has presented seminarsat the Dunedin School of Art and at the Auckland Dante Alighieri Society.
He enjoys teaching Italian to adult speakers of other languages, sharing his love of Italian culture. He describes his teaching approach as task based and learner centred with a focus on effective communication.
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Richard Holtz
Classical Studies teacher at Taylors College, with degrees in Ancient and Medieval History from the University of Alberta, Canada.
Rome, as a link between the world of antiquity and that of the Middle Ages, has always been a subject of interest to me. I have solid academic background in Roman history, have visited Rome several times and have participated in excavations at Roman dig sites.
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Richard Moore
Introducing Richard Moore:
Richard works for a Chartered Accountants firm in public practice, and has extensive business and accounting experience from this, as well as his own accounting practice some years ago. He has up-to-date knowledge of practical accounting, as well as a sound theoretical grounding in the subject.
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Rina Poerwadi Rich
For over two decades, I've dedicated myself to Holistic Therapy. From 2002 to 2012, I managed clinics in Hong Kong and Jakarta, specialising in Holistic Aromatherapy & Massage Practice and Education. Since settling in New Zealand in 2013, my focus shifted to education. Until July 2023, I taught at Wellpark College and contributed to the Naturopathy Programme at the South Pacific College of Natural Medicine.
My expertise revolves around guiding newcomers and mentoring professionals in aromatherapy and massage. Since 2014, I've operated a home clinic where I deliver comforting aromatherapy massages using premium essential oils sourced from New Zealand. My collection boasts 40 oils tailored for diverse therapies.
Beyond just oils, my approach extends aromatherapy to harness scents for enhancing memory, managing emotions, and improving overall wellness. I incorporate these practices not only within classroom activities but also through nature-based exercises involving walks and inhalation of natural scents.
I was involved in the "Mom Can Cook" program for Moms & Teens and I published a cookbook in Indonesian language and appeared on local TV in Indonesia.
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Risa Meura
Hello! My name is Risa. I am from Japan.I have taught Japanese language to international students in Japan for three years. I like to teach in a lively and dynamic way. As I came to New Zealand in May 2023 and have been learning English as a second language, I understand how frustrating it can be to study a new language. I would love to share not only Japanese language but also culture and recent trends. Let’s have fun and learn Japanese together! -
Rob Kennedy
Rob is the founder of Paperscape, a small batch paper mill located on the Kāpiti Coast in Aotearoa / New Zealand.
Paperscape specialise in turning native plants into bespoke pulp and paper products. Enhancing native biodiversity, making use of waste, and sharing the craft are the key principles that underpin the business.
"Papermaking brings together my love of science, nature and making things." Rob Kennedy. -
Robert Watson
I've been teaching a range of dance/exercise classes for over two years in Auckland and I've been amazed at how much of a difference these classes have made to peoples lives. I want to share with you my passion for dancing and music and fitness. I specialise in offering easy-to-follow choreography that focuses on your balance, range of motion and coordination, and I include some cardio to help increase your fitness levels. You won't even realise you're working out! Everyone is welcome no matter what age your fitness level I'll make sure you have a good time - keeping you healthy and happy!! -
Robyn Penn
Robyn Penn is a South African-New Zealander artist with a background in both countries. After returning to New Zealand in 2020, she settled in Tāmaki Makaurau and pursues her art and teaching career here.
For more than 20 years, Robyn has passionately educated students, as young as five years old, in Fine Arts and creative thinking. Her students consistently achieve top awards and distinctions in Visual Art and Design, often progressing to prestigious tertiary institutions.
Apart from private art classes, Robyn is involved in community art projects, aiming to promote art and creativity within communities. She initiated and facilitated children's art education programs at WITS Art Museum and the Turbine Art Fair in Johannesburg. She also conducted pro-bono workshops for underprivileged children in South Africa. Robyn is part of the Creatives in Schools Programme, collaborating with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatū Taonga, and Creative New Zealand. In 2022, she collaborated with Good Shepherd School to create a large ceramic mural with 200 junior school students.
Robyn's artistic practice spans drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and film installations. Her work focuses on the natural world, time's elusive nature, and the sublime. She received her training from the University of the Witswatersrand and Canterbury University, Ilam. She is a fellow of the Ampersand Trust and exhibits internationally, with pieces in collections across the world, including works in the Victoria and Albert Collection, UK and The Smithsonian, USA.
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Ronja Schipper
I love applying the lease of scarcity to my creative work and am passionate about all things up-cycled. There are so many resources that we can give a second or third life to! I love sharing my passion for turning trash into treasure with people and get a kick out of inspiring others.
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Ruby Porter
Ruby Porter is a writer, artist and teacher. She tutors creative writing at the University of Auckland, and in high schools. Ruby was the winner of the Wallace Foundation Short Fiction Award in 2017, and the inaugural winner of the Michael Gifkins Prize in 2018, with her debut novel Attraction. Attraction was written during her Masters of Creative Writing at the University of Auckland, and published in 2019 by Melbourne-based Text Publishing. It is distributed throughout Australia, New Zealand and North America.
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Sally Barron
I am a Tāmaki Makaurau based artist who is always learning and loves to share that experience. Oil paints can be such a joy to paint with - there is always something new to try and a world of colour and effects.
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Sallyanne Mason
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Sandra Morris
Sandra Morris had her first book, 'One Lonely Kakapo', published in 1990 while studying for her MFA at Elam School of Fine Arts, winning the Russell Clark Award for illustration in 1992. Since then she has written and illustrated a number of award winning books. In 1996, Sandra gained a graduate diploma in plant and wildlife illustration from the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia. She has worked in educational publishing for many years and has also taught at tertiary level for 4 years. For more information about Sandra Morris and her illustration agency visit www.illustration.co.nz. Sandra has more than 12 years experience teaching in community education settings.
See details of an interview on Radio New Zealand Standing Room Only here
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Sanjay Theodore
Sanjay Theodore is a New Zealand conceptual artist who has exhibited in France, India, Australia and Aotearoa. His works are in collections such as The Tate Britain Library, The Royal College of Art and the National Art Library at the Victoria & Albert Museum amongst others.
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Seann Lautner
Seann is an award-winning speaker, certified coach and digital marketing strategist. Seann's previous experience encompasses public relation events for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) specialised in campaign strategy and creativity, marketing communication, key visual branding, event management for corporate clients of Fortune 500 companies, developing his abilities to a high level in solution selling and digital creative campaigns.
Currently working as a digital learning consultant and an institutional director of LX (Learning Experience), Seann has over 20 years experience in corporate training strategy, adult education and 'train the trainer' programmes.
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Sergio Alvarez
Hola, my name is Sergio Alvarez, I hail from Bolivia, and I'm passionate about teaching languages.
I'm an enthusiastic individual and I have had substantial experience teaching English, Portuguese and Spanish language over the past 10 years. I've had the pleasure of teaching over 1000 students ranging from early childhood to seniors.
In December 2012 I arrived in New Zealand and have thoroughly enjoyed teaching Spanish in language schools, in companies, and to private students. For some time I also held the position of Academic Director at Auckland Language Academy. Recently I returned to the University of Auckland to continue my own education.
My teaching methods are adaptable and I tailor these to suit the learning style of the student or group. Together with traditional written and oral teaching techniques I bring dynamic and effective ideas to the learning environment. I have had great success with the use of audio and video aids, role-playing, and real-life scenario tests to inspire and motivate students' learning.
Education and qualifications:Brazilian Portuguese Language and Culture Studies from UNISUL, Brazil, Diploma in English Language, UAGRM, Bolivia. -
Sharon McLean
I began solo traveling in 2012 and my first trip was Mexico and I spoke no Spanish. I decided to go for four months and spend a couple of those months volunteering to familiarise myself with the country, the culture and the people. After my volunteering was over, I stepped out into the big wide open and began to travel. Back in those days, technology consisted of going to the internet cafe to check Facebook and emailing home, sometimes I would book a bed on the Hostelworld website.
Travelling solo also meant I could go where I wanted, when I wanted without the restrictions of time or having to rely or wait for other people.
A great source of information back then was the Lonely Planet Guide and everybody used it to plan their journeys. It was not uncommon to go to the next destination, only to find that I would meet up with people who had been at the last destination. Sometimes we would all travel together for a couple of days. Having confidence in myself and by talking to other travellers led to me leaving Mexico and spending my final month in Guatemala.
I have since traveled solo to 24 countries and have never looked back. My world has never been the same….
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Sheena Hendon
Sheena is qualified in nutrition and dietetics, transformational health coach, master neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and MBIT practitioner and the founder of well-regarded Auckland based health clinic, Elementa. Sheena takes a holistic and natural approach to health and works with the mind and body to get some profound results with her individual clients and through empowering group seminars and workshops.
Her clients range from teenage tennis stars and high profile business people to stay at home mums, and children. She treats both the symptoms and causes of a variety of health and wellness issues from weight and stress management to chronic fatigue, insomnia and sports performance to name but a few.
Additionally, using NLP and other life coaching skills she works with individuals and groups on anxiety/stress, motivation, effective communication, business and sports performance, self-esteem, being the best you can be and more...
She believes that both orthodox and complementary medicine have a part to play in a person’s quest for health – neither has all the answers but used together they can have incredible results.
Sheena focuses on NLP/Transformational coaching and holistic health and nutrition in New Zealand and overseas as well as running community and corporate seminars and workshops and writing for health and wellness articles for magazines. See www.sheenahendonhealth.co.nz.
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Shona Hurndell
I lost my husband suddenly and everything in my world changed. Two and half years later I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I have discovered that we are all more powerful than what we think we are. We cannot change life’s events however with changing perception we discover new gifts.
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Sibylle Kiehne
I am a kinesiologist, and modern kinesiology uses a lot of wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine. I noticed that when feminism came up, females learned to copy male energy. No matter whether male or female we need the positive poles of both energies. To spread this information is a deep inner need of mine.
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Siobhan Harvey
Siobhan Harvey is the author of eight books, including Ghosts (Otago University Press, 2021 which was long-listed for the 2022 New Zealand Book Awards. She was awarded the 2021 Janet Frame Literary Trust Award for Poetry, 2020 New Zealand Society of Authors Peter & Dianne Beatson Fellowship, 2019 Kathleen Grattan Award for a Sequence of Poems and 2019 Robert Burns Poetry Prize. She's a Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at The Centre for Creative Writing, Auckland University of Technology.
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Steve Murray
Steve grew up on the family farm. After leaving school, he worked as an apprentice carpenter and also acquired some joinery skills. Steve gained his trade certificate in carpentry and continued to work for various building companies and contractors in Pokeno, Whangarei and Los Angeles. He returned to Auckland in 1982 and worked as a self-employed builder. Steve owned and operated a Hire-A-Hubby franchise from 2002 - 2023.
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Sue Peters
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Sunhee Lee
Sunhee Lee - Japanese
I graduated with a degree in Business Administration from a prestigious university in Japan and completed my postgraduate studies in the same field. Following my academic achievements, I spent seven fulfilling years teaching Japanese at the Tokyo Communication Arts College, primarily working with international students. This experience honed my ability to tailor lessons to meet the diverse needs of learners and foster a supportive learning environment. In 2008, I immigrated to New Zealand and embarked on a rewarding journey as a Japanese home tutor. I engaged with college students, providing support for Japanese language proficiency exams and assisting with coursework. Additionally, I extended my teaching services to adults with a keen interest in Japanese language and culture. This diverse teaching experience has equipped me with the flexibility to adapt my instruction to various age groups and learning preferences. Teaching brings me immense joy, and I find great satisfaction in witnessing the growth and achievements of my students.
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Susan Nicoll
I am a well experienced practitioner working full-time to support people of all ages and backgrounds to create the lives they wish for themselves with the resources they currently have. My background includes private counselling, delivery of treatment programmes addressing Alcohol and Drug dependency and supporting those in custody and community settings serving a criminal sentence. I have experience delivering both individual and group based interventions, as well as management experience in a therapeutic setting. I teach this course as I am deeply passionate about guiding people to equip themselves, gain better self-awareness and learn basic skills to make navigating life a pleasure and one through which we can continue to grow.
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Susannah MacDonald
I am an artist/musician and art tutor from Auckland, New Zealand. I have a lifelong interest in metaphysics that I express through art and writing. A major theme in all my work, is portals leading to other planes.
Since 2019 part 1,2 and 3 of my four part book series, Echoes From A Time Passage have been published, soon to be followed by 4.
You can find out more at my personal website.