Jacqueline Ziegler

Jacqueline, having worked in IT for many years, decided to follow her passion for crafts, in particular soap-making. She has been making soaps and body products for more than 20 years.

Jacqueline loves teaching and regularly gets positive feedback on her courses. She has been teaching  soap-making through private classes community classes for nearly 10 years.

Jam Mayer

Jam Mayer is a seasoned digital marketing expert and educator with over two decades of experience. She runs two businesses and was a former lecturer in NZIE and Unitec. Her hands-on, interactive teaching style has earned her praise from students and professionals alike, ensuring participants leave her workshops with skills they can use right away.

James Lawrence

James is well known in Auckland and overseas as an accomplished painter and printmaker. His works are widely exhibited and he has won awards from his drawing, printmaking and painting. He enjoys energy, movement and colour when painting so they become a rhythmic combination of feelings and thought combined with formal considerations.

James has extensive teaching experience. 

Personal statement from James Lawrence about this work:

Like all artists, I am concerned with light. I study its movements across water. The shadows cast on weather cliffs and how buildings and human habitations are transformed as light travels across these surfaces, including marks made by hand(s).

I have synthesised this keen interest with the re-investigation of the origins and though of some of the various movements within Twentieth Century Abstract Art. I paint intuitively, "The Flow" is through me creating a rick complex of textures ans shapes that is equally controlled and random, filled with accidents, abrasions and then re-establishment or partial re-establishment of hidden shapes or movements, which allows light and the viewer's position, be it close or far, or off to the side, to offer constantly changing sensations with corresponding fluidity in the perception of form(s).

The Pentimenti created by overpainting, that is, allowing the underpainting its "voice" creates a depth, much like looking into a bottomless pool of water, complete with sky reflection. Paintings may give the impression of completeness, but at the same time represent a provisional statement, as I may be just around the corner with a large brush. As to the concept of "Finish" I continuously work on several paintings at any given time. Sometimes I cease working on one or more of these canvases while continuing to work on others. Thus the painting becomes finished when I no longer paint on it. I often discover something I like on one painting, and use it on others while over-painting it on the original.

I enjoy energy, movement and colours. For me, painting is "letting go!". The works thus created represents a distillation of person expression, with gestures (marks) and discoveries. For me a successful painting is flat and spatial at the same time with a balance of structure and expresssiveness and with a spontaneous, complex and sensual surface, creating layers, that one may "enter". I hope my art speaks to something in us all that transcends the realm of words.

I believe that painting non-objectively allows the intuitive nature of the painter its voice. It also affords the widest possible range of interpretation, including contradiction. I like the idea of the meaning being felt, rather intuitively by the view, rather than a meaning being expressed, as once this occurs it tend to preclude other meaning. It's difficult to answer questions about how I felt or what I was thinking other that to say it felt good, because when it doesn't, I paint it out. On the good days, the painting speaks to me and a most enjoyable dialogue ensues. I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing.

Janet Locke

Janice O'Connor

Janice has been teaching ESOL classes at Selwyn College since 2003. Her background is in Primary and Intermediate classroom teaching, with a degree majoring in English.

She is also a qualified piano teacher but no longer practising!

She is a NZ-born Chinese, married to a Kiwi. She and her family are typically Kiwi in their passion for sports.

A spontaneous testimonial March 2021: 

Jasmin Logie

I am a passionate artist and art tutor who has lived and worked in five different countries. My cultural experiences have helped me to develop a unique art style, understanding of different cultures, positive attitude and good communication skills. As an art tutor its privilege to share art experiences with others who love art.  

Teacher’s Certificate - Teacher of Fine Art in South Korea

Graduate Diploma - Computer publishing and Design Level7

Auckland University of Technology

Bachelor of Design - South Korea 

Jason Tan

Jasper Hallamore

Jasper Hallamore is a No-Code Developer and AI Specialist with a passion for making technology accessible and practical for everyone.

He develops applications and AI solutions, and conducts training and workshops to help others leverage the power of AI in their daily lives and businesses. Jasper is committed to helping New Zealand individuals and small businesses with the knowledge and tools to improve productivity, creativity, and efficiency through AI.

Jaspreet Kaur

I have been teaching for the School of Architecture at Unitec for 2 years in the position of a Teaching assistant and have been invited to prepare and deliver lectures on Ancient architecture of Indian and Meso-American civilizations for first year Bachelor of Architecture students. I am currently in this role and will be taking on the role of Teaching assistant for Critical Studies 2 in 2021, which covers Architecture history of the 19th and 20th centuries.

I have also worked with YMCA Auckland as a childcare and holiday program leader where my main role was that of a guardian/supervisor who was responsible for the children in our care. However, I was responsible for preparing arts and crafts lessons/activities for the children in my care. 

Jayshree Somnath

Jayshree is a baking lecturer at MIT and has been working as a baker for 12 years.  Prior to this she was a primary school teacher before embarking on a 12 year career in baking and cake decorating. 

Jean Christophe Varnier

My name is Jean Christophe Varnier. I am a French Chef by qualification with over 30 years experience. I am passionate about everything that involves food. For the past nine years, I have been a cookery, bakery and pastry tutor in one of the leading PTEs in NZ. Before that, for 18 months, I was Head Chef at Orbit 360 Dinning Restaurant at Sky City (150 seats, managing 17 chefs and doing 400+ covers daily). Before that, I owned my own restaurant being the founder, executive Chef and manager at St Tropez Restaurant in Parnell Auckland, for 12 years. I am also a passionate photographer.

Jennifer Perez

Jessica Hall

English tutor.

Jiehua Ma

Jiehua Ma has a teaching degree. She is passionate about arts and crafts and she loves reading. She is addicted to Book Art and spends many evenings folding books. She loves sharing her hobby and knowledge with people.

Joanna Hakaraia

Kia ora, ko Joanne Hakaraia-Olson tōku ingoa. I am a Māori wahine born and raised in Ōtaki, Aotearoa. I am tangata whenua of this land. The Tararua ranges, the Ōtaki and Waitohu rivers raised me. My parents are both Ngāti Raukawa and Ngāti Whakaue.  My waka are Tainui and Te Arawa.

I am a Rongoā Māori healer and I follow in the footsteps of my tūpuna. My great-great-great grandmother Mereruia Hakaraia and her sister Heneti were kairongoā. They were medicine women and spent considerable time on Kāpiti Island cultivating land that had been given to them by Te Rauparaha in the 1800's.

My dad would use rongoā for his rugby injuries and mum would go and get the plants from outside for him. I was keen to learn but my dad was concerned for me, and wanted to keep me safe. I didn't understand this at the time, but I do now. Once you know something there is a huge responsibility and the learning is ongoing. I dabbled with plants all my teenage years making medicine for my skin. I loved the feeling of it and the sacredness of applying it. I started studying rongoā seriously in 2010 when I moved to Auckland. My greatest teacher was Te Wao Nui a Tiriwa (Waitakere Ranges). 

The founding of Rongoā Mauri came from a calling to work with the indigenous plants of Aotearoa. I have dedicated my life to working with the plants and the ngahere (forest).  

Most of Aotearoas' trees, ferns and flowering plants are native having evolved in isolation for millions of years. There are forests of unique conifers, called podocarp, whose species include Rimu, Totara, Matai, Kahikatea and Miro, whose lineage stretches back to Gondwana. Our trees and ferns hold the DNA of millions of years. This is mauri and it is a powerful and potent rongoā not just from a physical state but primarily within the esoteric realms. Our tipuna passed down pūrākau that hold the key to unlocking the codes to these realms.

For many indigenous cultures around the world, plants and the natural world are the pure resonance of AIO, the Supreme Being. This is the esoteric component of indigenous medicine. Our tūpuna left us a guide-book and a map to enter these realms.

I created a waka, an esoteric vessel, to navigate my way through the ngaherehere (forest). One tree at a time. I gathered a roopū (group) to come along with me and we studied the trees that protect the ngahere. Then we went further into the ngaherehere and studied the Rākau Rangatira (Older trees). This path is considered tapu and it was forbidden to enter up until recently. The tapu was lifted. I dedicate my life to this work and I am deeply humbled and grateful to the tūpuna and kaitiaki for the journey.

I have been healing for nearly 20 years serving thousands of clients in Aotearoa and globally.  

I intuitively read energy patterns and tohu (signs and symbols), interpreting the movements and messages of the environment. 

Over the years, in collaboration with the plant kingdom, I have grown my apothecary of plant medicine and now make it available for everyone. 

Joanne Kaharaia

Joanne Luker

Jo has always collected lost old shards of china and recycled broken pottery and old glass into mosaic art.  This a very therapeutic and fun way to recharge and escape from reality.  Jo is inspired by the stories each little piece of broken plate or cup could tell, and where they have come from - making meaningful mosaics. 

Jo is an award winning mosaic artist and was also recently awarded Frist Place in the 2D (wall-hanging mosaic) section at the NZ National Mosaic Exhibition 2022 in Whanganui.   

For more details about her work see the website : nzmosaicart.co.nz

Joanne West

John Botica

John was born in Belgrade, Serbia in 1953 and most of his life he was involved in tennis, being a tennis professional. He has lived in the US and Germany and has settled in New Zealand since 1997. In 2004 he was able to discover his true passion, namely pebble mosaic art. He established a completety different and innovative approach to this ancient art through bold usage of Maori and Polynesian motifs so common in his adopted country. John caught the pebble mosaic bug when his uncle gave him a book on this ancient art. John was already an accomplished mosaicist, using bright ceramic tiles, and he was instantly intrigued by the textures and patterns that could be created using only natural pebbles. John has been involved in many private and public commissions. He has created what is considered, in the specialist publication Mosaic Art Now, one of the world's top 100 mosaic works. Botica's Tree of Life was commissioned by the North Shore City Council and installed at a children's playground in Greenhithe. His latest public project at Bastion Point in Auckland.

In 2013, the St Frajou Painting Museum, Haute Garonne, France, presented the preparatory drawings for the mosaics by John Botica. In 2013, he also participated in the National Mosaik Art Exhibition: Magic of Mosaic: Mosaic Symposium 2013 in the Helen Smith Meeting Room, Pataka + Museum, Auckland. John is also a member of the Mosaic Association of Australia and New Zealand and a founding member of the Art Resilience movement created by Ksenia Milicevic in 2014 in Paris, France.

His work has been included in a recent Australian House and Garden article. https://www.homestolove.com.au/a-wellness-garden-with-a-japanese-influence-7168

Jonathan Crook

I have over 20 years’ experience in ESOL teaching and have also taught in the UK, Spain and Argentina.  With an MA in Intercultural Communication, I'm very interested in the cultural aspect of language learning and adapting to life in a new country.  I really enjoy teaching at Selwyn because of the friendly atmosphere and motivated students.,and I teach all levels from elementary to advanced as well as preparation for the IELTS exam.  I also run workshops covering intercultural awareness and competence.

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!

Judith White

Judith was born in Wellington and went to school in Hastings. She now lives in Auckland, New Zealand.

She was the secretary of the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand Society of Authors for several years in the 1980s. She has taught creative writing courses for over two decades, and has worked as a one-on-one mentor for the AUT Creative Writing Masters (MCW) programme, and for the NZSA mentorship scheme. 

Judith is the author of two novels The Elusive Language of Ducks (Penguin Random House, 2013) and Across the Dreaming Night (Penguin Random House, 1999; Oneworld Publications UK 2014; China Times Publishing Company, 2015). She has also published a short story collection Visiting Ghosts (Hodder and Stoughton, 1991; Timeless Tangerine, 1991).

She won the 1988 BNZ Katherine Mansfield Centenary Award and has twice won the Auckland Star short story competition (1987 and 1990) as well as placing third in 2009. Judith was awarded the Frank Sargeson Fellowship in 1995. She has been shortlisted for the NZ Book Awards.

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.

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.

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

Karen Balmer

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.

Karyn Van Dam

Karyn is a creative professional and experienced course facilitator, with a passion for learning as an adult. She has a diverse business background spanning across public and private sectors, professional services, training and teaching, agile and project work, communications management, marketing and contracting. After many years in the corporate scene, Karyn embarked on a career change to follow her true passion of singing and music. She started her own online vocal coaching studio, which enabled her to have international reach. She now works with singers and songwriters mainly in USA, managing all the different aspects of the business herself. Karyn also works at developing relevant online learning programmes for adults. In more recent years, she also enjoys working in marketing/digital marketing and has developed special interests in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and User Interface (UI) Design. Karyn also chipped away to complete multiple qualifications, mainly via distance learning whilst working over many years.

Her credentials include:

• Bachelor of Business (Marketing)
• DIgital Marketing Micro-credential
• National Certificate in Business First Line Management
• Postgraduate: Bachelor of Media Arts (Hons) - Music
• Diploma in Performing Arts

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! 

Kathy Skellern

June 2021: "Kathy is truly an amazing, dedicated and enthusiastic teacher."

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.

Keely Shelton

Financial Adviser (Mortgage and Investment Qualified)

Kirsty Cantley

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

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.

Kristina Cope

Kristy Atkinson

I have taught classes on essential oils for two years and used oils extensively for more than two and a half years.

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

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.

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.

Lesley Alexander

Lesley Alexander is a botanical and natural history artist living in Riverhead, Auckland. Originally from the UK, Lesley has 1^st 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

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.

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.

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.

Linda Tyler

One of the most experienced arts administrators in New Zealand. Linda completed her PhD on nineteenth-century botanist and museum worker John Buchanan, and her MA on émigré architect Ernst Plischke. She has been Director of the Fisher Gallery, and is currently the convenor of Museums and Cultural Heritage at the University of Auckland, she also directs the University’s post-graduate Art History candidates.

Lisa Critchley

I remember wanting to make natural remedies since I was a teenager. I have always been a natural tutu or tinkerer. Growing up there was not a single time that we didn’t have a garden for kai. This was my dad’s garden. Mum always had beautiful flower gardens, we always had fruit trees or vines. One of my nanas used to be involved in garden communities groups, and my other nana grew up at the Marae.

Gardening is in my veins, along with food preservation but also soil health. My dad always had the meanest composting system for soil restoration, and I ferment all my food scraps and compost my weeds and branches.

My employment history is in the Horticulture and Food industries. At High School age I was offered an apprenticeship for baking bread, cakes and pastries. After I was made redundant I looked for an outdoors job, where I started my horticultural journey and an Apprenticeship came up through work, and I completed my Level 4 at M.I.T.

Little did I know that my path would lead me to the answers of the skin allergies I have suffered with since toddler age.

5 years ago I started going to Rongoā community workshops, show casing our beautiful Rakau Taonga and how to make natural remedies for our whanau. Our Facilitator and Kaiako was Judy Henderson. She has been a valuable start to my Te Ao maori journey.

From here is where I started researching to start my healing journey for skin allergies. It took a 3-year period for me to find time to find the right rakau and ingredients that worked for me. This is also the time I applied to study Rongoā Maori through Te Wananga o Aotearoa.

A huge mihi to my Level 4 kaiako Helena Netana and Level 5 Diploma, Riwia Te Kaawa. The matauranga shared through the eyes of these 2 wahīne is so extensive, but also to the wider rongoā community through Te Wananga o Aotearoa.

Today I share some of that knowledge through Rongoā Hikoi alongside different communities in Tamaki Makaurau. Whether it be walking around a park or ngahere locally. Open korero identifying plants, their medicinal properties, tikanga and kawa/ rules and protocols, nga Atua/gods, elements and history’s of that area and how we can show respect by maintaining the health and wellbeing of Papatūānuku and caring for our rakau.

Ko au te taiao, Te taiao ko au
Ko au te whenua, Te whenua ko au
Ko au te tangata, Te tangata ko au
Whakawheti ki a koe mo te wa ki te panui, ka whakanuia.

Thank you for taking the time to read, appreciate you.

Liza Cornelius

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Lynn Oram

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

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.

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

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.

Marilyn Giroux

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.

Mark 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.

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.

Mary Cheung

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.

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.

Matthew Carter

Master of Art and Design.

I am a practicing artist represented by Foenander Galleries. My usual practice is oil painting which explores city scenes and figures in the urban setting, I have a keen interest in colour theory and teach a number of courses. Sound drawing is an essential element of my painting.

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.

Micaela Quirino

Born and raised in the Philippines before moving to New Zealand in 2007, I’ve always had a love for moving the body!

Playing baseball for 9 years, dabbling in all sorts of physical fitness throughout the years but now mainly focusing on Pilates, yoga and pole dancing.

Having had the pleasure of working in hospitality for over a decade, my focus in life has shifted to a holistic health approach since becoming a mother.

I am on the path to studying remedial massage and bodywork with more plans to expand my horizons.

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).

Miimetua Tarapu

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.

Muriel Roake

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.

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. 

Nathalie Labar

Teaching English as a second language has been my passion for the past 17 years. After gaining my qualification in London in 2007, I got my first teaching experience with Berlitz, teaching English to job seekers in Belgium. When we settled in New Zealand in 2008, I worked for various language schools including GEOS, English Language Partners and Languages International. My most recent work has been with English Language Partners, teaching new migrants from all over the world. This experience has been extremely rewarding. With every new student, I learnt to understand their story and objectives to ensure I could deliver a meaningful and useful set of lessons. 

Nathan Grey

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 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 5^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 studied native peoples' art and visited archeological sites. 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.

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"

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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."

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."

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.

Rebecca Caroe

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.

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.