Natasha Popovich

As a Philosophy graduate and a GTA at the University of Auckland I believe that critical thinking skills and ethics are of immense importance to our lives. By being better analytical thinkers, we become better decision makers, and by illumination others’ reasoning fallacies we avoid falling prey to them. Everyone needs these skills yet they are rarely if ever taught outside of the University setting. 

Natasha Rojkind

Natasha Rojkind is a therapist, group facilitator and teacher specializing in authenticity, wellbeing and relational dynamics. With a foundation in Somatic Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, and neuroscience, Natasha has designed and led workshops on authenticity, dance therapy and has taught prevention of addiction and Family Therapy. She has worked and taught with diverse communities in Chicago, California and Mexico City and has developed a program combining boxing and therapy. Her approach is informed by evidence based practices as well as years of work with individuals navigating relational challenges and a passion for empowering people to live more authentically. 

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Risa Meura

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sallyanne Mason

Samantha Marsh

Sandra Harding Smith

I first discovered Pilates for myself as I had a very bad back from sitting at a desk job all day.  I loved it so much that when I had my children, I decided to train to become a teacher (Stott trained) and now 21 years later my passion is even greater. I love how Pilates is for everyone as it is very individual to you.  Pilates builds core strength, improves your posture and balance, tones the body and connects you mindfully with ease.  It is so satisfying to see my clients confidence grow, their strength increase, pain levels reduce and it gives me great happiness to see them enjoy the benefits of their hard work. 

Change happens through movement and movement heals – Joseph Pilates

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

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.

Sarah Sowerby

I have studied a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Ancient History and Anthropology at the University of Auckland, specialising in Egyptology. I have tutored courses in Egyptian history at the University of Auckland, as well as a Study Abroad trip to Egypt in 2023. I currently work with the archaeology department assisting and supervising field work and conducting laboratory analyses. I have interests in all aspects of Egyptian history, and my research has centred on ancient mining practices and religion.

Sarita Solvig Blankenberg

Sarita Solvig Blankenburg is the founder and director of Ayurveda New Zealand, an Ayurvedic clinic in the heart of Grey Lynn, Auckland. With over 15 years of clinical experience, Sarita is a qualified and certified Ayurvedic practitioner and Yoga therapist. She has studied in India and New Zealand and holds degrees in Ayurvedic Medicine (BAMS - Bachelor in Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery) and Yoga Therapy. Together with her team, Sarita offers ayurvedic consultations, Yoga therapy, ayurvedic treatments, retreats, Panchakarma and educational workshops. At her Ayurveda New Zealand clinic she is treating clients with a wide range of health concerns including chronic illnesses, autoimmune conditions, mental health, and women health issues, just to name a few.

On her recent trip to India she has spent an extensive amount of time in an Ayurvedic hospital to specialise in Panchakarma, Ayurveda’s deep cleansing and purification therapy. She now offers customised Panchakarma programs to her clients at her Ayurveda New Zealand clinic in Grey Lynn.

In 2020 Sarita developed and launched her own ayurvedic product range called Sattva Botanicals™. This range includes a Woman’s Health Formula, Mental Health Formula, Sound Sleep Formula and over thirty other products derived from medicated powders, oils, and traditional ayurvedic recipes. All Sattva Botanicals ingredients are certified organic and sourced from sustainable growers in India.

Sarita is a passionate public speaker and presents her topics with enthusiasm and compassion, inspiring her listeners to incorporate Ayurvedic principles into their daily lives. She sees herself as an ambassador for Ayurveda & Yoga in New Zealand. Her vision is to introduce these ancient sciences to modern society so others can live a more healthy, happy, and fulfilling life.

Saskia Herren

Saskia Herren is an expert in Latin language and literature who has taught and tutored courses in Roman history, Latin, and Ancient Greek language at the University of Auckland. She recently received her Master's in Ancient History with first-class honours from the University of Auckland. In 2020, Saskia was the Provost Scholar at Worcester College in Oxford where she researched Latin magical texts. Her research interests include representations of sexuality, gender, power, ethnicity, magic, and sex-work in Greek and Latin literature.

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.

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.

Sharon McLean

I embarked on my solo travel journey in 2012, and it all began with a leap of faith to Mexico. I was armed with little more than a spirit of adventure and no knowledge of Spanish. I decided to immerse myself fully for four transformative months, dedicating part of my time to volunteering in some out-of-the-way places. This experience allowed me to connect deeply with the country, its culture, and its incredible people. After volunteering, I stood at the edge of the unknown, wanting to experience more.

In those days, technology was limited—a simple visit to an internet café was my lifeline to stay connected. I would email home to let everyone know I was alive and check Facebook. There were no smartphones, online maps or travel websites to help me on my journey.

The Lonely Planet Guide was my trusty companion. It was a treasure trove of wisdom that inspired countless solo journeys, and everybody used it to plan their solo travel trips. Once I decided on my next destination, I would book my accommodation on the Hostelworld website.

 It was a wonderful feeling to arrive at a new destination and often reunite with fellow travellers I had met along the way. We would share our past adventures over food,  laughter and lessons learnt. We would sometimes plan a side trip together or agree to meet at another destination. I would also meet solo travellers going in the opposite direction, and we would share our travel tips and ideas about where to go and what to do. My confidence in myself and my solo travelling abilities began to grow.

Solo travel gave me the freedom and confidence to follow my heart. I could navigate my own path, making spontaneous and, at times, random choices without time constraints or the need to wait for others. Travelling as a solo female made me stronger and more aware of people, my surroundings, and situations where I found myself, as I was responsible and accountable for my choices.

Each encounter with people and a new destination boosted my confidence, helped me embrace the unknown, and ultimately led me to Guatemala for my final month in Central America.

Since that first journey, I’ve travelled solo to 28 countries. My world has been forever transformed by the adventures I've embraced, the connections I've made, and the courage I've discovered within myself.

Here’s to the beauty of stepping outside our comfort zones and the endless possibilities that await us when we dare to travel alone and “Explore the World Fearlessly”!  

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.

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.

Si Doo

I am from Thailand and have been living in NZ for nearly 30 years. I take great pleasure in cooking Thai food for my family, even though none of them are Thai. They love my country's food. I would love to share my passion and helps others learn how to prepare authentic Thai dishes, as they are not only delicious but also healthy.

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.

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.

Sophie Spittle

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.

Strahan Cole

I completed a Bachelor of Music with a Major in Popular Music in 2011.  As an experienced ukulele teacher, I offer a personalized approach to help you develop your skills, whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your technique. I specialize in making learning fun and accessible, with a focus on both technique and creativity.  I will guide you through playing chords, strumming patterns all while building your confidence on the instrument. Let's discover the magic of the ukulele together, one chord at a time!  

Strett Nicolson

Strett has been turning for eight years and tutors alongside others at S2 level and coordinates training at the South Auckland Woodturners Guild. He enjoys helping others learn, develop craft skills and achieve their best.

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.

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.

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.

Sushila Jaduram

I am originally from Fiji. My grandmother taught me how to cook traditional Fijian food, how to source the right ingredients and how to understand the spices. This has given me a passion for the food of Fiji and I would love to share this with my students.

Sushila Sharma

Teresita del Valle Garro Castro

Hello / Hola! My name is Teresita. I am a native Spanish teacher with more than 10 years of certified experience as a teacher.

I am from Argentina but have called New Zealand my home since 2018. I have two degrees: a Bachelor of Educational Psychology and a Teacher of Educational Psychology.

I have taught Spanish to students of different ages at all levels. My teaching experiences have been very positive and I realized how wonderful and gratifying it was to be able to share my own culture with the students and also something that fills me with happiness is to be able to see the progress of those students who start by just saying hello and now they can hold a conversation.

Terry Hobin

An Aucklander born and bred, Terry has been "stumbling along between the immensities" for seven decades. Along the way he developed a passion for his city, its people and history and is now committed to sharing its uniqueness with locals and visitors.

A graduate of Auckland University in Communications and Marketing, other interests include music, art, sport, travel and wine.

Following a lengthy competitions management career with the Auckland and Northern Football Federations, Terry's passion for history brought him into the guiding fraternity. He guides groups across the city sharing multitude stories and insights into who we are and where we are going as a city that now embraces cultures from all around the world. 

Terry has also developed a keen interest in the Maori and European history of Aotearoa New Zealand, having discovered through family history research that several 2x and 3x Great Grandparents were actively involved in the Waikato War of the 1860s.

Tess Moeke-Maxwell

Thiago Cagna

I have worked with sustainability since 2011 and started to make terrariums six years ago. I like the closed terrarium because I can see how nature behaves. I like to imagine that is how things would be in our planet without us.

Thomas Gregory

Tibor Matus

Tibor is an experienced chef who has been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. He worked in several Hungarian and Austrian restaurants before moving to New Zealand. He enjoys creating dishes that combine authentic flavours with a modern twist.

Tim Gasson

Tim currently teaches Hospitality and Food Technology fulltime at McAuley High School. Early life was spent between the Hospitality industry as a chef, barman/cellarman/caterer and youth worker, and latter life in secondary education.

Tipene Message

I am currently completing my degree in a Bachelor of Teaching in te reo Māori, and as part of this I have really enjoyed my placements within Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Maungarongo. I am really looking forward to being able to share my knowledge of te reo and encouraging each person on their learning journey. 

Tony Hailwood

Following 10 years as a mortgage advisor I left the industry to focus on coaching individuals with personal money management. With an increasing focus in the industry to build financial literacy, there was a gap between that knowledge and application. My goal was to create a program that could help individuals connect the knowledge to engagement.

Since 2014 I have assisted hundreds of individuals to become more actively engaged with their personal finances empowering them to achieve things they never thought possible.

Tony McNeight

Tutor of Graphic Design students at AUT. Travel Sketch tutor for three years. Advertising art director and commissioned painter, plus children's book illustrator and How to Sketch tutor. I teach because I love seeing the results people get that they never thought possible.

Troy Mentor

I have built a substantial career in hospitality over the last 25 years and have a wealth of experience working within the restaurants and cafes of Auckland and abroad.  My true passion however lies with travels to Mexico to indulge in their vibrant culture and especially tasting the beautiful, complex cuisine built up over the ages. 

I enjoy studying the heritage recipes from various regions of Mexico and have partaken in several cooking school experiences in Oaxaca amongst others to garner further experience in this space. 

Currently I live out on Auckland’s west coast at Piha where I enjoy surfing, long walks on the beach with my fiancé and listening to jazz. 

Trudy Van Zyl

I'm a Personal Stylist / Image Consultant who loves helping people to look their very best. I believe everyone has the ability to look great. It's just a matter of knowledge.  And, wow, how fantastic people look once they know what colours are right for them.

Tutor TBA

Ursula Utting

Gelatin plate printing is a wonderful way to play with printmaking at home with relative ease. The softness of the gelatin plates allows you to capture and print great detail and the results are impressive. With a background in design and an obsession with colour, gel plate printing allows me to play with these elements!

B.F.A Fashion Major, current student PGDip Creative Arts Therapies

Vanessa Manalo

As a qualified and experienced educator, I enjoy teaching, coaching, and developing people and giving them confidence in their strengths and abilities.

Known for my positive disposition, I have the ability to motivate those around me (colleagues and students) to be the best they can be. I believe in engagement and collaboration as a means of getting high value, high quality results; my work and results are always more than just the sum of the tasks I undertake.

Veronica Ferrer

I am originally from Colombia. I left Colombia in 2001 to go to Melbourne to finish my university studies in Business and Marketing. I moved to NZ in late 2016 and live in Warkworth. In early 2018 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the end of the year I decided to take some time off to properly recover and that is when I discovered my love for dots. On a trip to Colombia I fell in love with a gigantic lazy Susan decorated only with dots and took some classes then. I have always considered myself to be more analytical than artistic and dot painting has provided me with an outlet to explore my artistic side. I really love Dot Art and the world of possibilities that come with it. I find it very relaxing and even meditative. Although I have so far focused on what I call ‘Usable Art’ I am continuously looking for and trying new techniques and applications. I look forward to showing you the basic techniques I use and hope that you enjoy your time with me and leave feeling confident to start your own artistic journey.

Victoria Martinez Azaro

I always thought of the Fashion Industry as my industry. My great grandparents emigrated from Italy to Argentina in the 1900 bringing their textile knowledge and traditions with them. They built a life for themselves in the New World by weaving thick woollen blankets in their factory in Villa Alsina, Buenos Aires. My mother remembers going to Italy for six months in the 1940’s when she was only four years old while my grandfather acquired weaving machines and technical equipment and support for their factory in Argentina.

At age 18 I started my Fashion Design degree in The UBA, Universidad de Buenos Aires. That was the beginning of an exciting career in the fashion industry which saw me acting as a fashion stylist, fashion editor, fashion PR, fashion designer, fashion design lecturer, installation artist…and I fell in love with the process of telling my story through cloth. Also, the best part is that by traveling for work and for study within the industry I met my husband, then moved to New Zealand.

More recently, I have devoted myself to teaching and to my art/design practice. I became an advocate for immigrant women using cloth to tell their story, sustain their craft and celebrate their language and culture.

Sustaining and revaluing cultural practices through fashion has become a crusade of mine. It always was (unconsciously at the beginning) and will always be. Now, with the current fast fashion scenario I feel it’s a MUST to use my knowledge and experience to contribute to the fashion industry in a positive way, to sustain its production as a valuable tool and vehicle for collaboration, for exploration and communication of cultural identity, social awareness and memory, and above all for cultural appreciation in an way which is respectful of our precious planet boundaries and can be sustained for millions of years to come.

CV: Mother of three, fashion designer, fine artist, fashion design lecturer, fashion sustainability advocate, children’s books author/illustrator, passionate about sustaining textile crafts, creator of The Traveling Sewing Box Project (C), researcher of cultural value and  memory in textiles…

 Victoria's blog here

Vinay Gupta

Vinay is a self taught chef, combining a passion for food with a structured logic to his cooking. He has cooked in practically every country in Europe, picking up intricate skills and techniques along the way. He has also run his own cooking school and is passionate about teaching and inspiring people to get joy from their food.

Wanda Lis

I have recently completed the camino so have lots of relevant tips and info to share with you. As I plan to undertake another camino soon, you may even see me on the trail. Buen camino!

Wayne Lloyd

I have had over 25 years’ experience as an IELTS and ESOL teacher, examiner, and trainer. My IELTS experience extends not only in New Zealand but all around the world with postings in Indonesia, Colombia, Japan, and Vietnam. I am well known and an expert in this field with a mission and a passion to share my knowledge to others. I believe face to face classes covering the strategies and skills needed with direct feedback on writing is essential.

Student comment July 2024: 

Good afternoon,

I would like to send this email to express my congratulations on the courses you offer. Since the beginning of the year, I have been participating in your English courses.

Firstly, I would like to mention Wayne, who is an excellent teacher and has demonstrated a solid knowledge of IELTS. Moreover, he has an exceptional ability to explain difficult concepts clearly. His patience and ability to adapt lessons according to different learning styles ensure that all students can understand the content. He is without a doubt a great teacher, and I would recommend everyone to take IELTS classes with him.

Secondly, Christine. Through dynamic activities and games, she motivated us to improve our pronunciation. Her experience inspires us to travel more and to have more confidence when speaking English. Finally, the teacher who replaced Christine in the pronunciation class was excellent in my opinion. Although I only had one class with her, I could clearly appreciate her knowledge and experience.

Thank you for offering such enriching courses and for having such dedicated and talented teachers.

Best regards, FP

Yu Takano

I’m a Japanese pastry chef and mum. I have been living New Zealand for 5 years and I run a small patisserie business from home. I hope to share my love of baking with you all.

Yvonne van Dongen

Yvonne van Dongen has been a travel editor and writer for over 20 years. She's edited the travel section of the largest newspaper in New Zealand as well as the country's first dedicated glossy travel magazine. She's worked at Conde Nast Traveler in New York. Yvonne has won numerous travel writing awards including a fellowship to study travel writing at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom.

Yvonne has a BA in English & Religious Studies, as well as a post-graduate diploma of Journalism from the University of Canterbury. In 2016 she did an MA in Creative Writing at the IIML in Wellington. She also teaches travel writing at the University of Auckland, and lives in Auckland City.