

Welcome

Michaela Phillips
Principal
Kia Orana e te au metua e te iti tangata - Apii Te Uki Ou, e kāinga no te au tamariki ei akapapa i to rātou ora’anga ki mua.
At Apii Te Uki Ou we believe childhood should be full of joy, curiosity, and discovery. Our tamariki are at the heart of everything we do, and we are proud to provide a safe, nurturing environment where they can grow with confidence.
A special character of our school is our commitment to inclusive education – we embrace every child, valuing their unique strengths, needs, and identities.
A cornerstone of our school is the celebration of Cook Islands reo, peu Māori, and our cultural identity. We want our children to be proud of who they are, to walk confidently in their language and culture, and to see these values woven through their learning every day. Alongside this, we provide a balanced and high-quality education that ensures our students thrive academically, socially, and creatively.
Apii Te Uki Ou is more than just a school – it is a family. From ECE right through to Year 9, our children experience a sense of belonging and continuity that supports them at every stage of their learning journey.
“Tamariki no teia rā, e arataki no te au tuatau ki mua.”
Children of today are the leaders of tomorrow.
We warmly invite you to be part of our Apii Te Uki Ou family.
Meet Our Staff

Liz Cribb

Kahurangi Poa

Saireni Pekepo - Poila
Deputy Principal
Junior College Leader
Sports Co-Ordinator
Yr 9 Teacher - Tavake

Gardenia Rouru
Te Reo Maori and Culture

Carleen Ashford
Yr 5/6 Teacher - Kopeka

Debs Lyttle
Junior Team Leader
Teacher Yr 2 - Kakerori
Literacy Lead

Kathy Lagoudis
Lead Teacher - Kura

Tina Mitchell
Office Manager

Jon Monga
Coach - PE, Health and Technology

Bea Taripo- Prestidge
Assistant Principal
Middle Team Leader
Yr 5/6 Teacher - Kaoko

Roberta Murray
Yr 7/8 Teacher - Kota'a
Maths & Technology Lead
Lydia Hammersley
Yr 3/4 Teacher - Kukupa
Library Lead

Kiana Marino
Yr 1 Teacher - Kuriri

Natasha Tafa Maoate
Teacher Kura

Christine Mose
Accounts Manager

Mia Bob
Learning Support Assistant

Maddy Spurle-Lowe
Culture Leader
Culture and Te Reo Teacher

Terrie Monteath
Yr 7/8 Teacher - Kota'a
Arts & Gala Lead

Sheena Naik
Yr 3 Teacher Kotuku

Shanna Kamana
Y0 Teacher - Karavia

Mary Bagnell
Primary Art & Learning Support Teacher

Nicole Warwick
Office Assistant

Ursula Puia
Learning Support Assistant

Normavina Pepe
Learning Support Assistant

Marie Witehira-Strickland
Learning Support Assistant
Learning Support Assistant

Olympia Karora
Learning Support Assistant
Learning Support Assistant

Jordayn Matutu
Learning Support Assistant
Who will be our next amazing member
Ursula Puia
Learning Support Assistant
Learning Support Assistant