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Senior Leadership
Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei
Tihei Mauri Ora
Tena koutou katoa kua tae mai nei
Ki te tautoko te kaupapa o tenei wa
No reira tēnā koutou tēnā koutou tēnā tatou katoa
I take the position of Tumuaki at ANI very seriously and with great responsibility. We have an amazing community which ensures that we are all striving to reach our individual best. Whether that be in the classroom, on the field/court, or in the cultural/arts side of our environment. I enjoy supporting and encouraging both our kaiako and tauira to be the best they can be. I have been teaching for 25 years and have been involved in many activities both in the sporting field and also with service activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh, and William Pike Challenge. I am passionate about physical activity and for me, anything on the water fills my cup. I look forward to connecting with you about how we continue to make our wonderful school grow even better. My door is always open so please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sawubona, Vanakkam, Namaskaram, and Kia ora koutou katoa. I am Dillon Rungan, the new Deputy Principal at Auckland Normal Intermediate (ANI). I am a third-generation born South African Indian, and I moved to New Zealand when I was 15 years old. I bring 16 years of leadership and curriculum experience from the Normal School network, most recently serving as Deputy Principal at Epsom Normal Primary School for the last seven years. My core drive, "To be inspired by creativity, nurtured by the community, & empowered by strengths to be a critical problem-solver", shapes my collaborative and professional leadership approach. I hold a Master of Education (Hons.) from the University of Auckland and have a strong focus on professional growth, with my thesis centred on Mentoring Middle Leaders in New Zealand primary schools. I have extensive experience in curriculum design, assessment, and reporting, and am committed to current, evidence-based teaching, such as the Curriculum Refresh.
I am enthusiastic about applying my deep understanding of the primary curriculum to the Year 7-8 environment andworking with the ANI team toward achieving the school's strategic goals. I truly believe in celebrating successes, sharing the workload, and always keeping people at the heart of every decision. As a leader of learning, I particularly enjoy collaborating to create engaging learning opportunities for students, whānau, and staff. I look forward to forming and sustaining a strong partnership with the ANI School community. Please feel welcome to say hello when you see me around—I am looking forward to building new partnerships with the students, staff, and wider community.
Year 7 Totara Team
My name is Jadyn Jones, and this is my second year of being privileged to teach at ANI. I was born and raised in Auckland and completed a Graduate Diploma in Teaching following a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Prior to teaching, I spent five years running Tamaki Weather Services in the meteorological space. This was an experience that strengthened my problem-solving skills and deepened my appreciation for science and the natural world.
I am passionate about supporting ākonga to make meaningful connections in their learning and to grow as curious, capable, and confident young people. I believe the intermediate years are a pivotal time for students as they develop their identity, independence, and sense of belonging, and I feel privileged to support them during this stage of their learning journey.
Alongside classroom teaching, I am excited to help coordinate basketball this year and support students to engage in sport, teamwork, and develop skills beyond the classroom.
Outside of school, I enjoy bouldering, movies, and being creative, shooting film photography. I love spending time outdoors and travelling, and have been fortunate to visit over 20 countries, with Mexico and Nepal being particular favourites. I live in Auckland with my family and two energetic dogs.
I look forward to continuing to build strong relationships with students and whānau, and contributing positively to the wider ANI learning community."
Kia ora! My name is Rosie Over. I am very excited to be joining the ANI whanaū as a beginning teacher. I grew up in beautiful Taupō, amongst the mountains and the lake, but have lived in Tamaki Makaurau for the past 5 years.
I am passionate about the arts and creativity, having grown up in a family of artists. I hope to bring a love of the arts to my students. I am dedicated to sustainability and the environment, and look forward to inspiring the ākonga in these important life skills.
To me, teaching is about helping the students to find their passions and interests, to find enjoyment and engagement both in and out of school. Building strong relationships with students so that they feel safe, valued and supported in my classroom is very important to me. I hope to foster well-rounded lifelong learners who are curious, creative and empathetic citizens.
Outside of work, I love to read a good book and try out all sorts of crafts. I have recently taken up knitting and have a jersey and a pair of socks on the go for next winter!! My study in Ancient History has led me to enjoy spending an afternoon in a museum, or you may find me at the art gallery on a Sunday morning.
Year 7 Kauri Team
My name is Jaimee Lightfoot, and I am the Room 1 teacher here at Auckland Normal Intermediate. I am extremely passionate about health and wellbeing and excited to be driving this area of learning across our kura. I enjoy creating a learning environment where students feel safe to explore, take risks, and learn from their experiences. Growing up in a large family taught me the importance of strong relationships and community, which shapes the way I connect with my students. I love working with intermediate-aged learners during this exciting stage of growth and discovery, and I am committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and inspiring space where every student can thrive. Ngā mihinui.
Kia ora,
My name is Tash McMillan, and I’m excited to be joining the team at Auckland Normal Intermediate this year. I grew up in Rotorua, surrounded by whānau and community, and now proudly call Auckland my home. As a teacher new to ANI, I’m looking forward to building strong connections with our students, staff, and families.
I’m passionate about creating an inclusive and supportive classroom environment where every learner feels valued, respected, and inspired to reach their full potential. I believe in celebrating diversity, encouraging curiosity, and fostering a love for lifelong learning.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy exploring new places, spending time with friends and whānau, and making the most of the beautiful outdoors that Aotearoa has to offer. I’m really looking forward to an exciting year ahead filled with learning, growth, and shared success.
Ngā mihi nui
Kia ora koutou. Ko Chaitali King ahau. I am delighted to be joining the ANI whānau as a Year 7 teacher in 2026.
I was born in India and have called New Zealand home for more than twenty-five years. My husband, my son and I live in beautiful Tāmaki Makaurau, and as a family we love exploring new places, trying new foods and learning about different cultures. Travel has always been a big part of my life; I have lived and worked in New York, Toronto, Sydney, London, Mumbai and Auckland, and have travelled widely across the world. Spain holds a special place in my heart, I speak Spanish and love its language, warmth and rich cultural life. There is still so much of the world I look forward to discovering.
Before teaching, I spent over twenty years working in film and television, a career that took me across continents and allowed me to collaborate with creative people from many backgrounds. While I cherished that chapter, teaching has always been my first calling. I am passionate about being around young minds, their curiosity, their energy and their eagerness to explore new ideas inspire me every day. My son is close in age to our intermediate learners, so I understand the excitement, challenges and rapid growth that characterise this transitional stage. It is a time where identity, confidence and independence begin to take shape, and I feel privileged to support students as they navigate that journey.
Academically, I hold a Master’s degree and a Postgraduate teaching qualification. I have a strong interest in English, Social Sciences, Digital Technology and languages, and I love the discipline, curiosity and challenge that learning invites. I am also keen to be involved in drama, speech and performance opportunities, encouraging students to find their voices and express themselves confidently.
I was drawn to ANI because of its strong, future-focused learning culture, its commitment to the IB Primary Years Programme, and its reputation for high expectations and diverse, globally minded learners. The school’s blend of academic rigour, wellbeing and inquiry aligns strongly with my own values. I admire ANI’s competitive, aspirational spirit and am excited to contribute to a community that encourages students to think boldly, inquire deeply and take pride in their achievements.
Outside the classroom, sport is a big part of my life. Cricket is in my blood; I love both watching and playing. I alsoenjoy tennis, and I recently took up squash to keep up with my son. Football is another passion, and I’m a loyal Manchester City fan. When I’m not on a court or field, you’ll often find me in the kitchen cooking Mediterranean or Asian dishes, planning my next travel adventure, or at the movies. I aim to go two to three times a month. I’m also keen to learn woodwork and enjoy picking up new skills simply for the joy of it.
I am genuinely excited to be joining ANI, to learn alongside our students and staff, and to be part of a community that values curiosity, creativity and connection.
Year 8 Matai Team
Kia ora Whānau, Ko Sanha McGill tōku ingoa. I have been a teacher for over 10 years and am thrilled to be a kaiako at ANI, the very same Intermediate school I once attended. My teaching philosophy is grounded in creating a culturally responsive learning environment where every tamaiti feels valued, empowered, and inspired to succeed. I aim to equip my tamariki with the skills to become meta cognitive learners, to understand their own thinking, take ownership of their learning, and use effective strategies to grow as confident, independent learners. I am passionate about fostering a classroom community where students can thrive both socially and academically.
The following whakataukī holds an incredibly special place in my heart and guides my approach to teaching:
Ko te Tamaiti te Pūtake o te Kaupapa. The Child – the Heart of the Matter
Kia ora, my name is Leon Ziyambi. I am the classroom teacher of Room 20 and the Maths In-School Leader. I joined ANI in 2024. Before moving to New Zealand, I taught in South Africa for over a decade and was proud to serve on several school leadership teams. I hold a Master’s degree in Education and have enjoyed supporting learners across a wide range of year levels. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child can learn, and I am passionate about creating an inclusive classroom where students feel confident, valued, and encouraged to take risks in their learning. Helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally, and watching their confidence flourish, is what makes teaching so rewarding. Outside the classroom, I enjoy playing tennis, jogging, reading, swimming, and exploring new places. I cherish spending quality time with my family, sharing adventures big and small. I’m excited to work with our learners and whānau this year to create a learning environment that is engaging, supportive, and inspiring for every student.
Hello everyone! My name is Tamaryn Du Plessis, and I’m really excited to be joining Auckland Normal Intermediate. I was born and raised in South Africa, where I discovered my love for teaching intermediate-aged learners. I have a strong interest in literacy and numeracy, and I enjoy supporting students to build confidence in these foundations through clear, engaging, and hands-on learning. Working with intermediate-aged learners is a joy - they’re curious, energetic, and full of ideas. Building positive, trusting relationships is at the heart of my teaching. I aim to create a classroom where students feel supported, valued, and willing to take risks in their learning. I’m also continuing to grow my practice and enjoy finding ways to make learning meaningful and connected to real life. Outside the classroom, I love exploring new places, staying active, and spending time with my husband and family. We are excited to make New Zealand our new home, and I feel very grateful to be joining such a welcoming and collaborative school community. I’m looking forward to a great year ahead at ANI.
Year 8 Rimu Team
Croeso! Kia ora! My name is Kayleigh Hughes, and I am the teacher of Room 9. I am originally from Wales, which is where I grew up with my parents and my sister. I started my teaching career in the UK, where I taught in England and Wales. I have also been lucky enough to teach English in Cambodia. I have been in Auckland for 7 year,s and I am now calling it my home. I am passionate about fostering a love for learning and cultivating a classroom culture that values respect, collaboration, and curiosity. I am a firm believer of students being life-long learners and I look forward to all the achievements and success we will have together. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy travelling, exploring new places in New Zealand, hiking/walking, reformer pilates and just genuinely being active! I also enjoy getting stuck into a goodbook. I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you throughout this coming year.
Greetings! Or as they say in isiZulu, “Sawubona,” which means “I see you”. My name is Janine Noble and I am from the beautiful east coast of South Africa, with golden beaches leading into the warm Indian Ocean. I have a brilliant older sister in Edinburgh and a wonderful younger brother here in Auckland – and yes, being the middle child provided an excellent grounding in cooperation and mediation. I love learning almost as much as I love teaching and am a dedicated bookworm – sadly an increasingly endangered species, but I hope to do my part to ensure its continued survival and flourishing. The intermediate school years are an exciting period of growing independence and self-discovery while navigating increasingly important peer relationships. In addition to content knowledge and skills, my goal is to support students’ character development and their ability to successfully manage themselves, navigate friendship challenges, and safeguard their own well-being. It is inspiring to see the unique strengths each child brings to the learning environment and to be continually challenged by their curiosity and intelligent questions. When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy walking (especially in nature) and swimming (when the water isn’t too cold).
Guten Tag and hello, my name is Selina Striebich, and I am thrilled to be joining the Rimu team this year. I grew up in Southern Germany and moved to beautiful Aotearoa in December 2022 - I am still incredibly grateful to be here! I graduated with my Master of Arts and a State Examination in 2015 and have been teaching years 5 to 10 in both Germany and Bolivia. To me, teaching is about exciting the students with knowledge, to guide them to find their own way and grow into strong and open-minded adults. Building a relationship with my students is important to me as learning always requires a safe atmosphere and trust. I will be teaching in room 12 and can't wait to get to know the tamariki. In my free time, I enjoy doing Zumba or reading a good book at the beach - any recommendations are welcome! Skiing and exploring the world, especially New Zealand, are also a passion of mine. After moving to New Zealand, I also got into scuba diving, so if you can't find me, just follow the bubbles... I am looking forward to a great year!
My Name is Stuart Nicol and I am excited to be joining the Totara team at ANI for 2025. I grew up in Auckland but spent a couple of years travelling around the world when I was younger. I have taken a 3-year break from teaching to pursue a business opportunity that arose. I am excited to return to teaching though. I previously taught years 5 & 6 at a couple of schools in Auckland and I have also had experience working with High School students more recently as well. My approach to teaching is definitely to encourage students to learn their own skills and strengths and develop independence in a safe and creative environment. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the cinema, playing a bit of disc golf or riding my bike. I have a dog at home who often comes running with me so if you see us out around Mt Eden just give us a wave! Looking forward to a fun year!
Kia Ora. To all parents and colleagues, please call me Shay; to students, Mr Shi. I am very excited to continue my journey at ANI from 2025 and to be part of your child’s next learning journey this year. Prior to joining ANI, I taught at a neighbouring primary school for eight years and a West Auckland intermediate school for two and a half years. My wife and I live in Mt Albert with our three children – one high schooler, one starting intermediate school and the youngest one will be a new entrant later this year. In my very limited spare time, I find pleasure in playing table tennis, playing the guitar, reading a book, or going hiking with my family. Professionally, I believe every child has talents and potential, and my job is to assist them to achieve the best they can and to maximise the fun in learning along the way. Please get in touch if you have any questions, or want to have a chat about how I could assist your child to realise their learning ambitions. Together, I look forward to creating some great memories with the Room 8 students this year!
Kia ora. I am excited to be a student teacher in Room 12 this year as part of the School Onsite Training Programme. What I love about working with young people is their infectious enthusiasm as well as the many opportunities for creative problem-solving. My professional background is in film and television production. I am drawn to adventure and enjoy immersing myself in different cultures. I’ve lived in Argentina, Colombia, and Australia. In my spare time, I obsessively check surf forecasts as I love to surf.
Kōwhai Team (Specialists)
Kia Ora, I am Jacob Markham, I was a Year 8 classroom teacher at ANI and moved into the Kowhai team as a Design Technology Teacher where I guide students through the design process and create meaningful real-life experiences. I believe that hands-on learning allows students to interact with the surrounding world, building lifelong knowledge and skills.
I come from a family of teachers, having 2 sisters currently teaching at high schools and a mother who taught primary school, (she was even unfortunate enough to teach me). I grew up in the South Island on a farm just outside of Timaru where I spent most of my spare time outside riding my bike, herding sheep, playing cricket, and building huts. I worked as a Land Surveyor in Timaru for 8 years before heading to London where I ended up working in a school for autistic children. This encouraged me to study and brought me to Auckland where I slaved in the hot sun as a landscaper while studying for a Primary Education Bachelor's degree.
I was fortunate enough to do my final placement at ANI where I have remained since and am very excited to be leading the specialist team this year. When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy skateboarding, walking, upcycling furniture, and spending time with friends and family. I am looking forward to the fun and challenges of the year ahead.
Release Team
Kiwi Team
Tēnā koutou, ko Anna MacLeod tōku ingoa. I’m delighted to be returning as a counsellor at ANI in 2026. Before moving into counselling, I worked as a teacher and completed my Graduate Diploma of Teaching in 2012 at the Epsom campus next door.
In my counselling practice, I work in a strengths-based, client-centred way, tailoring my approach to meet each student’s individual needs. Originally from Dunedin, I spent two years overseas and seven years in Wellington before settling in Auckland 16 years ago. While I still love visiting the South Island with my family, Tāmaki now very much feels like home.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my children and whānau, getting outdoors to exercise, seeing live music, and cooking. You will often see me at school with River, our Bernese Mountain Dog, who loves cuddles and is unsureabout automatic doors. I’m looking forward to meeting both new and familiar faces this year. I will be at school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays - please feel free to pop in and say hi!
BA, GradDipTch, PGDipCouns, MCouns (in progress), Registered Teacher NZAC (Provisional)
River is a gentle Bernese Mountain Dog who takes his role as a therapy dog very seriously. He is thoughtful, observant, and only a teeny bit worried about unexpected beeps (and automatic doors), but is working hard on his bravery and resilience every day.
River loves going for walks and having a good, long nap at his second home, ANI. He has a special talent for knowing when someone needs him to sit on their feet for comfort, and when it’s better to give a bit of space. He believes this is very important work.
You might see River around school with our counsellor, Anna, and he may even lean on you while you give him a nice head scratch.
Kia Ora, My name is Ula and I have worked in ANI school for many years. I am very proud to have had the opportunity to work with such outstanding colleagues and be a part of the ANI family. I did my undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the UK and lived in Newcastle for many years. I came to New Zealand to study another education program. Painting and reading are my favourite hobbies in my spare time, and I spend a lot of time on these things. Travelling is also one of my favourite activities. I also regularly participate in volunteer activities every month to pass on the love. I'm mainly responsible for enrolments, attendance, and after-school classes. Working in the education industry for many years, I am full of enthusiasm, patience and have a positive attitude towards my work. I always try my best to help students and parents with their problems and give them professional advice when they ask for help. I believe this rich working experience can help me to provide a better range of services.
Hi, my name is Bruce Banbury and I am the Property Manager at ANI.
Kia ora koutou! I am Olivia Harrison, the school Librarian at Auckland Normal Intermediate. A devoted and passionate bibliophile, I have worked in public libraries and bookshops for over four years, and I also have experience working as both a relief teacher and a music teacher. I’m originally from Arkansas in the United States, but decided to move to Aotearoa to complete my Master of Music degree. I am so excited to join the ANI whānau and help students ignite their passion for reading!
Kia Ora! My name is Rey, and I’m working at ANI as a student counsellor while I study at the University of Auckland. I am a queer person of colour who moved to New Zealand from India 10 years ago. I love working alongside children and come from a preschool background. I have a strengths-based, pluralistic and person-centred philosophy that welcomes diverse experiences. In my free time, I enjoy reading, getting cat cuddles and spending time with friends.
Tui Team
Kia ora! My name is Imama Iqbal, and I am thrilled to be joining the ANI team as a Teacher Aide. I have recently completed a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Drama from the University of Auckland and am deeply passionate about working with children and supporting them to feel confident, capable, and engaged in their learning. I bring a positive, energetic approach to the classroom and love building genuine connections with students while helping create a warm and encouraging environment. Outside of school, I enjoy painting, playing football, spending time at the beach, being around dogs, and making the most of time with my family and friends. I am truly excited to be part of the ANI community and to support students on their learning journeys.
My name is Sacha and I’m very pleased to be joining such a great school.
I have over 9 years experience working as a Teacher Aide, and I have 2 sons who have been to ANI.
It is a joy to work with children and I love helping students to access their learning in ways that help them to enjoy school and feel good about themselves.
Before working as a Teacher Aide and having my own kids, I had a Marketing career. Outside of work, I love spending time with my own children, doing puzzles, family games, bike rides, tennis and going to the beach. I am an artist and so my kids have grown up painting and creating. I also love to keep fit for overall well-being, and we are an active family.
I look forward to working with your beautiful tamariki and helping them on their learning journeys.
Kia ora, my name is Peter, and I’m excited to join ANI this year. I’m originally from Liverpool, in the UK, but have also lived in Germany, Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand was the clear winner! I’ve been a teacher aide for 13 years, joining the education world after finishing my degree in History, and I am passionate about helping students. I’m a big fan of sports, especially cricket and badminton, as well as being outdoorsy and exploring the world. I’m looking forward to making connections with the ANI community and having a wonderful year!
