I am absolutely thrilled to be introducing myself as the Principal of Rūnanga School. My name is Jessica (Jess) Lees, though the students refer to me as 'Miss Lees'.

I am originally from the United Kingdom, where I began my teaching career. In 2019, I made the life-changing decision to move to New Zealand. I spent my first months here travelling around the country in my campervan, exploring the stunning landscapes from the rolling hills to the pristine coastlines. It was during this adventure that I completely fell in love with Aotearoa's natural beauty, the warmth of its communities, and the unique educational opportunities this country offers. I knew then that this was somewhere I wanted to make my home and continue my professional journey.

I have been teaching for nine years, bringing with me a wealth of experience from both the English and New Zealand education systems. Starting my career in England provided me with a strong foundation in teaching practices, which I have continued to build upon since arriving in New Zealand. This dual perspective has enriched my understanding of different educational approaches and strengthened my ability to create inclusive, effective learning environments for all students.

My partner and I relocated to the beautiful West Coast last year, and we have embraced every aspect of life in this remarkable region. From the rugged coastlines to the welcoming community spirit, we feel incredibly fortunate to call this place home. The West Coast's unique character and the tight-knit nature of its communities align perfectly with my educational values and vision for Rūnanga School.

I am a dedicated educator with a passion for supporting every child to flourish, grow, and succeed—not just academically, but as confident, well-rounded individuals. I believe that every student has unique strengths and potential, and it is our privilege as educators to nurture these qualities while providing the support they need to overcome challenges.

Throughout my career, I have always placed tremendous importance on open, honest communication with students, whānau, and the wider school community. My door is always open—whether you have concerns, ideas, questions, or simply want to have a chat about your child's progress. I firmly believe that strong partnerships between school and home are essential for student success, and I am committed to building and maintaining these relationships with every family at Rūnanga School.

Please do not hesitate to get in contact—I welcome your input, your questions, and your partnership as we work together to create the best possible learning environment for every child in our Kura.

My name is Ilse Verburgh and I teach Coal Creek, our junior class.

Born and raised in Pretoria, South Africa, I qualified at university with a bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology.  For the first half of my career, I practiced as a Speech Therapist.  Having also completed a post graduate certificate in Teaching,  I have been in the classroom in various schools for the latter part of my career.

Sharing my love for languages, sciences, reading and art with the students brings me great joy.

In my own time, I enjoy doing sewing and reading. My husband, four children and two grandchildren are also in the queue for a bit of my attention.

I’m Tayla and I'm the new face you will see in the office in 2026!

I have fond memories of spending time in the Rūnanga community visiting my grandparents and have made it my home with my husband and two children for the last 7 years.

I am a volunteer firefighter for the local fire brigade and have already built positive relationships with some of the tamariki as a fire cadet leader.

A few fun facts, my daughter is the fourth generation of my family to attend Rūnanga School with my mother, grandfather and great grandmother also being past pupils, my great aunty was also previously the school administrator.

I am excited to be part of the bright future of Rūnanga School and look forward to welcoming you and your whānau into our wonderful school!

Kia ora e te whānau, I'm Larrae Duncan.

 I have been a teacher aide at Rūnanga School for the past 6 years. I enjoy working with the tamariki at our kura and love celebrating their successes, whether they are big or small. 

During my time at Rūnanga School I have developed my skillset so I can be more confident in my role as a teacher aide. I am delighted to say that as of 2026, I have been granted a 3 year Limited Authority to Teach and I am looking forward to learning new things and working along our teachers and students in a teaching role. 

I am super excited to continue watching Rūnanga School grow and expand. In my spare time you can find me at the beach, up bush exploring 4WD tracks with our friends or at the lake enjoying time with my family.