Our Staff

Trish Blair

Principal

principal@runanga.school.nz

My name is Trish Blair, I have been a staff member at Rūnanga since 2007 and I am now the principal.

I am passionate about creating an environment that supports children to become curious, enthusiastic learners and communicators. I believe that healthy positive relationships are the basis for learning. By focussing on our children’s well being and social development we can help them grow the resilience and confidence they need to face life’s challenges. 

Ilse Verburgh

Room 3

Ilse@runanga.school.nz

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.


Carolyn Straker

Administration/Secretary

office@runanga.school.nz

Hi, I'm Carolyn Straker and I'm the Office Administrator here at Runanga School.  I do the Accounts and lots of other jobs as needed.  In my spare time I do embroidery, biking and reading.

Teacher Aides

Renae Shaw  

Larrae Duncan

Bram de Vries

Cleaner

Bronwyn Bentley