Aaron Brunet

Plant-based for four years, Aaron has been on a life-changing journey of discovery after Masterchef. Now he's ready to share his enthusiasm for enjoying food and life in a whole new way. www.aaronbrunet.co.nz

Ahilla Fares

I am Ahilla Fares, born in Syria, and currently residing in New Zealand for nearly two years. Previously, I lived in Lebanon for over 11 years, where I had the privilege of teaching Arabic to foreigners. Being a native Arabic speaker, I am passionate about sharing my language and breaking down language barriers. Teaching has been a rewarding experience, and I am eager to continue fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for Arabic among learners.

Aicha Bawadekji

I'm a software engineer, a mom, and a passionate home cook from Syria, where I grew up surrounded by rich, authentic flavours. Cooking has always been a joy for me, and my dishes have become favourites among family and friends. Through this course, I want to share the original taste of Syrian home-cooked meals, bringing the warmth and depth of our cuisine to others. Teaching these recipes allows me to connect my love for food with my heritage, and I hope to inspire others to enjoy cooking as much as I do.

Aidan Wallace

Aidan Wallace is a science and physics teacher with a passion for the environment. As the teacher in charge of the sustainability group at Glendowie College, Aidan had coordinated many projects in the school including creating an ecological corridor, and initiating pest-trapping. Aidan's enthusiasm for making a difference with climate change education is contagious!

Aisling Cavanagh

Aj Fata

Alasdair Scott

After 20 years in the corporate world, Alasdair ditched the suits and ties for an apron and the satisfaction of passing on artistic knowledge.

Alasdair has been running Soft stone sculpting workshops for over 10 years, from his Studio in the Upper Waiwera Valley between Puhoi and Silverdale. More recently he has run several sculpting workshops at Sculptureum Sculpture Park, in Omaha.

Of the soft stone sculpture process, Alasdair says, “A lot of people often have a dim view of their creative abilities. But with the right instruction and a bit of prompting, virtually everyone of my sculpting clients come away with a sculpture they are proud of. Soft stone sculpting is the process of reduction, your sculpture is in the block you start with, you just have to reveal it. I have the tools, the knowledge and the experience to help you reveal your piece of art.”

Being interested in the process of reduction from an early age, Alasdair started his sculpting journey carving figurines from candles, before turning his attention to wood. About 25 years ago he attended his first soft stone sculpting workshop and was immediately taken with the process. He has since sculpted many pieces that now adorn the 10 acre lifestyle block he shares with his wife Fiona and their two Airedale terriers Ruby and Rosie.

Alysn Midgelow-Marsden

I love to share my experimental, improvisational approaches and am an internationally acknowledged artist, curator, tutor and author. I specialise in a range of unusual materials such as metals, paper, wire and paint, and not for nothing is my blog called ‘Alysnsburntofferings’ as my techniques include burning, hammering, patinating and distressing (amongst others). Stitching and embellishing are not forgotten and are used freely and expressively. Designs and inspiration are often drawn from natural patterns and textures in addition to a fascination with the history and context of materials and techniques.

Amanda Fe Echevarria

Amanda Fe Echevarria is a professional visual artist, art educator and curator currently completing her post-graduate degree in Creative Art Therapy. She has more than 15 years of teaching experience in different settings. Teaching the use of paper clay as a painting medium has been part of her art courses being offered in her workshop centre back home in the Philippines. This way of painting is so popular in her country that they hold national competitions in this medium. This painting technique creates vibrant and striking images without having to use paintbrushes.

Two years in university working as a lecturer, five years teaching Fashion Illustration and Fashion History in the Fashion Institute of Artand Design (FIDA) Philippines, 15 years teaching in my own art studio / workshop.

M.A. in Art Education from Boston University, USA.

Amanda Warren

I am passionate about living and partnering with nature; growing my own food, preparing it waste free and the constant learning about plants, health and the amazing system of life. My garden is my super-happy place and I love to share it with others. I have been opening my garden for several years now and never cease to be amazed how transformative it can be for those who are new to living with a completely organic garden.
As a landscape designer and a permaculturist, my focus is on blending practical functionality with beauty as I know that beauty awakens love and caring and if this beauty can provide sustenance for me, my friends and whanau and the myriad beings of nature then we are all truly gifted. 

BA Landscape Architecture (UK)
Diploma Organic Horticulture (Whiteria Polytechnic)
Permaculture Design Certificate
Diploma in Permaculture
Certificate in Regenerative Practice Roles
Co-chair of PiNZ (Permaculture in NZ)
Immediate past president of St Heliers Garden Club Founder of www.giftthegarden.org.nz
Founder of the www.sustainablegardentrail.org.nz
Wadhamville Garden For Wellbeing is one of the 20 or so chosen gardens in this year’s Auckland Garden Design Fest
 

Amber Dixon

Amber has been crocheting for 28 years and is a certified instructor with the Craft Yarn Council and American Crochet Association. Amber teaches the US terminology of crochet, however she will also provide information on the UK terminology, explain the differences and how to interpret patterns accordingly.

Amber Emm

I am a professional artist selling through several galleries in Auckland and overseas. I have been teaching adults painting for 25yrs running four classes a week with 50 students.

Anda Handayani

The course will be led by Nurul Handayani known as Anda, a linguistics graduate with extensive experience in teaching Bahasa Indonesia. Having taught language and culture to expatriates at international companies and embassies in Jakarta and Bali for over seven years, as well as in Brussels, Belgium, Anda brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique, engaging approach to the course.

Andre Taber

André is a researcher and writer who left behind the world of food journalism (freelance reporting, feature writing and restaurant reviewing for several outlets, two books on New Zealand food) to specialise in food history. He has previously worked as Tour guide at Eat Auckland for more than three years.

Andrea Waterhouse

I have always had a love of art, be it flowering arranging, writing, silk painting or working with resin. I get a tremendous amount of satisfaction helping people express their unique talents and discover that there is an artist in each and every one of us.

Andrew Clark-Howard

Dr Andrew Clark-Howard is a Pākehā scholar who works at the University of Auckland and St Johns Theological College. He holds a PhD in theology and religious studies from Charles Sturt University and lives with his partner Steph in Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Andrew Ockleston

I've worked as a portraitist for five years, as well as exhibiting my own work. After finishing my studies at animation college, I have spent several years tutoring adults and children in art, and have tutored at Selwyn Community Education since 2019.

Angella Gilbert

Angella Gilbert - Organising & Decluttering Expert

Angella believes one of the keys to a joyful life is living in harmony, with our environment, within our working day, and in our home. Angella’s passion for helping others achieve this brings her joy. 

Having lived abroad for 15 years, she quickly found that the necessities of life were few and the pleasures of a simplified life were many. Italy became her second home for over eight years and as she became fluent in the language, she discovered the immense appeal of a country where its people live and love each and every day with an exuberance and passion that is enviable. That’s the passion Angella brings to her business and her life.

Angella has an extensive background in business management in a number of industries including telecommunications, travel, management consulting, real estate and business broking. This experience, gained over many years in Australia, London and Italy, and in her home city of Auckland, has contributed to Angella’s innate talent for creating organised systems and processes that work, both in the home and in business.

She established Gioia in 2005 to provide her services to people living in overwhelmingly cluttered and disorganised homes.  Since that time she has worked alongside hundreds of clients in their homes, helping them to declutter, downsize, solve storage problems, and ultimately creating lovely relaxing and harmonious living environments.

 “I believe we all want our home to be a warm and inviting haven. If the home is organised and cleared of clutter it becomes a welcoming environment where we can truly relax and allow the tensions of the day to disappear.”

Her business clients enjoy the benefit of feeling in control that comes once order is established and simple practices are put in place to have their business running smoothly.

“To have your business day flow with ease is a joy. Once processes and systems are in place, everything becomes simplified and daily activities can be handled quickly and without stress, allowing us to perform at our best.”

Ann Craig

I am interested in art experiences that require reflection and resolution. Ex-voto painting has a long history initially religion based and in modern times used by everyday people to record and explore their unique experiences and outcomes. Frida Kahlo is an excellent example of this form of painting.

Anna Hung Fu

Ni Hao! Wo Shi Anna. (Hello! I am Anna.) I was born in Beijing and moved to Hong Kong with my parents as a teenager. My educational journey has taken me through Beijing, Hong Kong, the UK, and New Zealand, shaping my passion for language education and cross-cultural learning.

Having taught in diverse educational settings, I value cultural inclusivity and tailor my lessons to support bilingual and multilingual learners. My teaching approach is dynamic and student-centered, incorporating innovative methodologies and technology to enhance learning outcomes. I believe that effective language instruction requires not only linguistic expertise but also empathy, adaptability, and cultural awareness. These values guide my commitment to empowering learners to achieve their language goals—whether for professional advancement, travel, or personal enrichment.

Anna-Maria Bribiesca

Anna-Maria Bribiesca is a multidiscipline artist, who has been practicing all of her life. Her parents (Lois Marie Ashton Bribiesca and José Maria Bribiesca) were artists and members of the first Arts and Crafts Market (The Browns Mill) in the 1960s, in Tāmakimakaurau. This had a massive influence on Anna-Maria from a very young age.  She works in mediums including : textile, painting, sculpture, mixed media, jewellery and moving image. Anna-Maria exhibits solo and in group shows annually in the Auckland Festival of Photography and the Franklin Art Award and the Pollok Art Gallery exhibition. She also supplies Pollok Art Gallery, Art Industry Gallery, and Arohart Gallery with her various art forms. Anna-Maria teaches art, as well as exhibits at and curates, the annual Manurewa High School Art Exhibition.

Anne Toth

As a lifelong crafter and artsy person… with a day job, family, and never enough time to cram it all in… Zentangle® Method … helps me do so. Mindful drawing has so many more benefits than the pictures you create. I am more patient, fun, and creative than before I started tangling. Sharing something so simple, but which offers each and every one of us such incredible results, is why I sought certification – so I can show others what has made such a difference in my life. You will be amazed what some simple steps can achieve, and in so many ways!

Annette Balsillie

Annette completed her 200-hour Teacher Training in 2017 with Ashram Yoga, Yin/Yang Yoga Teacher Training with Sarah Powers in 2018 and Contemporary Yoga 200hr YTT 2020. This has given Annette a wide understanding of Yoga from different perspectives. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance and trained as a Mindfulness-Based Stillness Meditation Teacher with Gawler Cancer Foundation, Australia.

“I love being able to help people cultivate a nourishing and sustainable yoga practice, encompassing body, mind and spirit, that supports you throughout the ups and downs of life, a practice which guides you towards optimal health and wellbeing”.

Her previous 20 years professional experience as a Registered Nurse working with people with life threatening illnesses informs a caring and intuitive approach, her teaching style is thoughtful, informative and inspiring. She has a passion for the power of movement, stillness and mindfulness as a path for self-transformation and healing.

Annette teaches safe, functional and sustainable principles, along with mindfulness and breath awareness tools and techniques. She has completed Mental Health Aware Yoga training and has a special interest in mental health and the practice of Yoga as a pathway to wholeness and healing.

Annette is currently completing Level 3 of Somatic Movement Education in the tradition of Thomas Hanna. Her Yoga classes combine an element of Somatics. 

Somatics is a form of sensory motor awareness, using the brain to recognise the way it senses and organises muscles and movement. Somatics helps us to target muscles that are holding tension when not in use, to teach the nervous system to release tight muscles, and to help us to move with more ease and comfort. This is a gentle, nourishing, balancing, and grounding class, suitable for all levels, including beginners. 

Anya Samarasinghe

I am a PhD candidate at the University of Auckland with an interest in nineteenth-century European art. I worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Art History Department and have experience working in art galleries and museums.

Ariana Sutton

Kai Tahu, Kati Mamoe, Waitaha

Ariana grew up in the Deep South of Murihiku, which fostered her love for the whenua, her whakapapa and whānau. In her professional life she practices Māori Healing, currently she is contracted with Turanga Health in Gisborne and has a private practice in her home clinic in Murihiku also. She works with kaumatua, pakeke and rangatahi. In her spare time she enjoys creative writing and has had several poems published in anthologies across Aotearoa. Her son Rehua was born last year, her current writing project centres around her Hapūtanga and the magic of being a mama and growing up in Murihiku as well.

Ashley Ruth Stirling

Ashley Ruth lives and breathes art, taking her travel-size watercolour and mixed media supplies with her everywhere she goes - no exaggeration! She has developed her own unique style of watercolour and illustration and creates art every day, primarily through visual journaling.  A gifted teacher, she will guide you through the creative process in an enabling and encouraging manner so therapeutic you won't want class to end.

Aver-Kathleen Watford

Kia Ora my name is Aver-Kathleen Watford.

I am a from Te Arawa (Rotorua) and Te Rarawa (Kaitaia).

I am the proud mother of a young boy. My journey with raranga formally began a year ago, when I started studying at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Beatrice Carlson

10 times finalist of World of WearableArt and two awards winning entries from 2010 to 2019.

Since 2020, Carlson's work has been translating her WOW concepts to adornment and contemporary jewellery.

Carlson is a visual artist using Perspex as her main medium. 

She is also a printmaker and has a french diploma in fashion design/pattern making. She is now a full time jeweller. 

Ben Seymour

I have been practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa at the Auckland Yoga Academy since 2015, completing 1 year part time teacher training over 2016.

I have over 700 hours of teaching experience and am registered with the Yoga Alliance (YA500). I have also completed a six month part time teacher training in Hatha Yoga.

My yoga practice is the foundation of my lifestyle bringing me health, wellbeing, and growth. I love to share these practices and hopefully the benefits of the practice. My approach to teaching is solid, safe, and accessible. This is based in the firm belief that yoga is available to all.

Bess Fairfax

Bess is a CELTA qualified English Language tutor who uses innovative techniques including drama and vocal training to deliver effective and engaging lessons. With over 15 years teaching experience, Bess has taught a variety of courses including ESOL Entry Level to Level 3, General EFL,  exam preparation including IELTS, FCE, CAE and functional skills classes. Bess has Work Based Learning experience, having taught ESOL to NZ employees at companies such as Cadbury. Bess has enjoyed working with diverse students including adults, children on study abroad programmes, refugees and even foreign inmates in UK prisons. Bess takes the time to get to know her students and fully understand their objectives so that her classes are planned to truly support the individual needs of each student. She is currently teaching ESOL to groups and individuals with English Language Partners NZ as well as volunteering to teach English to a recently welcomed refugee from Afghanistan.

Brent Simpson

Brent Simpson is a trustee and member of Waiheke Radio for over 15 years and has taught podcasting to both adults and high school students for nearly as long.

Bruce Thomson

Bruce learned early in his career as an English Foreign Language teacher to take a holistic approach to teaching and learning: we all have valuable things to share when we communicate, and we can get bogged down thinking of speech as something full of flaws which need to be corrected.  He passionately believes that anyone interested in communicating more effectively does learn how to do it! In the last ten years since he has been working as a voice teacher and dialect coach, he has learned many techniques to assist people as they develop their ability to be understood. That is always the key thing for him: “To be able to make ourselves clear and accessible to those we hope to connect with. It is not about having one particular accent or way of sounding." 

Bruno Rubini

Bruno was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is a qualified Coach and Massage Therapist. Bruno started archery at the age of six, and started meditation, Tai Chi and Chi Kung in 1979 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

He competed in archery in his teens throughout South America. He has been Auckland Coaching Director of Archery New Zealand and trained archers for international competition and teaches archery as a form of meditation. Since 1985 he has been studying the Healing Arts of Naturopathy, Energy Balancing, Reflexology, Nutrition, Chi Kung and Meditation.

He has also been practising Tai Chi Chuan for over 30 years and now teaches Chi Kung, Tai Chi and Meditation in the evenings and weekends.

For more details see 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tai-Chi-Bruno/119339098141816

Carole Beu

Caroline Faigan

Caroline Faigan is a multidisciplinary artist who recently completed a MFA at Elam, University of Auckland. She has also worked in film and fashion as an art director, stylist and writer. She enjoys teaching and learning and spent several years working in fashion education in London. Caroline’s art practice incorporates diverse techniques and materials to represent the body and form.

Cat Hugo

I am an artist and graphic designer with more than 20 years’ work experience in the commercial architecture, interior design and marketing fields. When the pandemic hit in 2020, I found myself gravitating back to the visual arts to help manage the challenges of that time. This led me to seek training in arts therapy. I am in my third and final year of the Master of Creative Arts Therapy programme at Whitecliffe College. I have a passion for sharing how the arts can bring healing through self-exploration and expression, and a deeper connection with others.

Catharina van Bohemen

I have always taught, and written: letters, diaries, book reviews, writing about art in various publications, and music, including a the libretto for The Tale of the Birdcatcher, an opera for children composed by Peter Scholes. 

In 1994 I went on safari in Zimbabwe. I wrote Safari  which was published in A Passion for Travel, a collection of travel stories by New Zealand writers edited by Tina Shaw. Years later I walked the Camino in Spain. Walking and writing are entwined for me. My journal turned into Towards Compostela – Walking the Camino de Santiago,  published in 2020.

I’ve written two chapbooks about Jane Austen, and a small children’s book about travelling to Wellington for the first time.

I have Masters degrees in English and Creative Writing from Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington.

I also taught travel writing for three years at Massey University in Wellington and for several VUW's Continuing Education

Catherine Huckerby

A diploma in Visual Merchandising and a degree in Spatial Design, lead Catherine to work as a Stylist in prestigious advertising, editorial campaigns and exhibition design.

She has worked with some of UK’s leading magazines and TV shows, including the ‘BBC Home Show’, Sunday Times magazine, Harrods magazine, Liberty of London fabric campaigns, international IKEA store magazine styling and TV set design for the James Bond film promotion.

Naturally, this profile draws clients from around the globe, with styling and interior design commissions undertaken in London, Sweden, Italy, Spain, France, Australia and New Zealand.

Having inherited her mother’s sensitivity, passion and confidence in colour and pattern, Catherine uses these skills alongside her vast international experience and knowledge in both her work as an Interior Designer and Dulux Colour Consultant, and to educate and enrich design students within her role as a lecturer for the Unitec Diploma in Residential and Commercial Design in Auckland.

Catherine now resides in Auckland, New Zealand, where her interior design practice ‘Blanc’ and ‘Colour Courses’ businesses are based.

Cathie Joyce

Cathie gained her qualifications in teaching English as a second language after a background in sales and as a lawyer.  She has lived and worked in the UK, Belgium and Rarotonga and has travelled the world extensively. The production of skilful English, in both speech and academic written forms, has always been one of Cathie’s passions.  She assesses individual student needs and objectives and lessons include personalised additions. Cathie currently teaches groups and individuals; and her ESOL experience covers Beginner to Advanced levels, Conversation, Pronunciation, Preparation for Work in NZ, on-site teaching to businesses, teaching refugees, women-only groups, skilled migrants and workshops on the Treaty of Waitangi.

Cathy Brickhill

I am a textile artist and I specialise in sculptural embroidery. I use my sewing machine as a tool to draw my designs onto soluble fabric to create one of a kind 3-dimensional artworks each with an emphasis on NZ’s fauna & flora. I love to inspire others on the creative journey of learning to use their sewing machines in different ways and inspiring them to create their own unique designs

Cecilia Kim

Cecilia has come to New Zealand from Korea in 2001 with her family.  Previously a secondary school teacher of mathematics and science, Cecilia has a passion for cooking and wants to share her knowledge and enthusiasm for authentic Korean food with the community. Students from her courses have since participated in a Korean cooking competition and two received places.

Celeste Botha

Celeste is an experienced and passionate Head of Dance with a proven track record of leading successful dance programs. Skilled in developing andimplementing innovative curriculum while fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment. Strong leadership abilities, able to inspire and motivate dance instructors and students alike to reachtheir fullest potential. Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to effectively manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks. Dedicated to promoting the art of dance and enhancing the overall dance education experience.

Celine Lamperin

I am a French national and a mum of three. I am passionate about Sustainability, people and the planet. Climate change is a complex topic. I am convinced that we need more mainstream awareness on climate change if we want people to take action. 

Charlotte Peiris

Charlotte facilitates courses for first time parents and also parents who are dealing with Oranga Tamariki, and is known for creating a beautifully safe space for people to learn and share together. When she learnt these tools, it revolutionised her relationships with her husband and children and the vibe in her home. She wants to pass these tools and their benefits on to others.

Chiko Smyth

Having lived in New Zealand for over 26 years, I have worked in roles such as guide, cooking class tutor, and personal Japanese tutor. Currently, I am a Japanese Language Consultant and Language Class Assistant at a public high school in Auckland. These experiences have strengthened my ability to engage with diverse learners and create positive, interactive learning environments. My extensive teaching experience, understanding of both Japanese and New Zealand cultures, and creative approach to instruction make me confident in my ability to teach adults. I am also excited to share cultural insights and travel recommendations with students planning trips to Japan. As an active member of both the Auckland Japanese Society and the Japanese Supplementary School committee, I bring valuable cultural knowledge and connections to my teaching. I look forward to meeting you at your classes.

Chloe Lam

Chloe Lam is an artist with Master in Art and Education from Birmingham City University. With more than 10 years’ experience teaching arts, she runs a variety of art projects across Auckland. 

Chris Zwaagdyk

Christina Chen

Christina Wylie

I was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, and trained as a secondary teacher but I have taught ESOL to adults here, and also in England, for 35 years. 

I have travelled to many parts of the world, including China, South America, Turkey and Russia, and have learnt several languages. Because of this, I understand how difficult it is to live in a different culture using a new language.

Playing the piano, practising yoga, walking my dog and going boating with my family take up my spare time. Most of all I enjoy learning dances from other countries, especially flamenco from Spain.

I like to find new ways of making learning interesting for students and find it very rewarding watching life become more enjoyable for them as their English language improves.

Claire Lichtwark-McInnes

10+ years’ experience as a senior local govt manager and 10 years’ experience as a consultant and partner at McInnes Associates Ltd.  

Extensive experience in all aspects of recruitment as well as supporting candidates and interns in career guidance/coaching.  

An ATCL in speech and drama.

Claire Linthwaite

Claire Linthwaite is the proprietor of Oscuro Lampshades. Originally from an art and design background in the UK, with a higher diploma in Design and Communications, Claire loves nothing more than rolling up her sleeves and the challenge that each day brings with creating bespoke designs.

Clive Pereira

I have been a chef for over 10 years and cooked different cuisines over this period. I was trained in European cuisine for two years during my bachelors degree and have since worked in different hotels and catering establishments in New Zealand. I come from coastal region of Western India. I have a huge passion for oriental cuisine and its influences on European food. Thai style of cooking and ingredients resonate with my roots. Over the years I have taught myself in the skills of Thai food and wish to share my experience and my food with you. 

Daneil Cunningham

I am a queer multi-disciplinary artist. I began exploring yoga, creative movement and voice work while training as an actor in London. With Teatr ZAR (of the Grotowski Institute, Poland), I toured to Madrid, Tbilisi, Paris, Istanbul, Edinburgh and Warsaw. I became founder and lead performer of SoundBoxed (UK) who created and toured unique immersive theatre for three years. In 2016, I began my solo career. I create transformational artworks that explore sensuality, sexuality and spirituality through performances, photography, film and participatory workshops. I have performed my work in London’s queer night clubs, art venues, studio theatres, and at an Irish priests’ school and the foot of an Icelandic volcano. I also taught yoga and creative movement practice at four London drama schools (including Identity and Arts Ed - British pioneers of decolonising actor training) and led projects for adults and young people at the city’s lead arts hubs — Oval House (now Brixton House) and Roundhouse.

I arrived in Aotearoa from London in August 2020 with my boyfriend Mark. My freelance work in Tāmaki Makaurau has included work across the range of my practice. I have also taught voice work for trainee yoga teachers at Auckland Yoga Academy. I have also begun work as a youth mentor for The Kindness Institute.

Daniel Lilley

Daniel is passionate about teaching and learning languages. He has spent several years
teaching overseas and enjoys comparing New Zealand’s culture and lifestyle with other
countries. He loves swimming, cycling, comedy shows, and making people laugh.

David Hill

Founder of Auckland Walks, a professional guide in Europe and Australasia for over 30 years, former curator of NZ Historic Places Trust.

David Partis

David began his working career at Television New Zealand as an apprentice Television Engineer. After 6 years there David went overseas to work in a computer company in Australia for 2 years and then returned to New Zealand.

David has worked in New Zealand in the computer industry for Trilogy Business Systems, Southmark Computers, Fujitsu, then joined Compaq in 1996 and worked through a number of mergers over a 11 year period and left what was then Hewlett Packard in 2007.

David started a web design business called Designhand Limited and has since gone on to start a training business called Web Design Training Limited from which he teaches courses through Selwyn's community education programme. One of his favourite courses is "How to be Found on the Internet" which in essence is a basic SEO course for beginners.

In 2014 David went on to form an SEO business called Website Optimisers where he now offers a range of SEO and SEM services. Learn more about David and his experience in the web design and optimisation industry at his website Optimisers.

Recent testimonial (April 2024): 

Dear David, I think I was just too ‘full’ to be able to think clearly at 5pm yesterday but a few things are now more obvious now.  Andrea and I left Selwyn College having had a real WordPress workout and learning a great deal about what the software offers and the endless possibilities it presents for the creation of websites.

Dean Runganaikaloo

Joining our culinary team, Deansen Runganaikaloo is a talented Chef who has worked throughout New Zealand in the last 14 years. Originally from Mauritius, Deansen moved to Melbourne at the age of 18 to follow his passion of cooking. Classically trained, Deansen studied at William Angliss Institute and worked in several restaurants for 5 years before making his way to Wellington, where he spent 10 years cooking in the city’s iconic establishments including being Sous Chef at Shed 5 restaurant and Head chef at Floriditas restaurant.

Over the last 4 years Deansen worked in the fine dining industry at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers Lodge in Hawkes Bay, before arriving in Auckland in 2024. Coming from a teaching family, Deansen has now followed the footsteps of his parents. He brings a wealth of skills, knowledge and passion to our team at Selwyn Community Education.

Deb Price

I learnt to knit as a child, and when I started crocheting 5-6 years ago things became three-dimensional. Making and installing yarn tags creates a sense of, surprise, humour and mischievousness for myself and others. Decorating trees brings attention to them and invites people to appreciate them further.

I am a fibre artist/craftsperson, enjoy knitting and crochet, I make baskets and teach  these skills to others.

Periodically, I install yarn graffiti/tree tags in the community I live in.

Deborah Shepard

Deborah Shepard is an Auckland biographer, oral historian and teacher of all forms of life writing. Three of her books Reframing Women, Her Life’s Work and The Writing Life were based on oral history interviews. She was consultant biographer at Mercy Hospice Auckland 2006-2015. Read more at: www.deborahshepardbooks.com

Dheepa Nedungat

Teaching experience: Massey University Social Policy tutor (Year 1 and 2 Bachelor of Social Work degree programme), Facilitator (in collaboration with ARMS) Finding Your Voice as a Migrant Woman, Project Management Training Bootcamp facilitator - corporate training.

Diana Fergusson

Diana Hubbard

Diana is a tertiary qualified ESOL teacher with over 15 years' experience in teaching, as well as experience at management level.  She has taught different types of ESOL at all levels, including Grammar English, Academic English, English for Life and IELTS.

Dinny Di Nicola

Art Yoga is a holistic and wellbeing project created based on Therapeutic Art and Mindfulness practice. Our main purpose at Art Yoga is to encourage everyone to express and connect with their inner world.
Our artistic and conscious approach has the purpose to provide community integration and well-being.

Don Cooke

Experienced and enthusiastic dance tutor for 7 years.  Demonstration of basic dance moves to easy music rhythm.  Clear, patient review of taught dance moves and selection of key aspects to help each individual student's learning.  Committed to growth as a teacher and to students to get people into dancing for fun.

Donne Van der Westhuizen

I started researching candle making when my grandmother passed away overseas during the first lockdown. I wanted to continue her memory and have this passion into my own candle business. I would love to share my knowledge with others with the hope they would find it as therapeutic as I have.

Dylan Mann

Mr Dylan Tarragon Mann originally grew up in Auckland, moving to Australia in 1995. In 2016 he returned home to NZ.

Dylan has worked as the head of client advice at iPraxis Financial Services Australia, founder of My Independent Financial Adviers, and AMP financial advise for five years. The experience he brings includes stock trading, options, insurance brokers, government payments, property sales and purchase, economic impacts.

Dylan Mann is registered at the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) as a fully accredited AFA Financial Adviser. "I really love and enjoy my role in the community as a financial doctor (or financial GP). My clients share their private information with me so that I can step into their shoes with my financial experience. I take on my clients' financial concerns/worries and problems and recommend a course of action to medicate the issues to achieve their requested outcomes."

Eda Tang

Edit Horvath

Personal Attributes and Background:  

• Integrity
• Responsibility
• Excellence
• Innovation
• Leadership

Edit is a Registered Yoga Alliance Teacher and an Organisational Psychologist. Originally from Hungary, Budapest she started to practice yoga when only 11 years old. She practiced and trained in numerous countries, Bali, Indonesia at Yandara Yoga, with Jude Hynes at Yoga Academy, Auckland, NZ, as well as in Hawaii, USA, Tihany in Hungary etc.

Edit teaches hatha yoga, the most commonly practised yoga style, which combines 3 elements: physical poses; controlled breathing; and a period of deep relaxation or meditation. Edit believes in safe and sustainable yoga, helping her students by tailoring to their abilities and needs. She teaches groups, as well as one-on-one sessions. Edit teaches groups at Contours (specialist women’s gym) and CLS (mainstream gym) in Glenn Innes, at Orakei Community Centre (specialist pregnancy yoga), as well as at Dove House (Hospice) a chair / restorative-style yoga. Edit also teaches corporate clients, both small groups and individuals, families, including children and a variety of people, including iron men trainees, new mothers, people with disabilities, blind etc.

Edrick Corban-Banks

Edrick Corban-Banks. Edrick placed 4th Internationally in 2013 and 2015 in the Concurso de Paella Valenciana de Sueca, the oldest and most prestigious paella contest in Spain. This contest ranks in the top 25 food visits to visit. In 2015, he was named Embajador del Concurso Internacional de Paella Valenciana en el Pacifico. That same year he was invited to be a member of the judging panel, evaluating some of the leading paella restaurants in Valencia Spain. Edrick co-ordinated and directed the four international semi finals in Australia in 2011. In 2018 he was awarded by the Concurso Internacional de Paella Valenciana their highest honour, Paella D’Honor for promotion of Valencian Cuisine.

Ekarasa Doblanovic

I'm passionate about nature and children's creativity never stops to amaze me.

Ekaterina Dimieva

Ekaterina is an abstract artist based in Ōrākei, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. She completed her MFA at Elam in 2020.
www.ekaterinadimieva.com  @ekaterina_dimieva

Elena Astakhova

I am the author of the book, Draw Like a Fashion Designer' that will soon be published in English.

In Moscow, I founded my own illustration and design school Art Immersion.  I have worked for clients such as Ralph Lauren, Mercury, Infinity, Lalique, Artistry Flora, Lancome, Reserved, Renault.  I also do clothing design.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lena_astah YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Uf7ni9rLo-P26wywDCBnQ

Elena de Roo

Elena is a children's author who loves writing poems for children. Her poems have been published as picture books and in anthologies and magazines in New Zealand, Australia, USA and the UK. In 2022, she was Children's Writer in Residence at the University of Otago.

Elena Heinrihsone

 

Elena Titkova

Elena is a PhD student at Auckland University of Technology. She completed her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology with a dissertation focused on perception of sexual consent in New Zealand. Elena is passionate about teaching and doing research in social psychology.

Elizabeth Drayton

Elizabeth has taught communications since 1984 – and specialises in public speaking. She has experience of working with people who have a wide range of abilities and diverse backgrounds.

She teaches because she loves to help people to improve their communications – and delights in seeing the results students get that they thought were never possible. She is passionate about how effective communication can be transformative for us as individuals, for our confidence, in our relationships, and in achieving our goals.

Elizabeth looks to create real and lasting value for every one of her students. She understands the importance of “public speaking with ease” and has extensive corporate career experience which she draws on to provide examples and insights. A New Zealander by birth, Elizabeth has lived and worked in the UK, Germany, France, and Australia and has travelled extensively.

Elizabeth Leaning

Elizabeth Leaning is an expert in ancient Egyptian astronomy and religion who has taught and tutored courses in Egyptian history, Egyptian language and Mediterranean culture at the University of Auckland, as well as Study Abroad Trips to Egypt in 2019 and 2023. She recently received her Master's in Ancient History with first-class honours from the University of Auckland. She is currently studying for a PhD in the University of Auckland, cosupervised by McMaster University in Canada. Her research, conference presentations and publications focus on ancient Egyptian science, early ancient Egyptian history, and the reception of ancient Egypt in modern media.

Elizabeth Rata

Ellen Eskildsen

I am passionate about educating people about the joys of creating a productive, sustainable and beautiful edible garden in a suburban sized backyard. I am an experienced gardener who has completed a Permaculture Design Course. I hold weekly workshops in my garden and love to help people getting started with creating their own food forest.

Ema Frost

Ema Frost has been a part of the Auckland art scene since 2010. Ema's artworks are inspired by her fascination and deep respect for the mystery and magic found in Maori and Japanese folklore. 

Not one to stand still, Ema regularly travels extensively, finding inspiration off the beaten path. Like the characters that are hidden in her work, Ema tests the boundaries of her imagination when she loses herself in the unfamiliar land and cityscapes that are beyond our shores. The tales and trinkets she brings back from her travels are her constant reminders that there is more out there than our everyday existence. Ema also leaves a touch of Frost behind in every country she visits, her work can be found in galleries in Japan, India, Germany and across North America. This allows for Ema to collaborate with artists from around the world.

While Ema enjoys travelling and experiencing other cultures, she’s also extremely passionate about giving back to her own community and supports various charities that are close to her heart. Ronald McDonald House, Breast Cancer Cure, KidsCanNZ are just a handful of charities that she supports through donating her work to auctions and fundraisers.

Emilson Silva

Evan Woodruffe

Evan Woodruffe is an artist based in Tamaki Makaurau Auckland, and exhibits throughout the Asia-Pacific region, with work in significant collections in Singapore, Australia, China, the USA, and New Zealand. Writer Lucinda Bennett referred to his works as Wet Maps, “living, breathing ecosystems, and visualisations of a new kind of urbanism”.

Evan has MFA (1^st Class) from Elam, is Global Brand Ambassador for Schmincke Artist Colours and da Vinci Artist Brushes, Germany, product specialist for Gordon Harris, a respected educator, and advocate for the visual arts.

Recent exhibitions include 8^th Beijing Biennale and Sydney Contemporary. Evan is represented by Paul Nache Gallery.

Felicia Low

Felicia is a Senior Fellow at Koi Tū Centre for Informed Futures, an independent and non-partisan think-tank focused on complex, long-term challenges facing Aotearoa New Zealand. She oversees Koi Tū's work on human potential and is Head of the Chloe Wright Policy Unit, which specialises in translating robust research into policy actions and evidence informed decisions on child and family wellbeing.

Together with former Chief Science Advisor to the New Zealand Prime Minister, Sir Peter Gluckman, Felicia has published widely on issues affecting mothers, babies and children. She has authored government-commissioned reports with a public health focus. She has also made conceptual contributions to the fields of evolutionary medicine, developmental epigenetics, and the developmental origins of health and disease.

Felicity McCardle

Fiona de Gruchy

Fiona de Gruchy has many years experience as a graphic designer & photographer using the adobe products and has tutored classes for over a decade.

Fiona Flynn

Fiona Read

Fiona has over 30 years ESL Teaching experience including working for the British Council in Tokyo, New Zealand Polytechnics and Private Language Schools. 

Prior to her ESL teaching she taught Travel and Tourism courses at Auckland University of Technology.  She has significant experience in
preparing students for a wide variety of English exams including IELTS, NZCEL and Cambridge Examinations.  In addition, Fiona can develop academic writing and reading skills to students by drawing on her experience from teaching academic courses. 

During her teaching career she has focussed on understanding students’ needs and goals.  Fiona enjoys teaching classes at all levels and especially seeing students achieving their ambitions.

Fiorella Tomasi

Fiorella is an experienced Italian language teacher and looks forward to supporting you on your Italian language journey.

Gaurang Ambani

I am an Artificial Intelligence Engineer who works in the exciting field of Computer Vision. I am also a Python programmer and a keen Embedded Systems and Edge Computing enthusiast. In addition to the above, I am also furthering my knowledge of the cloud by attending some advanced courses in Software Development.

Gautam Narayan

Food is my Happy Place - every mouthful, a burst of flavour to please the senses and enrich the soul. I express myself through food – be it creativity, love, sharing or healing. Over the past three decades I have had the good fortune of working as a professional chef in contemporary and traditional kitchens around the world, learning about global food, spices, flavours and recipes.

Inspired by Dr Ed Bauman, I trained and qualified as a Holistic Nutritionist from Bauman College, adding an exciting new dimension to my food philosophy – Eating for Health.  I have set up Nourish Holistic Nutrition, through which, my mission is to provide people with a map for healthful eating, teaching them to harness nutritional capabilities of food.

I help people understand current, non-biased research, translating this into everyday meals to take ownership for the quality and duration of their lives. Even better, I customise this to every person’s unique needs, health challenges, preferences, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

My dream is to create a delicious path to health and vitality through the goodness of food, one family at a time.

Student feedback from Gautam's courses:

"The tutor and his wife were fantastic. They had a wealth of knowledge, involved the whole class and even brought in a special guest on one occasion."

"The passion and enthusiasm of Gautam and Rama was infectious."

"The tutors were experts. Very useful info delivered very clearly."

Gavin McCardle

Geoffrey LeNeve-Arnold

I have a life-long interest in ornithology and I'm a career teacher of visual arts. I have painted and exhibited widely.

Georgie Hill

Georgie Hill is an artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. She holds a BFA from the Elam school of Fine Arts. Georgie enjoys sharing her knowledge of watercolour painting gained through working with and exhibiting in the medium for the past 18 years.BFA Elam School of Fine Arts

Ghader Bashiri

Gillian Barron

• BA Hons Leicester University - German
• Dipl. Tesl Victoria University
• Registered Teacher (practising certificate expired as I retired from secondary teaching in 2019)

  Previous experience of teaching English

• Three years in Japan
• Two years in Germany
• One year in Finland
• Private and volunteer ESOL teaching in Wellington and Auckland

• General teaching experience

• 2001-2004 ESOL teacher Edgewater College
• 2005-2008 Senior Advisor ESOL at MOE
• 2009-2011 Teacher of EFL at a state high school in Bremen, Germany
• 2011-2019 senior Teacher German Te Kura The Correspondence School

Giulia Borelli

She is the author and voice of Italian Time Zone, a podcast to learn Italian with history while travelling around the country.

“Giulia is kind, friendly, patient, organised, excellent at making conversation in a relaxed and casual way to make one feel comfortable, and overall a good person that has all the qualities of an outstanding teacher. I have exceeded my expectations for what I could achieve in Italian, and I credit Giulia for making it possible.” Chris, Texas

Greg Harrington

It started out as a hobby, joining a beekeeping club then I became the president after a few years. I opened my own beekeeping equipment store with beekeeping training. 500 plus students have completed my introduction beekeeping course. A percentage of these have progressed and have become commercial beekeepers. I taught NZQA level 3 full time for 3 years and was also the Regional Administration Manager – this involved student registration, L & N testing and NZTA resulting plus other administration duties.

I have known about the decline in world bees and by teaching and passing on my knowledge I hope this will increase the world population of bees. Its not all about the honey. Bees are a major part of our eco-system and without them we will lose a large percent of our food supply.

Greg Smith

Greg Smith has been a tutor for the last five years and spent ten years volunteering for Auckland Coastguard as a crew person and skipper. He has operated a commercial fishing charter vessel out of Sandspit. Greg tutors our How to Teach Adults course and also teaches at Selwyn College.

Greg Wylie

With over 25 years of experience in advertising, I’ve built a career transforming business challenges into clear, compelling ideas that resonate with diverse audiences. Starting in advertising studios and transitioning to the creative side in 2001 as an Art Director, I’ve contributed to award-winning work recognised both locally and internationally.

The Adobe Creative Suite—particularly InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator—has been a key tool in bringing concepts to life.

Hannah Hill-Marks