Meet our Highly
Qualified
and
Friendly Staff

I have taught for many years in the UK and NZ. Before coming to Evakona (seven years ago), I was Head of Computing and Business Studies at Trident High School in NZ. I have taught Mathematics, Physics, Science, Economics and Computing and still very much enjoy the challenge of teaching. My job in Evakona is to teach Mathematics and Physics to the High School Preparation group, to maintain a record of credits gained by the students, to liaise with NZQA and Ministry of Education. Whitianga is a wonderful place to be, great beaches and a great golf course!!

Hello, I’m Rachael. I’ve taught English in Mexico, South Korea, Japan, the U.S and NZ. I like traveling and learning about cultures and languages. After finishing a Master’s in Applied Linguistics in Boston I went to Mexico to study Spanish and I just kept on traveling and teaching. I love learning about other cultures and languages. I love living in Whitianga because I can do my hobbies here, which are stand-up paddle boarding and rock-climbing – it’s so beautiful here. I am really looking forward to meeting you.

Hi! I have been teaching at Evakona since 2002. My job is exciting and varied; teaching English; arranging homestays; and co-ordinating school activities! I am a really active person, so it suits me well. I sailed to New Zealand with my husband and son, and I love discovering new places and cultures! I love exploring, playing tennis and squash, hiking, nature and spending time with my family. I hope you will love this beautiful environment as much as I do. I look forward to sharing everything that we have to offer with you.

Originally from Germany, I travelled the world a lot until I found my favourite place to be – Whitianga! Besides English and German, I also speak Spanish, Italian, French and a little Japanese. I love languages. In 2004, I joined the team at Evakona and have been teaching English here ever since. Please come and find out why I love this place so much – I’m sure you will like it too!

I have just returned to New Zealand after a year working in London. I have lived in Whitianga for 27 years, have two grown up sons, and have spent 15 years working at a local doctor’s surgery. I am enjoying working with all the lovely staff at Evakona and meeting all the students who study here.

I’m a Japanese-Kiwi, and I came to New Zealand when I was 11 years old. My interests include reading, watching films, art and early childhood education. Having learnt English in New Zealand, I know how challenging it can be to study in another country, but you will gain so much more than just a second language! I hope I can support you on your exciting journey of learning and experiencing the New Zealand lifestyle.

Hi. I work in the marketing department of Evakona Education. I came to New Zealand when I was very young so I was educated from primary school to university in New Zealand. My interests are football (soccer), hiking, snowboarding, cycling, anything outdoors, movies, computers, designing, painting, drawing, and socializing. I always recommend that students join any activities with local people, especially outdoors.

Colin completed his BFA with honors at Whitecliffe School of Art and Design in Auckland. Soon after he received a graduate assistantship to work and study at Montclair State University in the USA. This was the beginning of many years of travel and included four years based in South Korea teaching English. He has now settled in Kuaotunu with his family where, when he’s not teaching English, he produces art and craft for sale from his studio.

Hello, I’m Manami. I first came to New Zealand in 2012 to study Early Childhood Education and work as a volunteer kindergarten teacher. I have been a head teacher of a Kindergarten in Japan for 9 years. I moved to Whitianga in 2014 and I enjoy supporting students to adjust to their new life in New Zealand. I know how challenging it can be, so I can support you while you experience New Zealand life! I enjoy walking, cooking, reading and singing.

I am an extremely curious person and believe that’s what motivated me to become a scientist. Passionate about education, I’ve always enjoyed learning as well as passing on my knowledge as a teacher. I moved to New Zealand from Germany in 2000 and have been teaching Science, Mathematics and German at a local high school for the last 15 years. Like many Europeans, I speak multiple languages, so I understand first hand what’s involved in learning a new one. I live on a very remote lifestyle block in the middle of the stunning New Zealand bush. My hobbies are furniture making, woodturning and creating perfumes and cosmetics.

My husband and I moved to Whitianga recently, from Auckland. We are really enjoying life in this vibrant little town. I have been a teacher for many years, and for most of the time I have worked with students who find literacy, (especially learning to read and write) difficult. This is my area of expertise, and I very much enjoy teaching, supporting and getting to know these students.

Hi I’m Miki, I’m from Japan. I’ve also lived and worked in Singapore for 12 years as a travel agent. I married a NZ man and now love meeting people from all around the world here at Evakona in Whitianga, New Zealand

I first came to New Zealand from Canada 18 years ago, and have been teaching English on and off ever since.  I enjoy learning as well as teaching, and have studied French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and Italian – although I am fluent only in English!  I love language, and hope to make learning it fun and interesting.  I can’t think of anywhere better to teach it than this beautiful corner of NZ.

I am trained in Education and Welfare. I have taught ESOL, Literacy & Numeracy in secondary schools, language institutes and community agencies. I love teaching and supporting international students of all ages. I like to provide enjoyable, stimulating lessons that are relevant to each learner’s needs. I’m originally from the South Island, and moved to Thames in 2007 with my family. I enjoy skiing, walking, going to the beach, watching film festival movies, listening to music, reading and drinking good coffee!

Hello, my name’s Vanessa and I’ve been teaching English to students for a few decades. In that time I’ve taught general English, business English, and also exam preparation courses. My students have ranged from teenagers to adults to retirees, and came from over twenty countries to study in beautiful New Zealand. I speak German, some Swiss-German, a smattering of French, and love motivating learners taking on the challenge of English. In my free time I enjoy walking, doing crosswords, reading and travelling to new places. Coromandel is a stunning environment to improve your language skills: hope to see you soon!

I have lived in Kenya and England, and returned to New Zealand in 2017, choosing to live north of Thames. I have worked in a variety of schools teaching both Academic and General English, including in Thailand. I love tramping and cycling. I have cycled much of New Zealand and done some of the Great Walks. I enjoy meeting people of other nationalities and helping people to achieve their goals. I look forward to meeting you.