Originally, I wanted to become a nurse after my eldest son was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease at four years old. However, due to COVID-19, I couldn’t follow that path. Instead, working as a teacher aide at Oturu School sparked my passion for teaching. I’m now in my final year of studying for my Bachelor’s degree and am so excited to be learning alongside the students here, contributing to their growth.
I am deeply committed to fostering a love for learning and honouring our Māori values. The journey at Oturu School, with its strong foundation in Te Whare Tapa Whā, feels like the perfect place for me to grow as a kaiako and support the holistic well-being of our tamariki.
Ngā mihi nui.
Kia ora whānau,
Ko Tori Maheno tōku ingoa, and I’m excited to introduce myself. I am a 30-year-old Māori woman, born in July, with strong connections to the Far North and Waikato. As the eldest of 11 siblings, I’ve spent over 15 years living between New Zealand and Australia. I find peace in rural life and love spending time outdoors, especially at the beach and in the garden. Animals are also an important part of my life – I treat them like whānau!
In my spare time, I enjoy music, drawing, dancing, and, of course, gardening. I’m a mum to four beautiful tamariki who keep me busy and bring so much joy. My three boys were born in Australia in 2012, 2016, and 2017, and my pēpi, my daughter, joined us when we returned to Aotearoa in 2022.