Kia ora, my name is Luke Whitley - or Mr Whitley - and I am so excited to be the lucky kaiako for Ruma Totara, for this exciting 2024 learning journey. I am happy to be at Te Kura Waenga o Wēteri for this new passage in the school's development.

A little bit about me and my background. I originally come from small town Taranaki, and still consider it 'home' in the sense that I have strong connections to the tangata and the whenua there. I grew up loving any and all sport, the outdoors, and learning about new things and experiences.

I have been teaching for 10 years now, beginning my passion just down the road with a Central Zone competitor (now moving onwards and upwards). As well as teaching here in Auckland, I have taught internationally - both in Brazil and South Korea - and around different demographics in Aotearoa. From the Far North in Kaitaia, down to the deep south in Queenstown, and in Tauranga in between. My experience has all been in the 11-13yo age group so I am well equppied to help your tamariki succeed.

This year I hope to create a happy, fun, and welcoming environment in the classroom, where akonga are eager to come to school, to learn, and spend time with kind, thoughtful, and driven peers. I have high standards and expectations meaning that I like to push my students to be the best they can be, for their own personal needs. 

I can not wait to get to know you, and your tamariki better, and look forward to the year(s) ahead with them.

Nga mihi nui

Luke Whitley

Please come along to discuss your tamariki's goals, learning, and progress. To arrange a time, call the office on (09) 620 9367.
I look forward to seeing you all there.