our team

Lara Stevens - Principal

Ph: 06 388 0053

Kia ora, my name is Lara Stevens. I originate from rural Southland but now reside in Taoroa on a farm with my partner Tyler. I am a proud auntie to beautiful Koa , Tui, and handsome Lockie as well as being a dog mum to Wesley. I have a range of hobbies, particularly sport and exploring new places. I completed my Bachelor Degree in Education at Otago University and from there have had a range of teaching experiences including two years in Riverton, homeschooling a family on a high country station near Queenstown, two years at a preparatory school in London, five years team teaching in Palmerston North and last but not least I have spent one wonderful year at Taoroa School as a teaching principal. I am incredibly passionate about providing a safe, fun and positive learning environment for our ākonga and I am really excited about what the future holds for Taoroa School and community.

Liz Taylor - Teacher

Email: eliztaylor53@gmail.com

Ph: 06 388 0053

Kia ora my name is Elizabeth Taylor. I too originate from the deep South, born in Gore and spent my teenage years in Timaru. I have lived in Taihape for the past 42 years so now consider myself a local. I am a partner to my life-long soulmate Tim Wipaki and we have 3 adult children. I am a very proud Nana to 4 mokopuna who bring me great joy. I graduated from Massey University in 2006 and have taught locally at St. Joseph's and Moawhango school, and the last 5 years at Taoroa. My hobbies range from reading, gardening, to renovating and restoring our old villa. I am a life-long learner and I love teaching alongside Lara and Peta-Lynn and being involved in the Taoroa school and community.

Peta-Lynn Henry- Learning Support

Hi all, my name is Peta-Lynn Henry, nee Wright. I was born and bred in Taihape and had a wonderful childhood full of special memories with friends that are besties to this day. I moved to Wellington at the age of 17 to study at Gilmores Business College. A few years later I became a flight attendant with Air New Zealand and after a move to Auckland I flew Internationally for the same company. Then my beautiful baby boy was born. I stumbled into a teacher aide position at Bayswater School in Auckland where I learnt so much. From day one I fell in love with my new found career. It sparked a flame that ignited my soul and I knew I had found my passion. In this role my goal has always been to encourage, to teach self worth and to create a nurturing environment with a desire to learn and grow. Hence why I love Taoroa School.

Hannah Totman - Office Administration

Email: office @taoroa.school.nz

Hi I'm Hannah, the office administrator at Taoroa School. I'm originally from England and spent most of my life over there until I moved to New Zealand in 2011. I studied Geography at The University of Brighton, after graduating I spent a year backpacking around the world which is when I first visited and fell in love with New Zealand. After my travels I worked in the for a property management company in UK until I met my husband, Marcus. After lots of adventures together and living in London for a year we got married in the UK and moved back to his family farm in Taihape. We have lived on the farm in Omatane ever since. I am now mum to my two wonderful daughters Neave and Annie who keep me very busy and entertained! My hobbies include gardening, sewing, travel and sport.

Peter Fitzgerald - Caretaker

Kia ora, I'm Fitz the caretaker/groundskeeper at Taoroa School. My family and I moved to the area in late 2021, both of my children now go to the school and we really love being part of the school whānau and the Taoroa community.

Steph Mattock - Cleaner

Hi I'm Auntie Steph, the cleaner. I've been lucky enough to grow up in this area, attend Taoroa School and even had my 21st birthday at the Taoroa Hall. I love doing my bit for the school and watching my niece enjoy her time at Taoroa. My passion is bodybuilding and I have a french bulldog called Nala who loves coming to school to help me clean.