Support Staff

Office Manager – Hannah Faed

My family and I have lived in Wānaka for nearly fifteen years and we love it here. Over that time I have worked for our local council and local businesses in accounts and administrative roles, and I plan to bring my A game to our school.

When I’m not working I like to spend time with my family in the outdoors. When the weather is adverse you’ll find me reading books and watching movies, of which I am always happy to receive recommendations for.

Office Administration – Tracey Pedersen

I moved back to Wānaka with my husband Karsten, and three children back in 2019 (after 25 years of being away).

I bring to Take Kārara a deep understanding of customer service, fundraising, events and volunteering. All skills which I am eager to put to good use for the wellbeing of the awesome Wānaka community and local whānau.

I am also very involved with the Wānaka Rowing club and I work part time at Food For Love.

Barista / Librarian / Learning assistant – Tammy Clegg

My family moved from Australia a couple of years ago from the sand and surf to be by the mountains and snow. I previously was apart of a family-run Architectural Design Company.

I love to curl up with a good book and a coffee, (finding time to do this with four kids is a luxury 😀). I am excited to combine these two passions – the love of books and coffee in the cafe and library at Take Kārara.

Pop into the cafe for a friendly face and freshly made coffee.

Learning Assistant – Grace Heather

Kia Ora! It is a joy for me to be a part of the Take Kārara whanau. I am a Wānaka local who moved back home from Auckland at the beginning of 2023. I have a background in Zoology and Politics and am currently completing my teaching studies through the University of Canterbury. I was a swim teacher when I lived up north but have found that I absolutely love helping children on land too! I am very privileged to work in such a beautiful and joyful kura with students who inspire me and always light up my day. Outside of school you’ll probably find me on the golf course, going for a swim, painting, or hanging out with whānau and friends.

Learning Assistant – Anna Edkins

Kia Ora! I work here at Take Kārara as a Teacher Aide in the Weka space. I love building supportive, genuine relationships with the children and enjoy the journey discovering each child’s different incentives, challenges, strengths and learning how I can support their development.
I feel constantly inspired by the teaching teams around me, which has led me to begin studying this year to become a teacher.

I have worked with children my whole working life in a variety of roles, including snowboard instructing, in early childhood centres, holiday and after-school care programs and coaching sport.

I love living in Hāwea Flat on an acre with some extended family and husband. We are passionate growers and gatherers of food, so my hobbies include hunting, beekeeping, gardening, cooking and looking after my array of animals. We also love getting down to our place in the Catlin’s when possible, for some ocean and bush time (and a bit of rain!)

Learning Assistant – Isobel Eyre

Kia ora! I’m thrilled to be joining the wonderful, welcoming team as support staff at Te Kura O Take Kārara. Originally from a tiny UK village called Diggle, I moved to Wanaka with my partner, swapping rainy moorland for sunny, snow-capped mountains.

After studying for my Masters, I began travelling and working overseas. My professional journey has taken me far and wide but what remains at the forefront is a joy for working with children and supporting their exploration of the world. I’ve worked in leadership roles in Canada for two years, waterskiing in Quebec and skiing in British Columbia. After meeting my partner, I relocated to his hometown near London and worked in a local primary school. My degree in literature and writing, alongside my experience in outdoor education, allows me to shape creative, fun and dynamic learning environments.

Inside the classroom I’m incredibly patient and love creating safe spaces for children to learn, freely express themselves and develop their confidence. Outside the classroom, you’ll most likely find me snuggled up with a book and a cup of Yorkshire Tea, or trying the local yummy breakfast spots. I also love hiking, running and yoga and have recently delved into wildlife photography (which is an ongoing project, to say the least).

New learning assistant

Bio to come

Caretaker – Bruce McKenzie

Kia Ora. I joined Take Kārara as the Caretaker at the beginning of 2023. A role that keeps me busy and in high demand. Luckily I am a ‘jack-of-all-trades’ and can come up with a solution for most repair problems.

You will no doubt see me mowing the field and grass areas and tinkering in the learning spaces where needed.

I have lived in the wider Upper Clutha for over four years with my wife. We have two adult children and two grandchildren.

In my spare time I enjoy being active with the grandkids. As a family we like to get out biking and canoeing.