Kepa Grindlay

Senior Teacher / Cultural Lead / Within School Teacher for South Taranaki Kahui Ako

Ko Taranaki te maunga
Ko Otakeho te awa
Ko Aotea te waka
Ko Nga Ruahine te iwi
Ko Ngati Haua te hapu
Ko Tawhitinui te marae
Tena koutou katoa.

I have strong connections to this area. I grew up in Otakeho and attended Otakeho primary school. As a child I played morning grade rugby for Waimate and spent my Saturday afternoons watching my Dad who also played for Waimate. I completed my secondary school education at Te Aute College in Hawkes Bay. My wife Tineke and I have 5 children together and all have attended Manaia school and all have fond memories of their time at Manaia school. Our youngest child is currently attending Manaia school. We have three precious mokopuna.

I am proud to be the Senior (Year 7/8) Teacher at Manaia School. As a Teacher, I know that having positive relationships with students, staff, and Whanau is essential to growing the trust, understanding and care, to know and then do what is best for each child. I want to motivate others to be the best they can be. I will always strive to improve and learn from mistakes. It is important to me that students are included in discussions about their learning and environment and then have the power to make positive changes.

Outside of school I have enjoyed coaching rugby. Taking both a Manaia Under 13’s team and a Southern Division 1 team to two Taranaki championships was a real highlight of my time as a coach. My background in Teaching definitely helped me in this role.