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Senior Management
Senior Management
Melissa Bell
Principal
Melissa I am very privileged to be the Principal at Maniototo Area School. I am new to this area, and have spent most of my adult life in Dunedin. Professionally I have worked in a range of primary and secondary schools, most recently at John McGlashan College as Specialist Classroom Teacher and at St Hilda’s Collegiate School as Principal. I believe this is one of the most beautiful parts of the country, and I enjoy spending time walking and exploring the area with my husband Nigel, and black lab Bella. My teaching passions are the humanities, especially History, English and Social Studies. My Master’s degree is in Mathematics education and I am part way through a PhD examining the teaching of local histories. Nigel and I have two adult children. Nico is a primary teacher in Auckland, and Max is a painter in Dunedin.
Lucia Dowling
Deputy Principal (Primary), Year 7/8 Teacher
I am a local lass - born and bred here in the Maniototo. I attended St John's for my Primary schooling then came to MAS for my Secondary education. I have travelled throughout and worked in, many countries but came home to the stunning Maniototo where most of my family live. In 2017 I was awarded an Area Schools Study Award which gave me a year away from the classroom to complete my Masters in Education. I am currently the Deputy Principal of the Primary School and I team-teach with Katrina Hunter for Literacy and Maths. I am also the BoT rep on the Board of Trustees. I love my job, and I am a proud member of the MAS team.
Nikki Meyer
Deputy Principal (Secondary), Business Studies, Science & Chemistry Teacher
I am lucky enough to be the Deputy Principal for the Secondary School at MAS. I grew up on the Kapiti Coast and attended Massey University where I did a double degree in Science and Business ( BSc/BBS). I majored in Chemistry and Management. I then went on to do my Graduate Diploma of Teaching. I have taught at Wairarapa College, Hawera High School and East Otago High School before coming to Maniototo Area School. My husband Mark and I moved here after a rail trail trip with friends in 2012. We own an accommodation business and pub on the Otago Central Rail Trail.
I live in Patearoa with Mark, our two dogs Spot and Gilbert, a sheep called Frank, a goat called Brownie and 6 alpacas - Kevin, Percy, Cyril, Tina,(also a boy) Gordon, and Louis.
Teaching Staff
Secondary School
Secondary School
Amanda Graham
Art & Health
Art
Art
Hi, I’m Amanda Graham. I teach Art at MAS from New Entrant through to Year 12, I also teach the Year 9 and 10 Health programme. I have a Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching). I moved to Ranfurly in 2008 as a beginning teacher and have been teaching at Maniototo Area school since other than a year stint in London where I taught at Lyon Park Junior School and enjoyed traveling through Europe. My family includes my husband Nic and our three daughters, Abbie (9), Briella (7) and Kaylee (5). Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family, shopping, keeping active and being creative.
Nigel Pacey
Maths, Science & Careers
Hi, I’m Nigel Pacey. I’m 53 years old and have been teaching Science, Chemistry and Mathematics in a variety of schools/universities for the past 30 years. I grew up in Dunedin and went to Otago University and the Dunedin College of Education. I’m married to Melissa and we have two amazing kids, Nico and Max along with our dogs Bella and Cooper. In my spare time I love getting outside, whether close to home in the garden or the local parks or further afield tramping and exploring New Zealand’s wilderness.
Kate Dowling
HOD Science, Biology & Horticulture & Yr 7/8 Science Teacher
Kia ora, I am Kate Dowling a mother of four wonderful children, and live locally in Gimmerburn on a sheep and beef farm. I currently teach Sciences, Biology, and Horticulture at Maniototo Area School. I completed my Bachelor of Science at Canterbury University and attended Canterbury Teachers College to gain my Secondary Teaching Diploma. I have taught at various Secondary, Primary, and Area Schools within the South Island and also had a stint teaching in London and nannying in Shropshire. After having my first child when back in New Zealand I studied through distance learning at Victoria University and gained my Primary Teaching Diploma, which has been a great asset when teaching at an Area School. I am currently the Head of Sciences and the Dean of the Secondary School and I thoroughly enjoy working with an excellent staff and wonderful rural students.
Clement Lind
Hard Materials Teacher
Kia ora, my name is Clement Lind, and I am the Specialist Technology Teacher at Maniototo Area School. I hold a Bachelor of Design (Product) Otago Polytech, Furniture Level 2 from Fi-tech and Post Graduate Diploma of Teaching Otago University. I have been teaching since 2011 with experience across Materials Processing Technology, Design and Visual Communication, Digital Technology and BCITO. I have previously taught at Mackenzie College Fairlie, The Terrace School Alexandra, Millers Flat School and Roxburgh Area School.
Outside of school, I am a cabinetmaker in my spare time as well as a father of two wonderful daughters who I enjoy taking on tramping and camping trips as well as mountain biking and kayaking on our wonderful rivers and lakes.
Michelle Dowling
Technology, Social Studies
I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Teaching Diploma both from Canterbury University and Teachers College. I grew up on a farm in Willowbridge, Waimate and moved here to start my first teaching job in Geography and Social Studies. I met my husband here and have raised three children who attended Maniototo Area School for their Secondary Schooling. I have had the privilege of teaching and relieving over the years while my children were young and have taught in many areas within the school. Currently, I am teaching the Food Technology Year 7 - 10 programme and a Senior Careers class and have pastoral care of a Whānau class.
Joanna Brooks
HOD English
I am a passionate and dedicated teacher of English, Integrated Studies and Construction Art at Maniototo Area School. I am committed to inspiring students to reach their maximum growth and potential and creating an exciting and stimulating learning environment. I am devoted to language, literature, history, art and a variety of creative industries.
Anna Sillibourne
Kia ora, my name is Anna Sillibourne, and I am excited to be teaching History and Integrated Studies at Maniototo Area School. My other roles in the school include being a whānau teacher, NZQA Liaison and supporting ESOL learners in the secondary school.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts from Otago University, as well as a Bachelor of Education from the Dunedin College of Education. I was privileged to be Melissa Bell’s student teacher twenty years ago, and her inspiring example has remained with me all these years. I have taught in a range of schools, including Lawrence Area School and Waitaki Girls’ High School, where I served as Head of English and also in the pastoral team as a dean.
Outside of school, I enjoy the simple things in life, especially reading and spending time in nature with my family. Creative pursuits have always been a big part of my life, including singing, theatre and writing.
As an educator, my hope is to support all students to achieve their highest potential and perhaps encourage them to discover strengths they may not even know they have yet. I believe that learning is a life-long pursuit and privilege; I am delighted to be part of that journey with the students of Maniototo Area School.
Deirdre Lithgow
I live near Oturehua on a farm with my husband and have two daughters and a son that grew up in Maniototo. In my younger years I travelled to many countries and taught in England and Australia. I absolutely love Central Otago and all it has to offer. I have taught at MAS in a part time role for many years mainly teaching Physical Education and Science. I have a Bachelor of Education majoring in Physical Education. I also work on the farm. I enjoy horse riding, walking in the hills and exercising as much as I can in my spare time. I am a huge supporter of my own children's sport and love to be a part of all of the sporting opportunities that are offered at Maniototo Area School as well.
Primary School
Primary School
Celine Ferdinands
New Entrant/Year 1 Teacher
Room 1
Room 1
I have been the New Entrant teacher at MAS since 2013. I have a Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Early Years 0 - 8, from Massey University. I have taught in schools in India, Dubai and Sharjah. I am also the SENCo (Special Education Needs Co-ordinator) at MAS.
My family includes my husband Joe and my daughters Candice and Abigail. We moved from Dubai to New Zealand 20 years ago, and we love living in the mighty Maniototo!! I enjoy cooking, sewing, drama, and line dancing!.
Ann-Marie Paterson
Year 2 Teacher
Room 2
Room 2
I have a Bachelor in Education, endorsement in Teaching and teach Year 2. I grew up in the Bay of Plenty before my family moved to South Canterbury, where I met my husband and now live in Gimmerburn with my husband, Craig and our three children, Charlotte, Vanessa and Nathan. I enjoy being creative and spending time with my family.
Pip Sutherland
Year 3 Teacher
Room 3
Room 3
Hello, my name is Pip Sutherland and I am teaching in the Year 3 classroom this year. I grew up in Owaka and attended The Catlins Area School before studying for my Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Dunedin College of Education. Following graduation I started my teaching journey at Cromwell Primary in 2005. After that I moved to the Northern Territory with Sandy, and taught 3 children through Mt Isa School Of The Air while living on a remote Station near Kununurra. After living in Canada working with horses, I returned to Cromwell Primary in 2010. I started at Maniototo Area School in 2012 until having our first child, Archie, in 2015.
Following our time in North Canterbury we were very excited to return ‘home’ to the Maniototo as a family of 4 with Blake joining our family while we were living up there. I was extremely grateful to rejoin the MAS staff full time as the Year 3 teacher in 2022.
Erica Phillips
Year 4/5 Teacher
Kia ora koutou, I am in my third year of teaching at MAS. I have a BA of teaching and learning (primary) from the University of Canterbury. This makes me a cantab supporter (and a very proud one at that). Before studying to be a teacher I did a stint working on a farm, travelled around Europe and worked in a gym. I am a dog mum to my chocolate lab Tilly. My spare time is spent going on adventures, reading, going out on the farm and spending time with my family and Friends. I have absolutely loved working alongside the MAS kaiako and community.
Gemma Hore
Year 5 & 6 Teacher
Room 5 (Mon-Wed)
Room 5 (Mon-Wed)
I have a Bachelor of Education in Teaching from the Dunedin College of Education. I taught in Arrowtown and Alexandra before starting my family with my husband Simon. We farm in the Danseys Pass and have 3 children, Charlie, Maisie and Sam. I have been teaching at MAS for a number of years in a job share position, which works perfectly with a busy family and farm life. I am currently teaching a Year 5 and 6 class. I love teaching at MAS with awesome students and a supportive staff.
Donna Mapley
Year 5 & 6 Teacher
Room 5 (Thur-Fri)
Room 5 (Thur-Fri)
Fiona Dowling
Year 7 & 8 teacher
Room 7
Room 7
My name is Fiona Dowling and I am the Year 7 and 8 Teacher. I have always taught at Intermediate level; I love this age group and all that they bring. I consider myself lucky to be teaching in our beautiful new learning space.
After training at the Dunedin College of Education and Otago University, I began my teaching career in Manurewa, South Auckland. After five years living and working in Auckland, the pull of family and home brought me back to the South Island. While teaching at Dunedin North Intermediate, I met my husband Logan, moved to Maniototo and began a position in the Year 7 and 8 classroom. We have three boys aged 14, 12 and 10.
Chasing kids sport, farming in the Pigroot, keeping fit and teaching keep my cup full. I am hopeful that more overseas travel may allow when we have an ‘empty nest.’
Hannah Thomas
PE
Kia ora! My name is Hannah Thomas and I am teaching PE and maths at MAS. I grew up in Southland and then moved to Alexandra with my family. Before studying to be a teacher I worked at an American summer camp, travelled around Europe, nannied and worked as a gardener. Most recently I have completed a Bachelor of Teaching, endorsed in Primary Education at Otago University. In my spare time I enjoy getting outdoors with my partner Isaac, running, mountain biking, and going on adventures. I am thoroughly enjoying being a part of the MAS team and the wider Maniototo community.
Sarah Paterson
Reliever
I first started at MAS in 2007. After leaving full time teaching to have our family, I now am lucky to pick up teaching days across the school when I’m needed. I enjoy the variety and connecting with students right across the school. My sons Hugo and Bede enjoy being students at our school. Our family farms Stud Merino Sheep near Gimmerburn & I also host accommodation for travellers. Any spare time I have is spent gardening, walking or reading.
Support Staff
Support Staff
Anne Kirk
Office Administrator
A Southlander at heart I moved to the Maniototo in July 2006 and started working at the school soon after this. My children Simon, Matthew and Lucy all attended MAS. My interests include my family, patchwork, art, travel, drama and socialising with friends. I am also a registered Marriage Celebrant. My husband Ewan and I run a B&B at our home near Oturehua, we enjoy living in the country with our family of fur-babies!
Jude McMillan
Executive Officer
I’m excited to be back at the Maniototo Area School. Over the years I’ve been a pupil at MAS, my children attended the school and I’ve previously been on the staff. I’m married to John and we have two adult sons, Tim is a secondary teacher at Paraparaumu College and Hamish works for Coca Cola in Sydney. My interests are golf, walking, drama and spending time with family and friends.
Donna Owens
Sports Administrator
Having relocated from Wellington with my whanau to the ever so stunning Māniatoto in 2022, soon after I joined the team in the office, helping out on a casual basis. The following year I moved into the role of Sports Coordinator for the school and most recently I have picked up the Alternative Education support role too. I'm also a parent representative on the Board of Trustees.
We have two children in the Senior School, as well. Apart from the better weather and a less chance of an earthquake the people are what sets Māniatoto apart from anywhere I've lived previously. The community is overwhelmingly supportive of the school, whanau, and former pupils go out of their way to ensure there are opportunities for current students, be it through scholarships, work experience or support on the sidelines.
This is my first foray into working in the public sector having spent a career in IT and recruitment. It is a constantly changing environment but the teachers and wider support team are dedicated and go above and beyond for the students to ensure they succeed to the best of their abilities.
I love it, and the team here makes it so much fun!
Sue Scott
Teacher aide
I was born and bred in Dunedin, but spent a lot of time holidaying in Naseby as I was growing up.
After I married, I moved to Kyeburn and began life on the farm with my husband Alistair.
We have two sons, who now have families of their own, giving us four incredible grandchildren.
We have moved off the farm and now live in Naseby.
I enjoy walking in the forest with my dog Josie. And I especially enjoy spending time with my grandchildren.
I am in my 22nd year as a teacher aide at MAS. I love my job! I work with the most awesome kids and am proud to be part of an amazing, supportive team.
Jenna Huddleston
Teacher aide
Maniototo born and bred. I completed all my schooling years at Maniototo Area School and then went on to do my training in Beauty Therapy. I've been married for 16 years and we have 3 children who keep us very busy. I have worked at Maniototo Area School as a Teacher Aid since 2020 and I thoroughly enjoy everything about my job. I enjoy the outdoors, sports, fishing, tramping, hunting and love to follow my children's interests.
Karenne Davis
Teacher aide
Coming Soon
Sarah Smith
Teacher aide
My name is Sarah and I am a teacher aide here at Maniototo Area School and I thoroughly enjoy working at a wonderful school, with wonderful students and staff. My husband and 2 children moved to Ranfurly in 2017 from Dunedin and both children attended MAS. We enjoy sport activities together including biking, walking and watching the kids in their various sports. I am also currently studying for a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary)
Philippa Pope
Teacher aide
I'm a born and bred Aucklander where, after gaining a Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood Education, taught for 20 years. I moved to the Maniototo in 2010, and built and ran a cafe near the Rail Trail in Oturehua. Life now revolves around my partner Alistair and our farm, and a B&B in our old Shearers Quarters. I enjoy sewing, biking and travelling.
Kerrin Mulholland
Caretaker
Coming Soon
Sandra Kreft
Cleaner
Coming Soon
Tania Cromb
Cleaner
Coming Soon
Murray Morice
Cleaner
Coming Soon
Current Vacancies
Fixed Term, Part time Primary Teacher
Maniototo Area School is in search of an enthusiastic and creative teacher to join our dedicated team of Junior teachers. A wonderful community atmosphere, supportive and collegial staff, and a beautiful Central Otago setting are major attractions.
The successful applicant will begin at the start of Term 2 2025 and will teach at primary levels. They must be willing to work collaboratively with the rest of the junior team and be comfortable in flexible learning environments. Experience in structured literacy is an advantage.
Suitable for beginning teachers.
Fixed term due to Principal sabbatical.
Accommodation can be provided.
For any enquiries please email office@maniototo.school.nz or phone the school office on 03-4449341. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Principal Melissa Bell to discuss.
Closes: 20th March at 9am
Teacher Position Application Form
Support Staff Application Form
Non-Teaching Position ApplicationForm 2021 (1).docx
