Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Languages
Referee contacts
Affiliations
Hapū / iwi
Contacts
Languages
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic
Meralyn Te Hira-Lunjevich

Meralyn Te Hira-Lunjevich

Huntington, HAMILTON,New Zealand

Summary

Educational leader with extensive experience in strategic curriculum development and collaborative environment creation. Proven advocate for Māori education, utilizing financial management skills and cultural competency to boost student engagement and academic success. Committed to ensuring all learners feel valued and supported in their educational journey.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Kaihoe Matauranga

Te Akatea (MAC)
Waikato, WAIKATO
07.2021 - Current
  • Providing Mātauranga Māori in schooling contexts.
  • Revitalising te reo Māori through programmes across the school.
  • Shared cultural practices to maintain and improve teaching and learning effectiveness.
  • Collaborated closely with school leadership to review strategic plan objectives and achieve the annual goals.
  • Building a common understanding of te ao Māori kaupapa and implementing these understandings to enhance ākonga experiences.
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Supporting Tumuaki and leadership members in their responsibilities of planning and reporting.
  • Analysing barriers to learning for kaiako, tamariki, and whānau, alongside the Tumuaki.
  • Facilitated relationships within the school and hapū/iwi.
  • Utilised the Te Whare Tapu o te Ngākau Māori framework to review or highlight documentation such as local curriculum, profiles, values, and evidence of progress.
  • Coordination of cluster, regional, and national MAC wananga.
  • Conducted comprehensive data collection to support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
  • Worked with regional teams regularly to achieve MAC goals.
  • Problem-solving issues as required.
  • Collegial confidant.
  • Providing Board of trustees workshops of MAC kaupapa as requested.

<ul> <li>Developed, implemented and evaluated school policies and procedures.</li> <li>Informed students and parents of policies and procedures regarding student behavior and disciplinary actions.</li> <li>Developed platform for instructional practices design through data-driven decision-making.</li> <li>Led school-wide initiatives to enhance student engagement and academic performance.</li> <li>Developed and implemented strategic plans for curriculum improvement and staff development.</li> <li>Oversaw budget management to ensure effective allocation of resources within the school.</li> <li>Established partnerships with community organizations to support student learning opportunities.</li> <li>Fostered a collaborative environment among teachers through regular meetings and feedback sessions.</li> <li>Visited classrooms to evaluate shared teaching and learning techniques as part of the professional growth cycle.</li> <li>Met and listened to student voice (formal and informal) to encourage, guide, and assist, resulting in improved attendance.</li> <li>Created an environment of care where all members of our school feel valued.</li> </ul>

Kaikohe West School (U5)
Kaikohe, NORTHLAND
06.2013 - 06.2021
  • Developed, implemented and evaluated school policies and procedures.
  • Informed students and parents of policies and procedures regarding student behavior and disciplinary actions.
  • Developed platform for instructional practices design through data-driven decision-making.
  • Led school-wide initiatives to enhance student engagement and academic performance.
  • Developed and implemented strategic plans for curriculum improvement and staff development.
  • Oversaw budget management to ensure effective allocation of resources within the school.
  • Established partnerships with community organizations to support student learning opportunities.
  • Fostered a collaborative environment among teachers through regular meetings and feedback sessions.
  • Visited classrooms to evaluate shared teaching and learning techniques as part of the professional growth cycle.
  • Met and listened to student voice (formal and informal) to encourage, guide, and assist, resulting in improved attendance.
  • Created an environment of care where all members of our school feel valued.

<ul> <li>Developed and implemented strategic plans for curriculum improvement and staff development.</li> <li>Fostered a collaborative environment among teachers through regular meetings and feedback sessions.</li> <li>Oversaw budget management to ensure effective allocation of resources within the school.</li> <li>Coordinated professional development programs for educators to enhance teaching practices.</li> <li>Advocated for student needs by communicating with parents, staff, and the local community.</li> <li>Implemented bilingual assessment strategies to evaluate student progress in both English and Te Reo Māori, and instructional effectiveness.</li> <li>Created an environment where all students feel valued and proud of our Ngāti Kura, Ngāi Tūpango, Ngāti Ruamahue, and Ngā Puhi identities.</li> <li>Facilitated communication between teachers, administrators, families and other stakeholders in order to promote collaboration among all participants in the educational process.</li> <li>Monitored and evaluated professional growth cycles, providing identified supports as needed.</li> </ul>

Matauri Bay
Bay of Islands, KAEO
10.2006 - 06.2013
  • Developed and implemented strategic plans for curriculum improvement and staff development.
  • Fostered a collaborative environment among teachers through regular meetings and feedback sessions.
  • Oversaw budget management to ensure effective allocation of resources within the school.
  • Coordinated professional development programs for educators to enhance teaching practices.
  • Advocated for student needs by communicating with parents, staff, and the local community.
  • Implemented bilingual assessment strategies to evaluate student progress in both English and Te Reo Māori, and instructional effectiveness.
  • Created an environment where all students feel valued and proud of our Ngāti Kura, Ngāi Tūpango, Ngāti Ruamahue, and Ngā Puhi identities.
  • Facilitated communication between teachers, administrators, families and other stakeholders in order to promote collaboration among all participants in the educational process.
  • Monitored and evaluated professional growth cycles, providing identified supports as needed.

<ul> <li>I advised Tumuaki on current Ministry of Education initiatives.</li> <li>Shared available training programs for leadership to improve Te Tīriti o Waitangi understanding and practices.</li> <li>Advocated for individual schools across local and national government agencies for resourcing.</li> <li>Advised on budgetary planning.</li> <li>Collaborated with internal departments to create action plans for implementing changes identified through self-reviews or ERO reports.</li> <li>Helped resolve problems between Kura and the local MOE office (regarding charter compliance).</li> <li>Provided technical advice to Tumuaki and boards, often with external agencies (union contact, organization help lines, MOE accounting services, etc.) to ensure timely support.</li> </ul>

Ministry of Education
Whangarei, NORTHLAND
05.2011 - 02.2012
  • I advised Tumuaki on current Ministry of Education initiatives.
  • Shared available training programs for leadership to improve Te Tīriti o Waitangi understanding and practices.
  • Advocated for individual schools across local and national government agencies for resourcing.
  • Advised on budgetary planning.
  • Collaborated with internal departments to create action plans for implementing changes identified through self-reviews or ERO reports.
  • Helped resolve problems between Kura and the local MOE office (regarding charter compliance).
  • Provided technical advice to Tumuaki and boards, often with external agencies (union contact, organization help lines, MOE accounting services, etc.) to ensure timely support.

<ul> <li>Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance Year 9 students' learning experiences.</li> <li>Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents, and teaching staff.</li> <li>Mentored Year 7 and 8 teachers to improve instructional strategies and classroom management.</li> <li>Provided individualized support for Year 9 students completing NCEA Level 1, Te reo Māori, and Science.</li> <li>Communicated regularly with parents about student strengths, progress, and school activities.</li> <li>Utilised assessment tools to monitor student progress and understanding. Adapting learning programs accordingly.</li> <li>Monitored Year 9 student role modelling to ensure a safe classroom and school environments were maintained at all times.</li> </ul>

Moerewa School
Bay of Islands
03.2006 - 10.2006
  • Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance Year 9 students' learning experiences.
  • Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents, and teaching staff.
  • Mentored Year 7 and 8 teachers to improve instructional strategies and classroom management.
  • Provided individualized support for Year 9 students completing NCEA Level 1, Te reo Māori, and Science.
  • Communicated regularly with parents about student strengths, progress, and school activities.
  • Utilised assessment tools to monitor student progress and understanding. Adapting learning programs accordingly.
  • Monitored Year 9 student role modelling to ensure a safe classroom and school environments were maintained at all times.

<ul> <li>Tauira atu mō te reo, me ngā tikanga.</li> <li>Whakanuia ngā wawata o Tainui.</li> <li>Whakaritea ngā mahere ako, me ngā aromatawai.</li> <li>Kaitūhono ki ngā whānau.</li> <li>Pūmau ana ki te whakamanawa, me te mahi ngātahi.</li> <li>Tautokohia āku hoa mahi katoa.</li> <li>Whakaritea ngā momo whakawhanake mātauranga.</li> <li>Kowhiringia he rautaki whakaauraki whānonga.</li> <li>Mātakitaki ngā mahi ki ngā akomanga.</li> <li>Arotakengia ripoata tamariki.</li> </ul>

Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae (U4)
Mangere, AUCKLAND
01.2001 - 03.2006
  • Tauira atu mō te reo, me ngā tikanga.
  • Whakanuia ngā wawata o Tainui.
  • Whakaritea ngā mahere ako, me ngā aromatawai.
  • Kaitūhono ki ngā whānau.
  • Pūmau ana ki te whakamanawa, me te mahi ngātahi.
  • Tautokohia āku hoa mahi katoa.
  • Whakaritea ngā momo whakawhanake mātauranga.
  • Kowhiringia he rautaki whakaauraki whānonga.
  • Mātakitaki ngā mahi ki ngā akomanga.
  • Arotakengia ripoata tamariki.

<ul> <li>Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment.</li> <li>Developed and implemented lesson plans based on curriculum objectives.</li> <li>Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary curriculum projects.</li> <li>Facilitated student assessments, and provided constructive feedback on goals.</li> <li>Organized parent-teacher learning discussions to discuss strengths, student progress, and next steps.</li> <li>Participated in professional development to improve instructional skills.</li> </ul>

Clover Park Middle School
Otara, AUCKLAND
01.2000 - 01.2001
  • Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment.
  • Developed and implemented lesson plans based on curriculum objectives.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary curriculum projects.
  • Facilitated student assessments, and provided constructive feedback on goals.
  • Organized parent-teacher learning discussions to discuss strengths, student progress, and next steps.
  • Participated in professional development to improve instructional skills.

Education

Masters - Educational Leadership

true
Auckland

Fundamentals of AI in Education - Computing - Artificial Intelligence

NZ Qualification and Credentials Framework
Te Ara Teitei, Summit Institute
12-2024

Postgraduate - Certificate in Digital and Collaborative Learning

Online
Online
11.2020

Certificate - Google Educator level 1

Northland
Northland
05.2019

Degree - Bachelor of Education

Auckland
Auckland
12.1999

Degree - He Tohu Matauranga

Auckland
Auckland
12.1999

Skills

  • Dedicated leadership development
  • Knowledgeable policy review and implementation
  • Experienced instructional design
  • Cultural competency
  • Team collaboration
  • Strong communicator
  • Developing technology skills
  • Empathetic team member
  • Great listener
  • Educational leadership
  • Communication skills
  • Technology proficiency
  • Analytical thinking
  • Organisation and time management
  • Friendly, positive attitude

Languages

Te Reo Māori, English, Sign Language (NZ basics)

Referee contacts

  • Hoana, Pearson, Pītau Mātauranga, hoana@mac.ac.nz, 021-066-4152, Māori Achievement Collaborative
  • Catherine Gunn, Principal, cgunn@shgcham.school.nz, 021-178-7020, Sacred Heart Girls' College
  • Anaru, Morgan, Kaiurungi Mātauranga, anaru@mac.ac.nz, 027-251-1457, Māori Achievement Collaborative
  • Trace May, Deputy Principal, tmay@hameast.school.nz, 021-160-2046, Hamilton East School
  • Scott Walden, Kaihoe Matauranga & Principal in Taranaki, scott@mac.ac.nz, 027-362-4794, Māori Achievement Collaborative

Affiliations

  • Te Akatea Māori Principal Association NZ Secretary
  • NZEI Principal council WELLINGTON member
  • Education Council WELLINGTON Principal representative
  • Aka Tokerau NORTHLAND Member
  • Māori Achievement Collaborative NZ Secretary
  • SpringBoard Trust NZ Alumni. Capacity partner

Hapū / iwi

Te Rarawa, Ngā Puhi, Ngāi Hine, Ngāti Whātua Orakei, Ngāti Maniapoto, 

Contacts

  • Principal Meralyn Facebook
  • Meralyn Te Hira LinkedIn
  • Meralyn Te Hira Blog
  • Mobile: (021) 077-3466
  • Email: tehira.meralyn@gmail.com

Languages

Te reo Māori
Professional
English
Professional
NZ sign
Limited

Certification

  • Teacher certification 222593
  • Full driver's license BW403564

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Kaihoe Matauranga

Te Akatea (MAC)
07.2021 - Current

<ul> <li>Developed, implemented and evaluated school policies and procedures.</li> <li>Informed students and parents of policies and procedures regarding student behavior and disciplinary actions.</li> <li>Developed platform for instructional practices design through data-driven decision-making.</li> <li>Led school-wide initiatives to enhance student engagement and academic performance.</li> <li>Developed and implemented strategic plans for curriculum improvement and staff development.</li> <li>Oversaw budget management to ensure effective allocation of resources within the school.</li> <li>Established partnerships with community organizations to support student learning opportunities.</li> <li>Fostered a collaborative environment among teachers through regular meetings and feedback sessions.</li> <li>Visited classrooms to evaluate shared teaching and learning techniques as part of the professional growth cycle.</li> <li>Met and listened to student voice (formal and informal) to encourage, guide, and assist, resulting in improved attendance.</li> <li>Created an environment of care where all members of our school feel valued.</li> </ul>

Kaikohe West School (U5)
06.2013 - 06.2021

<ul> <li>I advised Tumuaki on current Ministry of Education initiatives.</li> <li>Shared available training programs for leadership to improve Te Tīriti o Waitangi understanding and practices.</li> <li>Advocated for individual schools across local and national government agencies for resourcing.</li> <li>Advised on budgetary planning.</li> <li>Collaborated with internal departments to create action plans for implementing changes identified through self-reviews or ERO reports.</li> <li>Helped resolve problems between Kura and the local MOE office (regarding charter compliance).</li> <li>Provided technical advice to Tumuaki and boards, often with external agencies (union contact, organization help lines, MOE accounting services, etc.) to ensure timely support.</li> </ul>

Ministry of Education
05.2011 - 02.2012

<ul> <li>Developed and implemented strategic plans for curriculum improvement and staff development.</li> <li>Fostered a collaborative environment among teachers through regular meetings and feedback sessions.</li> <li>Oversaw budget management to ensure effective allocation of resources within the school.</li> <li>Coordinated professional development programs for educators to enhance teaching practices.</li> <li>Advocated for student needs by communicating with parents, staff, and the local community.</li> <li>Implemented bilingual assessment strategies to evaluate student progress in both English and Te Reo Māori, and instructional effectiveness.</li> <li>Created an environment where all students feel valued and proud of our Ngāti Kura, Ngāi Tūpango, Ngāti Ruamahue, and Ngā Puhi identities.</li> <li>Facilitated communication between teachers, administrators, families and other stakeholders in order to promote collaboration among all participants in the educational process.</li> <li>Monitored and evaluated professional growth cycles, providing identified supports as needed.</li> </ul>

Matauri Bay
10.2006 - 06.2013

<ul> <li>Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance Year 9 students' learning experiences.</li> <li>Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents, and teaching staff.</li> <li>Mentored Year 7 and 8 teachers to improve instructional strategies and classroom management.</li> <li>Provided individualized support for Year 9 students completing NCEA Level 1, Te reo Māori, and Science.</li> <li>Communicated regularly with parents about student strengths, progress, and school activities.</li> <li>Utilised assessment tools to monitor student progress and understanding. Adapting learning programs accordingly.</li> <li>Monitored Year 9 student role modelling to ensure a safe classroom and school environments were maintained at all times.</li> </ul>

Moerewa School
03.2006 - 10.2006

<ul> <li>Tauira atu mō te reo, me ngā tikanga.</li> <li>Whakanuia ngā wawata o Tainui.</li> <li>Whakaritea ngā mahere ako, me ngā aromatawai.</li> <li>Kaitūhono ki ngā whānau.</li> <li>Pūmau ana ki te whakamanawa, me te mahi ngātahi.</li> <li>Tautokohia āku hoa mahi katoa.</li> <li>Whakaritea ngā momo whakawhanake mātauranga.</li> <li>Kowhiringia he rautaki whakaauraki whānonga.</li> <li>Mātakitaki ngā mahi ki ngā akomanga.</li> <li>Arotakengia ripoata tamariki.</li> </ul>

Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae (U4)
01.2001 - 03.2006

<ul> <li>Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment.</li> <li>Developed and implemented lesson plans based on curriculum objectives.</li> <li>Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary curriculum projects.</li> <li>Facilitated student assessments, and provided constructive feedback on goals.</li> <li>Organized parent-teacher learning discussions to discuss strengths, student progress, and next steps.</li> <li>Participated in professional development to improve instructional skills.</li> </ul>

Clover Park Middle School
01.2000 - 01.2001

Masters - Educational Leadership

true

Fundamentals of AI in Education - Computing - Artificial Intelligence

NZ Qualification and Credentials Framework

Postgraduate - Certificate in Digital and Collaborative Learning

Online

Certificate - Google Educator level 1

Northland

Degree - Bachelor of Education

Auckland

Degree - He Tohu Matauranga

Auckland
Meralyn Te Hira-Lunjevich