Our People

OUR VALUED PEOPLE

Our CEW tutors are a passionate and dedicated team who take great pride in sharing their knowledge, experience, and skills with the community.
Each term, between 30 - 40 tutors, offering between 50 - 60 classes contribute to our diverse range of learning opportunities, bringing a wealth
of expertise and enthusiasm to the classroom.

Elena Nikolaeva

Elena was born and raised in Russia and graduated from the Urals State University of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture, where she taught academic painting for over 20 years.
Since making New Zealand home in 2000, Elena has established herself as a respected full-time artist and tutor, sharing her expertise through classes and workshops across Northland and Auckland.
An active member of Mangawhai Artists Inc., Elena has been teaching acrylic painting and drawing with Community Education Whangārei since 2013. Her supportive teaching style, extensive experience, and passion for art have made her one of CEW's most sought-after tutors.
Elena is passionate about helping others discover and nurture their creative potential. Her encouraging teaching style, wealth of experience, and genuine love of art create an inspiring learning environment where beginners and experienced artists alike can flourish. Elena is pleased to see the progress achieved by her learners each term, and the beautiful artwork produced is a true reflection of Elena’s dedication and expertise.
Website: http://art-of-elena-nikolaeva.info/
Her classes fill quickly so early booking is essential to gain a seat in these art masterclasses!

Goldie Van Der Lee

Goldie brings a wealth of upholstery knowledge, practical expertise, and plenty of humour to every class, making learning both enjoyable and rewarding.
Together with his wife Trish, Goldie owns and operates a highly successful upholstery business here in Whangārei, following many years of experience serving clients throughout Auckland. Their passion for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail is reflected in every project they undertake.
With extensive experience working on a diverse range of furniture, from contemporary pieces to treasured antiques, Goldie shares valuable industry knowledge and practical techniques gained over many years in the trade. Whether a project requires complete restoration or partial reupholstery, he understands the importance of respecting original materials, construction methods, and craftsmanship.
If you've ever considered learning upholstery skills, repairing a cherished piece, or exploring a rewarding new hobby, now is the perfect opportunity. Goldie's popular weekend workshops are highly regarded for their hands-on approach, supportive atmosphere, and practical take-home skills. The end results are amazing!
Early enrolment is strongly recommended for these one-day classes.

Raewyn Rouse

Raewyn's skincare journey began over ten years ago when she planted a front paddock in lavender and set out to discover how to use her harvest.
What started with distilling lavender oil and hydrosol soon grew into a passion for natural skincare formulation. Through extensive self-study, hands-on experimentation, and years of product development under her Summer Scents brand, Raewyn built a wealth of practical knowledge and experience.
In 2022, she completed a Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation through the School of Natural Skincare in England, further strengthening her expertise. Along the way, she discovered a love for teaching and enjoys sharing her knowledge in a fun, relaxed, and hands-on learning environment. She now offers both beginner and more advanced skincare formulation workshops for those wanting to create their own natural products.
In addition to skincare, Raewyn has been weaving flax for over eight years and also tutors introductory flax weaving workshops, helping learners connect with traditional skills and creativity. The crafts that are produced from Raewyn's classes are amazing which is a true testament to her relaxed nature and love for her craft.
With her practical experience, approachable teaching style, and passion for lifelong learning, Raewyn's classes are inspiring, informative, and enjoyable for beginners and experienced learners alike.

Ian Taylor

With over 40 years of photography experience, Ian has turned a lifelong passion into an art form.
His journey began in a foundry, where he captured intricate macro images of metals and developed black-and-white film in the darkroom. This early hands-on experience laid the foundation for a rewarding photographic career that has evolved alongside the industry, embracing the exciting world of digital photography.
Over the years, he has explored a wide range of genres, including portrait, landscape, still life, and wedding photography, always striving to capture moments that tell a story. Known for his happy-go-lucky nature, cheeky sense of humour, approachable teaching style, and genuine enthusiasm for photography, he creates a relaxed and enjoyable learning environment where learners feel inspired to develop their skills and confidence behind the camera.
Whether you're picking up a camera for the first time or looking to refine your technique, you'll benefit from his wealth of knowledge, practical experience, and infectious passion for the craft.

Melissa Thompson

Hi everyone, I'm Melissa. I am a 200+ hour Certified Yoga Teacher who has been empowering clients since 2019.
Driven by the belief that movement and mindfulness are for every body, I strive to create inclusive, judgment-free spaces where students of all fitness levels can practice safely, comfortably, and without comparison.
I teach a wide variety of yoga styles, including Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra, Aqua Yoga, and Chair Yoga. I also hold certifications in Reiki, Barre, and Tabata.
A central pillar of my teaching philosophy is encouraging students to honour and listen to their bodies, and to truly "find what feels good"
Through my classes, I aim to inspire people to take charge of their wellbeing, build self-confidence, and discover their own physical and mental strength.
I look forward to welcoming you to the mat and supporting you on your journey.

Francis Evans

My name is Francis Evans, and I have been a certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) since 1991. I have also studied Humanistic Astrology for many years, with a particular interest in its practical applications for everyday life and personal growth.
Through Community Education Whangārei, I have taught an eight-week Introduction to Astrology course and a weekend Enneagram workshop. Both provide valuable frameworks for understanding ourselves and others, supporting greater self-awareness and personal development.
Over the years, I have facilitated a wide range of personal development programmes, including Understanding Your Dreams, Creative Writing, Creating Your Personal Reality, Managing Complex Change, and many others. Drawing on my background in science, NLP, and hypnosis, I enjoy helping people access their own untapped potential and transform insights into practical tools for everyday living.
My personal interests include mythology, which has strong connections to astrology, as well as the work of Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, his student Robert Johnson, and renowned mythologist Joseph Campbell, author of The Hero with a Thousand Faces and The Hero's Journey. Campbell's work also helped shape the storytelling framework behind the iconic Star Wars saga.
Whether you're seeking greater self-understanding, personal growth, or a fresh perspective on life's journey, I look forward to sharing these fascinating subjects with you.

Rose Daly

Meet Rose, she has been tutoring New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) with CEW for the past few years, and it's one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
Supporting learners to build confidence in NZSL helps break down communication barriers, strengthens inclusion, and uplifts one of Aotearoa's three official languages.
NZSL opens the door to genuine connection with the Deaf community, supports non-verbal communicators, and develops visual and spatial awareness in a way no other language does. Rose is passionate about creating a welcoming, encouraging environment where people feel comfortable giving it a go, making mistakes, celebrating progress, and having plenty of fun along the way.
One thing learners quickly discover is that talking isn't permitted during class! While this may sound challenging at first, it helps learners immerse themselves in the language, build confidence faster, and encourages everyone to sign from the very beginning. The results speak for themselves, with learners often amazed at how quickly they progress.
Whether you're learning for work, whānau, or personal interest, Rose would love to help you discover how empowering NZSL can be.
A favourite with many returning learners, Rose's classes continue to grow in popularity each term. With her cheeky sense of humour, encouraging nature, and knack for keeping everyone on their toes, you're guaranteed to learn, laugh, and leave with extremely valuable new skills.

Alex Wallace

Alex Wallace facilitates the Introduction to Using Google Applications course at Community Education Whangārei and has taught many, many classes over the years.
"I have always been passionate about online learning," says Alex. "I enjoy helping learners discover the digital tools they need to collaborate effectively, stay organised, and achieve great learning outcomes"
Alex has worked within the New Zealand education sector for more than 30 years, bringing extensive experience in music, music technology, and cloud-based technologies. In 2013, his innovative work integrating technology into education was recognised with an award from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).
Since adopting Google Apps for Education in 2014, Alex has developed extensive expertise across the Google for Education and Google Workspace suites. With more than a decade of hands-on experience, he enjoys sharing practical knowledge and helping students gain confidence in using Google's powerful range of applications for work, study, and everyday life.
Alex's friendly and approachable teaching style ensures learners feel supported as they explore new technologies and develop valuable digital skills, all while having a joke and laugh with his learners along the way.

Mariia Tolokonnikova

Hi there, and welcome aboard! My name is Mariia, and I'm so pleased you're here! My classes are a place where we can learn, laugh, share ideas, and grow in confidence together.
English is much more than grammar and vocabulary. It's a way to connect with people, share experiences, and discover new cultures and perspectives.I believe learning should be enjoyable, practical, and relevant to everyday life. My classes are friendly and relaxed, giving learners the confidence to speak up, ask questions, and even make a few mistakes along the way. After all, that's how we learn!
Everyone has different goals, so I tailor lessons to suit individual needs, whether you're looking to improve everyday conversation, communicate more confidently at work, prepare for an exam, or strengthen your academic English skills.
I have experience teaching General English, IELTS preparation, and Academic English in both online and face-to-face settings. Working with learners from many different cultural backgrounds has taught me to be flexible, patient, and creative in my approach to teaching.
When I'm not teaching, you'll often find me enjoying art, getting lost in a good book, or exploring beautiful New Zealand. I love meeting people from different backgrounds and hearing their stories, which is one of the many reasons I enjoy teaching English so much.
I look forward to meeting you, sharing a few laughs, and being part of your English-learning journey!

John Ringer

Welcome to my little garden patch! I'm John, a horticulturist and tutor with Community Education Whangārei (CEW).
As a horticultural tutor, I get immense pleasure from sharing my knowledge and helping others discover the rewards that nature can provide. There is nothing quite as satisfying, or beneficial for our health and wellbeing, as growing your own fresh produce.
My horticultural journey began at an early age on my family's market garden here in Northland. After completing a Degree in Horticulture at Massey University, I returned to the family farm before embarking on a diverse career that included horticulture, computer programming, and operating a laser clinic.
Today, I'm back on the family property, which has been in our family since 1912, and I thoroughly enjoy growing much of our own fruit and vegetables.
Whether you're a complete beginner or already have a green thumb, my classes are designed to be informative, practical, and enjoyable.
If you've ever had a hankering to grow some of your own food, come along and join the self-sufficiency movement. I'd love to share the journey with you and help your garden flourish.

Aiko Fukumoto

Hello, my name is Aiko, originally from Japan. I lived in Auckland for 30 years before making Whangārei my home in 2020.
Since qualifying as a massage therapist in 2008, I have been passionate about holistic approaches to health and wellbeing, using natural methods to support people of all ages, from babies through to older adults.
Over the years, I have studied herbal medicine, nutrition, acupressure point therapy, Qigong, and Reiki, gaining a broad understanding of complementary wellness practices. I enjoy sharing this knowledge with others and empowering people to take an active role in caring for their own health through massage, movement, and mindful living.
I am also a Kintsugi artist and believe that arts and crafts can be a powerful form of mindfulness and meditation. Whether through holistic therapies, Qigong, or creative practice, I am passionate about supporting wellbeing and helping others discover simple, natural ways to nurture their health and happiness.
I have taught with CEW for a number of years now and I look forward to sharing my experiences, knowledge, and enthusiasm with the Whangārei community.

Lyn Cheyne

Lyn recently joined the Community Education Whangārei teaching team with her popular AI for Business course.
With more than 30 years of experience in business strategy development and implementation, Lyn has worked across a diverse range of sectors, including wine, food, tourism, destination and economic development, aviation, local government, CCOs, health providers, and not-for-profit organisations.
Now the Director of Fundraising and Marketing for North Haven Hospice, Lyn is passionate about helping businesses understand and embrace the opportunities that Artificial Intelligence can offer. She sees AI as a practical bridge between where a business is today and where it wants to be tomorrow, enabling innovation, efficiency, and growth in ways that work for both organisations and their teams.
Having called Whangārei home for the past eight years, Lyn brings a wealth of real-world experience to the classroom. Her course is grounded in practical business examples and is designed to give learners the confidence and knowledge to prioritise, implement, and benefit from AI in both the short and long term. With this experience and enthusiasm for what she teaches, we look forward to Lyn becoming a regular tutor for our community.
Relevant, current, and highly practical, Lyn's classes provide valuable insights for business owners, managers, and professionals looking to stay ahead in an increasingly AI-driven world.

MORE VALUED PEOPLE

KIM SIMPSON / MELISSA LOWE / JUDITH SUNDERLAND / ANDREA NAGY / CHLOE KING / WHAEA KELLY NGARU /
SANDY ROBINSON / WHAEA ORIWA BROUGHTON / PINJA MÄKIPÄÄ / XIN ZHANG / SHELLEY CHAPPORY /
ROSLYN NORRIE / GEOFF MANSELL

Phone: 0274 285 142 - 09-435-0889 | Location: Wilkinson Ave, Te Kamo, Whangarei | Email: [email protected]