Denise Busby

Te Māhuri | Years 6 - 8 | Auraki

Ko Hikurangi te Maunga
Ko Tawapuku te Awa
Ko Ngatokimatawhaorua te Waka
Ko Te Huruhi te Marae
Ko Ngapuhinui tonu te Iwi
Ko Ngati Mahia te Tupuna
Ko Mahia te Tangata
Ko James raua ko Ngawairakau Busby oku Matua
No Awarua ahau

I am a mother of 6 children, the oldest two are my step daughters and had four of my own, a girl and 3 boys. I am a grandmother to 5 grandsons and granddaughter soon to be 2. I have lived the past 7-8 years in Dargaville amongst relatives that I didn’t know existed on my fathers side, but the majority of them lived in Awarua where I come from.

I bring care, consistency, and a positive attitude to teaching. I try hard to come to class prepared, but I am also flexible and ready to change my approach if students need more time or support. I believe students learn best when they feel safe, respected, and supported, so I work hard to create a classroom built on Aroha and Manaakitanga.

I bring enthusiasm for learning and for my students. I help students understand why their learning is important and how it connects to their lives. I use Māori kupu in everyday classroom routines to help normalise te reo Māori and create a sense of belonging. This shows Pono in my teaching by being genuine and true to who we are as a school.

I have high expectations for all students and believe every learner can grow. I encourage ako, where learning is shared between students and teacher. I aim to act with tika by being fair, clear, and consistent, and by recognising students’ effort and progress. I work to uphold each student’s mana and help them build confidence. Above all, I am committed to learning and improving as a teacher. I reflect on my practice, listen to feedback, and continue to grow my use of te reo Māori so I can support my students and live out our school values of Aroha, Tika, and Pono every day.