Our Staff






Jason Taylor
Teacher: Mt Harper – Mahaanui (Y1-2)
Hi, my name is Jason and I have been teaching at Lauriston School since the start of 2021 after graduating from Canterbury University. My wife and I have been married for over 10 years and have three wonderful children together. It was becoming a father that convinced me that I wanted to be working with and alongside children. We are very settled within Mid Canterbury and consider ourselves very fortunate to be able to call the region our home. When I am not teaching I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, mountain biking, hiking and enjoying all the amazing things our country has to offer.




Nerina Hawkins
Teacher: Mt Winterslow – Opihako (Y4-5)
I am currently in a fixed term, maternity leave position. My teaching career spans over 20 years, teaching in Australia, United Arab Emirates and here in Aotearoa. I believe that all people deserve the opportunity to lead safe, healthy, and educationally creative lives by knowing who they are and where they come from. Incorporating Te Ao Maori me Tikanga Maori as well as celebrating other cultures within our school will help achieve this. Outside of school, I am a co-coach for the Celtic Women’s Rugby team. I look forward to sharing my experience with our student’s.


Wendy Atkinson
Teacher: Mt Somers – Te Kiekie (Y5-6)
Hi, my name is Wendy Atkinson. I have had the pleasure of teaching at Lauriston School for just over 20 years and I’m currently the year 5-6 teacher. I am originally from rural Hawkes Bay, but have lived with my husband, Jim, for 40 years on our lifestyle block near Rakaia. I have two grown up children and two wee grandchildren. I love spending time with friends and family, and getting into the outdoors.


Tania Wallace
Teacher Aide
Hi, my name is Tania Wallace, I’m a married mum to four children ranging in age from 11-22yrs, I have lived in Methven my entire life. I began my journey with Lauriston School 3 years ago and feel so lucky to work in such beautiful surroundings with such amazing children. I enjoy spending time with my family and getting outdoors for a run or walk in my spare time.




Elyse Adams
Reading Recovery/Literacy Support
Hello, my name is Elyse Adams and I have the absolute pleasure of working at Lauriston School as the literacy support/reading recovery teacher; a role that I am incredibly passionate about. I have been a teacher for 12 years now and have taught both in Canterbury and also over the pond in London. I have spent the majority of my teaching career working with years 0-2, and I have always had a huge enthusiasm for teaching junior literacy. I live in Rolleston with my husband and 2 beautiful (cheeky) children, and we are currently in the midst of building our new family home.


Trudy Tarbotton
Office Administrator
Hi I am Trudy and have worked in the office at Lauriston School for 22 years. I have 3 adult sons and a granddaughter with another due shortly. In my spare time I enjoy socialising with my friends, playing golf and getting out walking.


H. P. Raroa (Nan)
Kaiawhina -Te Reo Maori teacher support
He puna tēnei manu nō Hikurangi Maunga Kei roto I ā Ngatiporou. Ko au te whenua ~ Ko te whenua ko au.Tihei mauri ora.


Julia Davey
Release Teacher
Hello. My name is Julia Davey and I am a relief teacher at Lauriston. I help out in the classrooms when the teachers have their release days and I really love working with all of the children and teachers. I am originally from Christchurch and moved out to my husband Nick’s family farm 15 years ago. I have two children who attend Lauriston School and two gorgeous Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs.




Jeff Nowell
School Caretaker




Gail Ballantine
School Cleaner