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Vote for you Rotorua Teacher of the Year!
We asked you to nominate the teachers who go above and beyond, and Rotorua – you delivered! After receiving so many heartfelt nominations, we now have our finalists for Teacher of the Year 2026.
The Finalists Are:
Teacher of the Year: Small School
Whaea Teina from Whangamarino School
Whaea Sue from Aorangi School
And Miss Potter from Waikite Valley School
Teacher of the Year: Big School
Whaea Rachel from Western Heights Primary School
Mrs Kiff from Westbrook School
And Whaea Briar from Kaitao Intermediate
VOTING:
Voting for Small School Teacher of the Year will take place from Saturday, 14th November until 12pm Thursday 19th November
Voting for Large School Teacher of the Year will take place from Sunday, 15th November until 12pm Thursday 19th November
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
The winning teacher of each category will receive;
The 2026 Teacher of the Year Award
A bouquet of flowers
Hell's Gate experience
a $150 dinner voucher
Proudly Supported by NumberWorks'nWords Rotorua who for more than 40 years have been helping Kiwi kids succeed.
They’re open till 6.30pm weeknights, making it easier for families to get the support they need. For a free one-hour assessment and introductory lesson, talk to the friendly team at NumberWorks’nWords Rotorua today.