Kura Toa welcomes Tumuaki Tuarua, Rowan Taurima
Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira is pleased to announce the appointment of Rowan Taurima (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Kahungungu ki Wairoa) as Tumuaki Tuarua - Deputy Principal of Kura Toa, commencing in October 2026.
Born and raised in Porirua, Rowan joins Kura Toa with extensive leadership experience in secondary education and a strong commitment to achieving positive outcomes for rangatahi, whānau, and communities. She has spent the past decade at Aotea College, where she has held leadership roles including Head of Faculty – Social Sciences and, more recently, as Acting Assistant Principal.
Throughout her career, Rowan has been recognised as a collaborative and values driven leader who builds meaningful relationships with ākonga, kaimahi, and whānau.
Her experience includes leading curriculum and assessment development, supporting pedagogical innovation, and contributing to significant school-wide change initiatives. She is particularly well regarded for her expertise in NCEA and her ability to coach and support others to achieve their best.
As someone with strong connections to the local community, Rowan is known for creating genuine relationships with ākonga and their whānau. She has a reputation for connecting with young people from all backgrounds, fostering belonging and encouraging every ākonga to succeed.
Rowan's appointment further strengthens the leadership team as Kura Toa prepares to welcome its first cohort of ākonga in Term 1, 2027.
Working alongside Tumuaki Kathleen O’Hare, she will play an important role in shaping a learning environment grounded in Ngāti Toa Rangatira values, tikanga and aspirations, where identity, excellence and wellbeing are at the heart of education.
Kura Toa seeks to reimagine education by creating an innovative environment that supports rangatahi to thrive academically, culturally, socially and emotionally, while remaining strongly connected to their identity and community.
Nau mai, haere mai, Rowan. Nau mai ki te whānau o Kura Toa.
