Learn English at Kiwi English Academy™ and benefit from our teachers’ vast experience, innovative teaching methods and caring attention to your language needs.
If you want to learn English in New Zealand and you are looking for high quality courses, study English at Kiwi English Academy. We look forward to helping you learn English the right way.
Directors
Principal
Dr Kate Herbert
Director
Guy Herbert
I am a director of Kiwi English Academy working behind the scenes to make sure your experience at our school is a rewarding and memorable one. Among other things, I help plan and execute facilities upgrades, IT capability, school equipment and monitor the school's overall performance.
Dr Rachel O'Connor
Hello, I’m Rachel, from Christchurch, in the South Island of New Zealand. I studied English Literature at the University of Canterbury before travelling to England, where I qualified as an ESOL teacher with an RSA Cambridge Dip TEFLA. In Europe, I taught a wide range of English levels and specialisations, including English for Academic Purposes, and Medical and Business English. In 2013, I returned to New Zealand to complete a Master’s in Creative Writing, writing my first novel, and tutoring undergraduate students of English and Creative Writing at the University of Auckland. I have recently completed a Creative PhD, and love my busy life as KEA Director of Studies.
Rob Williams
Hi, I’m Rob. I was born in England but moved to New Zealand at the age of four. I studied English Literature at Auckland University, and graduated with a Master’s degree. I began teaching English in Japan in the 1990s, and after a few years there I returned to New Zealand in 2002 and have lived here ever since. I developed a passion for teaching English while living overseas, and although I’ve also worked extensively in Mental Health, I returned to teaching in 2017. I enjoy supporting and encouraging students to build their English skills, by helping them to work on their strengths rather than focusing on what they can’t do.
Anna Medvedeva
Hi, I'm Anna. With over 20 years of experience in education, I've had the pleasure of teaching a wide range of students at different levels and in various class formats. The success of my students is my greatest motivation, and I'm passionate about helping them build both confidence and a deep understanding of the language. I love explaining complex grammar concepts and guiding my students towards their language goals. Watching them progress and succeed in their English studies is something I'm truly proud of.
Ian Winbolt
Hello. My name is Ian; I am from the UK. I am a passionate Cambridge-certified (CELTA) English teacher. I have taught English since 2001 across three continents; the Middle East, Europe and New Zealand. I enjoy helping and teaching students of all ages and love explaining grammar. I can speak two foreign languages, Arabic and Bulgarian, and therefore appreciate the difficulties students face while learning English.
Eliane Tavares
Hi, I’m Eliane. I’m from Brazil and moved to New Zealand in 2008 with my family. I’ve been teaching English for over 25 years and have lived in Iraq, Japan, and Canada, which has helped me experience and learn from different cultures. I’m passionate about helping students learn a new language and adapt to a new culture, and I love the challenge that comes with it.
Yuan Fang
Hi, I'm Yuan Fang. I graduated from Nanjing Normal University with a major in English Education and then spent seven years teaching English in China. In 2018, I came to New Zealand, completed a Master’s degree in TESOL at the University of Auckland, and gained my CELTA qualification. Since then, I have been teaching in New Zealand. My teaching style is lively and engaging, and I love using a variety of activities to spark students’ interest in learning English. I truly understand the challenges language students face, and I’m especially passionate about supporting lower-level learners to build confidence in speaking, and to enjoy their learning journey with English.
Vicki Walker
Hi, I'm Vicki, and I went to school in Melbourne, Australia. I was actually born in Sydney, and later went to Sydney University where I studied history, philosophy and languages. I then transferred my degree to Auckland University because I had friends in New Zealand, and I wanted to travel while still doing further study. I finished my post-graduate teaching studies at Victoria University in Wellington before heading off to London. After London, I went to Paris, and then settled in Italy where I ran my own little English school called Inglese Ora.
I have two children, a daughter who lives in Christchurch and works as a graphic designer, and a son who studied at Otago University and now works in Queenstown. I have taught English in Australia, Great Britain, Italy, France, and New Zealand. I have met lots of wonderful, hard-working students from all over the world and I love my job.
Panduka Rathnayaka
Hello. My name is Panduka. I am the maths and science teacher at Kiwi English Academy.
Noa Morales
Hi, I’m Noa. I’m from California. I have academic backgrounds in both German and Latin, which explains my love for etymology and the mechanics of grammar. I began my career in education teaching ESOL to immigrants and refugees in San Francisco’s lively Mission District, where I discovered how meaningful it is to help people in a new country improve their lives through language education. I’m passionate about the process of language learning and deeply believe that every student can find joy in it.
Motoko Sugimura
Hi, I'm Motoko from Japan. I've been in NZ since 2002. Living and studying in a foreign country is a big challenge for anyone. I'm here to support you choosing the right course for your study plan and also help you with your accommodation that you choose during your time with us.
Elena Naoumov
Hi, I'm Elena. Welcome to Kiwi English! With a background in teaching, I'm here to support both our students and agents, as well as to manage the office. Whether you need help selecting the right course, planning your pathway for further studies, have questions about visa or insurance, or even need assistance booking a holiday, I'm here to help with all of that and more. Feel free to come and see me anytime!
Benson
Meet Benson, our school dog! Always ready with a wagging tail and gentle nature, he brings comfort and smiles to students and staff every day.