Waitākere College

New Staff Brandee and Paul

Welcome to the Waitākere College team!


Paul Semmons joins us as the teacher in charge of Digital Technology.

"I have been teaching Digital Technology, Multimedia and STEM at Rangitoto College where I have been for the last three years. I am stoked to be working out west where I am from and experiencing the wonderful culture of Waitākere College.
I come from a close-knit family of Māori and Cook Island heritage. I enjoy playing basketball, hiking, TV, music, and creating digital design outcomes."


Brandee Thorburn joins the Humanities Department as a Social Studies teacher.

"I was a student here back in 2010 (head prefect of Manawanui) so it's pretty surreal being back.
It feels very special to return to Waitākere College and I've loved reconnecting with so many familiar faces. It's been fun walking around and spotting all the little things that haven't changed - some of our paintings are still on the walls! Since leaving the college over a decade ago I gained a Master of Arts in Psychology and then trained as a teacher. As a past pupil, it feels right to be back and I'm very excited to meet the students and be with my Waitākere whānau again. Outside of the classroom, you'll catch me knitting, riding my bike, and learning to skateboard - a lot of manawanui needed for this one!"