Rodney
Overview
Since 2009, Life Education Rodney has successfully delivered the Healthy Harold programme across the area formerly known as the Rodney District Council. At its southern end, draw a line just beneath Gulf Harbour across the island to just beneath Helensville. At the northern end, imagine a line across the island from Mangawhai in the East to an even spot on the West, then you have a broad idea of the reach of our classroom.
Our Life Education Rodney mobile classroom reaches approximately 5,000 children from Year 1 to 8 throughout the district in larger centres and many of its rural and small-town areas each year. With 29 schools included in the programme, the Life Education mobile classroom (kindly towed by the Hiway team) takes Harold the Giraffe and our Educator to schools on an annual or biannual basis.
There is always a waiting list for a visit from our mobile classroom. Some schools are tiny and the mobile classroom is there for one day, whereas other schools like Ōrewa College host Life Education for four weeks (or more).
As a health resource, Life Education takes children on a journey through five subject strands: identity and resilience, relationships and communities, human biology, food and nutrition, and substances. Exploring these strands helps them understand the wonder of their own brains and bodies, and how best to take care of their health and wellbeing. Importantly, the programme is tailored to meet the needs of the children and teachers at each school.
Life Education has a proud history in the Rodney community and our programmes are respected in the education sector. Our team has fun enabling Harold the giraffe to get out and about in the community and we are always looking for trustees, event volunteers, and donors.
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Our Educator - Sam NovakSam is a qualified Early Childhood Teacher and has been teaching for over 20 years. She has also spent time as a lecturer of Early Childhood Education, teaching, guiding and supporting the next generation of teachers into the ECE field. As she is originally from Ireland, Sam did not have the opportunity to experience Harold herself as a child, but has learnt about him through the wonder of her own two children. Sam lives on the beautiful Hibiscus Coast and loves spending time at the gym, snorkelling and exploring the many beaches and walkways. She believes these activities keep her mind and body active, which is essential for maintaining health and wellbeing. Sam joined Life Education in 2026 and is grateful to be part of a team that provide tamariki with the knowledge and skills needed to manage their own wellbeing, make healthy choices, support the wellbeing of others and communicate effectively. |
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Sarah Dodge - ChairKia ora ko Sarah tōku ingoa. I’m Sarah and I joined Life Education Trust Rodney as a Trustee in 2025. I have a degree in Health Promotion and I have special interest in health education, community development and supporting people with disabilities. I’m excited to be supporting Harold’s mission to empower all tamariki to make positive, healthy choices in the Rodney Region. I am a Ōrewa local, mum to 3 young children and I spend my spare time walking, biking and camping- anything to get them outdoors! |
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John Davies - TrusteeKia ora ko John tōku ingoa. I’m John Davies and I joined Life Education Trust Rodney as a Trustee in 2017. I was its Chair from 2018 to April 2026 and loved participating in its sustainability as an education support. I joined because how the tamariki and rangatahi develop in this generation impacts every generation left alive when they lead our country. I believe in the skill development Harold offers them. It ultimately makes them better humans. I've been a resident of the land adjacent to Whangaparāoa for 24 years and love the people, place and pursuits it offers. |
Contact details
Chairperson: Sarah Dodge, [email protected], 021 0223 8759
Educator: Sam Novak, [email protected]
General enquiries/Bookings: Melody Bird, Executive Officer [email protected]
Postal address: c/- 278 Whangaparaoa Road, Red Beach, 0932
Make a donation
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Life Education Rodney Trust relies on fundraising and grants to deliver the Healthy Harold programme in the Rodney region. Join our wonderful supporters by making a donation to our Give a Little page
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