Canterbury

Overview

Life Education began in Christchurch in 1988 in a static classroom and has evolved to operate three mobile classrooms with four qualified Life Education Educators.

Life Education Trust Canterbury delivers the Life Education programme as far as the Hurunui District through to the Rakaia Region, and reaches up to 20,000 children each year in 80 different primary and intermediate schools in Canterbury.

Being a health resource, Life Education takes children on a journey through five subject strands; self-esteem, food and nutrition, body knowledge, social relationships and substances. Exploring these strands helps them to understand the wonder of their own bodies, and how best to take care of them. We have been active for 30 years, which has given us a proud history in the community and helped our programmes to become respected in the education sector.

Our Trust relies mostly on fundraising activities to deliver the programme in the Canterbury Community each year. We have a number of supporters that help us who are instrumental in our service delivery including our trucking partners who move our classrooms around each school; NZ Express Transport, Hilton Haulage, PBT, Frews, Peter Fletcher Transport, Martin Bruce, Transport Rangiora, Ellesmere Transport and TMC.

Our Educators

Keri Dekkers

Keri has been teaching for over 23 years from Year 3-8. Both private and state schools, in both New Zealand and the UK. Keri has a varied educational career in; school leadership roles, specialist in the performing arts, and gifted and talented education.

Keri lives in Rolleston, Canterbury with her husband, also a teacher, dog and two cats. She loves to travel and is now enjoying exploring the beauty of New Zealand.

"Teaching is not just a career it is a calling. Working with children every day is a great privilege, especially through Health Education. I love being able to provide children with tools that help them deal with problems they are facing and help them understand more about themselves and their growing bodies."

Helly Robinson

Hello! My name is Helly Robinson, and I’m thrilled to be one of the educators in the stunning Canterbury area. Nestled in the breathtaking North Canterbury region, Harold and I absolutely love being surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps!

Before making the move to Rangiora, I lived on the beautiful island of Phuket in Thailand with my two teenage sons and my wonderful husband, Ben. During my time there, I had the privilege of serving as the team leader for English as an Additional Language at the British International School of Phuket.


Now that I’m back in wonderful Aotearoa, I cherish spending time with my family skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer. It truly feels great to be home!
I feel incredibly lucky to work with Life Education, where I have the joy of educating students on vital life skills and knowledge.

Jo Atkinson

Jo has been teaching for 20 years in Christchurch Primary Schools. She has taught from year 0-8 during this time. Finally settling into a leadership role at her previous school. Prior to moving into education, Jo was nursing in a private hospital in Christchurch. Working for Life Education Trust enables her to work within her two passions, education and health. Jo considers Life Education her dream job and is very excited to join the team.

Jo is married to Dave and they have two sons, Luke 16 and Oliver 12. They also have two cats and two naughty Miniature Dachshund puppies, who rule their home. In their spare holiday time they travel around NZ in a purpose built bus, exploring, fishing and enjoying all the beauty that is our stunning country.

Contact details

General enquiries: [email protected] 
Trust and Partnerships Manager: Michael Stanley, [email protected] 
Chairperson: Bridget O'brien, [email protected]


For booking enquiries:
For Christchurch and North Canterbury please contact Jo Atkinson  [email protected] or Helly Robinson [email protected]

For Selwyn please contact Keri Dekkers [email protected]