She's known as Nanny Nan or Mrs Nan and it's fair to say she's played a part in the school lives of many Rotorua students.
Nan Buissink was nominated as The Daily Post's volunteer of the week for her dedication to teaching Christian Religious Education for 30 years. Rotorua adviser for the Churches Education Commission, Shelley Gapes, nominated Mrs Buissink for the impact she has had on young people in the city. "It's amazing how many people I come across in the city in their 20s or early 30s who had her in school," Mrs Gapes said.
"She's had a huge impact on lots of people and she does it all at her own cost."
Mrs Buissink started teaching in Rotorua in 1981 after emigrating from Zambia. She was contacted by the principal of Ngongotaha School after he had heard she did similar teaching in Africa.
"They had a programme in New Zealand and they said they would like me to teach it there but I wouldn't get paid," she said.
"I've been doing it ever since."
At her height of teaching Mrs Buissink had classes at every school in Rotorua. Now, aged 70, she visits four schools a week - Whangamarino, Horohoro, Kaharoa and Otonga.
"I love doing it. I enjoy the contact with the children. I think I'm the favourite teacher so whatever story I tell them is their favourite. They call me Mrs Nan as my surname is so difficult. When I was at Whakarewarewa I was Nanny Nan."
"I'll do this for as long as I'm able. I love mixing with the kids and I'm sure they keep me young."
Back in Zambia religious education was an examinable subject. She taught the younger students in a Catholic school. "It's amazing to think I was prepared for what was to come over here without knowing."
Local Hero: Nanny Nan
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