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How long have you been an educator, and where did you train?
I have been teaching for twenty years across four schools in Auckland: Rosehill College, Macleans College, Onehunga High School, and Pukekohe High School. I trained to be a teacher at the University of Auckland.
When did you become the principal of Pukekohe High School?
I took up the role of principal in July 2024. I had been at the school for a year prior to this as a deputy principal.
What’s the best thing about being an educator and principal?
Having the ability to work alongside young people and help shape their futures is the most rewarding aspect of being a teacher. Being able to follow your own passions and share these with students is fantastic.
As a principal, the ability to work alongside staff and members of the community to help shape a positive school culture is satisfying and is a huge honour. Schools have the ability to be positive places of change and development. This is something that I often reflect on.
What’s special about Pukekohe High School?
Pukekohe High School has a long history of serving our community. It combines town and country and serves a growing population that is becoming increasingly diverse. The talent of the student body never ceases to amaze me. From NZQA scholarship results across an array of learning areas to national quality sports, music and kapa haka groups, to students who serve the community in a variety of ways – our school is a reflection of the young people that make it up.
Is there anything you’d like improved in the education/school management sector?
The funding mechanisms for schools are restrictive and essentially only allow schools to maintain the status quo in terms of infrastructure. It would be great if other funding streams were examined and supported by the Ministry of Education to enable schools to provide the resources to support students to thrive.
How is the relationship between Pukekohe High School and its immediate local community?
We are working really hard to connect with the Pukekohe community as often and in as many ways as we can. Our students have added their creativity to the local mural projects. They have supported events at Ngaa Hau E Whaa Marae and through our feeder schools.
The community has been hugely supportive of our sports teams and some of the new curriculum initiatives happening in the school this year. We value this connection and hope to continue to strengthen it in the years ahead.
