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How long have you been an educator, and where did you train?
I’ve never actually left school! I went to Waikato University after finishing school at Hamilton Boys’ High, completing my Bachelor of Education and Diploma in Teaching from 1995-1998. I was also very fortunate to receive a Fulbright Scholarship in 2001-2002 to attend the University of Delaware (United States) where I completed my Masters in Economics and Entrepreneurship of Educators. This involved attending the university for two lots of summer school and continuing study back in New Zealand. I was a year 5-6 classroom teacher at Fruitvale Primary School (west Auckland) from 1999-2007. During this time, I also spent two years teaching in London while travelling around Europe. In 2008, I became deputy principal of Kelston Primary, where I spent seven years before getting the opportunity to be principal of Glen Taylor School, 2015-2024.
When did you become principal of Te Uho o te Nikau Primary School?
In July 2024.
What’s the best thing about being an educator and principal?
I was always interested in education, so it was an easy choice to get into teaching. The ability to make a difference to a young person is so rewarding. In our roles as educators, we make positive impacts on tamariki in so many areas. Whether it’s seeing that look in their eyes when they grasp a new idea or that newfound passion when learning something or are exposed to something new. Over the years the role of a teacher has become so much more involved, so we know we’re not only working with them to learn the NZ Curriculum, but we’re also so involved in social issues that tamariki are coming to school with. It’s very rewarding when you can have a positive impact on a child and ensure they’re safe and happy with a passion for learning. As a principal it’s very rewarding to work with the amazing staff we have. I get to see the blood, sweat and tears our staff put in to ensure our kids have the best possible opportunities to learn and develop. To be part of their development is extremely rewarding.
What’s special about your school?
Te Uho o te Nikau is an amazing school with an incredible supportive community. We have a deep commitment to honouring and integrating Māori culture and language. This creates a rich and unique learning environment for both students and teachers. We also have a very strong emphasis on student and staff well-being and inclusion. We’re dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space for all learners, including those with diverse needs and backgrounds. We also offer a very innovative and integrated curriculum where all learners have the opportunity to explore their passions. To make this all work we’re lucky to have a very supportive and collaborative community who help create the positive and welcoming atmosphere we have.
Is there anything you’d like improved in the education / school management sector?
The biggest issue in education at the moment is the serious lack of support for our kids with additional needs, whether that be learning or behavioural. We currently spend close to $500,000 (well over 50 per cent of our operations grant) on employing additional staff to support these kids. This comes directly from our operations grant which in turn takes away from being able to fund other aspects of the school. This means we’re continuously trying to raise funds through grants and/or fundraising initiatives to be able to provide the learning opportunities our kids deserve. We really need to look at how we’re supporting our tamariki who have these additional needs to ensure they can become successful members of our communities.
How is the relationship between Te Uho o te Nikau Primary School and its immediate local community?
We’re extremely lucky to have such an amazing local community. We all work extremely hard to ensure the community feels valued and welcome here. With over 30 cultures represented, we’re able to involve them all in the cultural celebrations represented in our community. Not many weeks pass where we don’t have any celebrations happening. We also have such great support from the community when it comes to helping with sports events or trips to various places. One only has to look at our Facebook page to see all the amazing things happening.
How’s the immediate future looking?
The growth in the area is very exciting here at Te Uho o te Nikau School. It opened in 2019 with 12 students, and we finished 2024 with 600. The growth in the area is very exciting and challenging. We’re about to open 12 new teaching spaces which means we can get our gym and the kids have a space to do PE, and we can also meet for assemblies and special occasions. In 2024, we had six classes in the gym which wasn’t ideal. In 2025, we’re building 24 new teaching spaces to accommodate the growth in the area. The challenges are finding teachers with the skills and qualifications to teach, and keeping that primary school feel when we could potentially have close to 1500 students in the foreseeable future.
