After 30 years in education, including co-ed, single-sex, state and integrated schools, I am now privileged to lead this aspirational, achievement-focussed school. We strive to provide a rich and challenging curriculum for each and every student, coupled with extensive pastoral support to ensure that all students thrive and exceed their expectations. Mahurangi College is a school that builds resilience in students, taking them out of both their academic and personal comfort zones. Every day at Mahu is exciting, and I look forward to meeting you and building amazing futures for our students.

I came to teaching later (in my thirties) keen to work with teenagers, keen to delve into the wonderful worlds of literature and writing. And I love it. I have moved into roles leading teachers, shaping subject direction, shaping aspects of school direction. We never stand still and it is this dynamic world of education that keeps it exciting for me.

I am a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher who is passionate about teaching and learning. I have a strong interest in the pastoral care of young people, curriculum design and innovation, as well as assessment. I believe these aspects of education are key to the success of a school’s management structure and for students to reach their full potential. I have always been actively involved in sports coaching and believe it is important that we develop well-rounded, global citizens. 

Intro to follow.

I trained as a teacher in South Africa and also served as an infantry officer in the South African Defence Force. My family moved to NZ in 1999. I have been a teacher for 30 years and still love teaching. Education is not just about academics but the whole person. For me, “relationships” are the corner stone to effective education. If a teacher and a student have a good relationship, that’s when learning will happen. High expectations mean that you believe in people, that everyone can achieve. Teaching young minds that we are all accountable is key to a successful society. We also all have to be able to laugh at ourselves, take a bit of a joke and be resilient.