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How long have you been an educator, and where did you train?
I studied at Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato (The University of Waikato) from 1996 to 1999 and have been teaching for the past 26 years. I’ve spent the majority of my teaching career as an English teacher at Pukekohe High School, and then moved into senior leadership, completing my master’s in educational leadership through The University of Waikato in 2021.
When did you become the principal of Pukekohe Christian School?
I became the Principal of Pukekohe Christian School in 2022.
What’s the best thing about being an educator and principal?
At Pukekohe Christian School, we get to enjoy the learning journey from school starters through to school leavers, which is an absolute privilege. There is nothing more rewarding than visible learning and progress; reflecting back over an individual or a cohort’s learning journey and seeing the realisation of potential. These reflections bring me great joy.
What’s special about Pukekohe Christian School?
What makes Pukekohe Christian School a special place is our shared focus on Christ-centred education, supporting learners on their faith journey while pursuing academic and extra-curricular excellence to the glory of God.
Pukekohe Christian School is also a very special place to learn and work because of the team we work with; whether that be a group of students or our staff team, it is the people who give their best every day that make this place remarkable.
Success breeds success; over successive years, Pukekohe Christian School students have been named in the Cambridge Outstanding Learner Awards. This year, students were acknowledged for Top of New Zealand and Top of World achievements based on their 2025 studies. Such achievements are possible when school and home are in strong partnership, supporting learning, passion and excellence in equal parts.
Is there anything you’d like improved in the education/school management sector?
I believe that getting back to basics is the right way forward; ensuring that young people can be supported to make progress means that learning pathways can stay open for them as long as possible. All of this is made possible when we empower our teams of talented staff to be the best they have been created to be, and when we intentionally pare back the distractions and step our students through meaningful learning, developing effective life-long study habits.
How is the relationship between Pukekohe Christian School and its community?
Pukekohe Christian School has a community that spans much of the Auckland urban and rural region, as well as North Waikato. Our school exists because of the community; the genesis of the school is embedded in families who wanted a local Christian alternative and generously supported the development and growth of this school. Our families are fundamental in the success of our school through their active participation in extra-curricular activities, working bees, fundraising initiatives and the day-to-day support of homework habits. Together, we maintain high standards and strive for excellence through Christ.
Never is this partnership more evident than now, as we celebrate 30 years of Pukekohe Christian School at Yates Road, Pukekohe. We reflect on these decades with a clear sense of God’s provision and faithfulness to this school, across generations. We celebrated this milestone with our annual gala on Saturday, March 28.
