Evaluation Associates – Principal Advisor & Leadership Consultant — 2022–Present
In this role I support and coach beginning principals across Canterbury and Otago, guiding them in leading people, learning and curriculum development. I facilitate professional learning groups, appraisal processes and regional communities of practice, keeping me closely connected with current Ministry priorities and leadership PLD. Working alongside a wide range of tumuaki has strengthened my networks and extended my own leadership capability. I am proud of the impact this work has had in growing leadership capacity and improving outcomes for ākonga across the region.

Amberley Primary School Principal — 2016–Present
As a transformative principal I led school-wide change at Amberley School, including the successful revisioning of the school. I brought strength in strategic planning, including the rebranding of the school. Amberley School has a roll of 250 students and I am proud of the culture I created after 6 years at the helm. I led through Covid, oversaw complex property projects, implemented PB4L (school-wide behaviour required urgent attention) and, most importantly, embedded a localised curriculum which linked our kura with the Amberley community. I am most proud of the way I have created and strengthened our links with community organisations and neighbouring schools – moving away from a competitive to a more collaborative relationship.

Rangiora High School Board – Presiding Member — 2018–Present
I have been a member of the Board since the intervention of a commissioner in 2016. Rangiora High is a large school (1700 students) with a complex array of governance and management issues. As Presiding Member I have supported principals through a wide range of challenges. These include a major ERO review, creating an Education Brief alongside the Ministry of Education, revisioning, strategic planning, reviewing learning environments, creating a whare in consultation with Ngāi Tūāhuriri, overseeing the renewed vision for our farm land (whenua) as well as numerous finance and employment issues. This experience has put me in good stead for any new challenges that come my way.

Puketeraki Kāhui Ako – Support Principal — 2019–2022
I worked alongside the lead principals to drive our Puketeraki Kāhui Ako. With 18 schools, we are regarded as a high-functioning, innovative and successful Kāhui. I am valued as an innovator within this group, and have been part of organising Kāhui-wide professional development and successful teacher-only days. Part of our responsibility was identifying principals at risk within our group and providing support where needed. I continue to work with the Kāhui in my current role: I co-lead a Presiding Member network, I lead an Aspiring Principals group and I facilitate a Growing Leaders group for middle leaders.

North Loburn Primary School Principal — 2008–2016
In my first principalship I led a rural school of 120 students. My focus was on creating a strong curriculum that linked our kura to the wider community. I took the opportunity to innovate as I could affect change quickly. Highlights include achieving Green-Gold EnviroSchools status, developing a strong outdoor education programme and linking with schools in the Toyonaka region of Japan (where I presented at a global environmental education conference).

Cust Primary School – Deputy Principal — 2006–2008
I was Deputy Principal at Cust School for two and a half years. I enjoyed working with Robert Schuyt and am proud of my leadership of inquiry learning and ICT in this time. I attended and presented at ULearn conferences, and was a key figure in the ICT cluster we were part of at the time.

Loburn Primary School – Deputy Principal — 2002–2006
I began my leadership journey in my fourth year as a teacher, when appointed Deputy Principal at Loburn School. I was given total leadership of school-wide curriculum and assessment by Tony Ellis and thrived on this opportunity. I was Acting Principal for three terms which was both daunting and exhilarating for a 25-year-old.

Woodend Primary School — 2000–2002
I began my teaching journey at Woodend School under the inspirational Bruce Banks. I learnt a lot from his calm, measured leadership style. In my first year as a teacher I undertook a post-graduate leadership paper, and also joined my first Board.

Education
Canterbury University – Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Teaching 1997 - 2000
My university studies reflected my diligence at the time – passing every subject with solid grades. In my degree I majored in Education and New Zealand history, and studying under Te Maire Tau sparked my long-term passion for Māori history, particularly Ngāi Tahu traditions.

Other Relevant Experience
I have been a trust member of the North Canterbury Sport and Recreation Trust since 2018. I have been President of the Rangiora Hockey Club, and was also a trustee at the Arthurs Pass Outdoor Education Centre for many years. I have coached and played many sports.