Ben Michelsen

Beth Churcher

Board of Trustees

Bobby Newport

Callum Mather

My most fond memory of my time so far at Huanui College: The sports prizegiving. The student's dedication to their sports and discipline with trainings and

What I enjoy most about my role(s): Teaching our young tamariki and seeing them develop.

My life before teaching: Played sport.

What led me to teaching: The advice I received from my teachers.

How I enjoy spending my leisure time: With the family.

Carina de Vetter

Carolyn Evans

My most fond memory of my time so far at Huanui College: There are so many - but the similarities of every one of my memories - is the joy and milestone students have accomplished while here. I have loved the school balls, the productions, the students who struggle with cross country and seeing them finish, students who have tried their best in their academics and achieved to their potential, students helping others, the peer mentoring program and how friendly our school is.

What I enjoy most about my role(s): The best part of my working day is when I feel I have made a difference. I have a number of roles at Huanui College but they all mean the same thing - empowering people to achieve their potential. I also love it when a student who thinks they cannot draw/paint - completes an artwork that they are so proud of they want to take it home to show if off their parents.

My life before teaching and what led me to teach: I loved art at school and how it opened my eyes and it made my world so much bigger. As a young person, I wanted to travel to Nepal and help out in charities that supported people in rural areas; I have always wanted to make a difference. I am from Melbourne, and was a passionate practicing artist and driven by social change. After Art school, I completed my Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education and worked for few years in Melbourne as a teacher. Now 20 years on I have lived and worked in communities around the world helping out where best fits. My experiences have been real and they have helped me to grow into the person I am today. If you want to know more - please just find me in the Art room anytime - I am always up for a chat.

Dan Opie

Your most fond memory of your time so far at Huanui College:
Winning the costume competition two years in a row!

What you are looking forward to in the future of our school:
Seeing it grow and become a real fixture in the Whangārei landscape. We do so many awesome things here I can’t wait to see where we’re going.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
Pushing students towards excellence. I’m lucky to teach some of Whangārei’s best and brightest, so pushing them to achieve their best is a rewarding feeling. I also enjoy facilitating the D&D club - that’s been a very rewarding endeavour to support.

Tell us a bit about your life leading up to this moment:
After I left University I went to teach in China for a couple of years. I came back to train to be a teacher, and got a job at Huanui College. After Mrs Rudolph left in April I was appointed to my new position as Curriculum Leader and I have been working hard to keep up her good work.

How do you like to spend your leisure time?
Haha! That’s very funny.

Debby Bain

What do you enjoy about working at Huanui College is how the kids at our College are good kids. The staff work hard for them and it’s great to work with supportive and caring staff - that makes all the difference.

What you are looking forward to in the future of our school: Providing students with powerful learning experiences and preparing them for global readiness, with an informed and an involved community. Seeing students reach their potential and achieving their goals. I am
excited to see them thrive and continue to inspire others along their journeys.

What do you enjoy most about your role? The role is very fluid and changes daily which I enjoy along with the different levels of interaction from Board members, students and families. The Covid pandemic has taught us all patience, perseverance and to continue to push forward.

Tell us a bit about your life leading up to this moment: Having grown up in Whangārei I then did the traditional OE and was away for over 20-years living in London, Durban, Sydney and Auckland where I was involved in commercial real estate for a global company. I’ve gone full-circle!

What led you to your current role? I was previously at another local High School and was extremely fortunate to be given this opportunity. The education sector is one I have come to enjoy very much.

Dr Lynette Hudson

Your most fond memory of your time so far at Huanui College: Year 8 Science kids running to class in 2019.

Tell us about your life leading to this moment: I was born in South Africa sometime in the distant past (roughly the Triassic period) and grew up in JHB (violent crime capital of the world). I got a bunch of degrees at Wits University and got tear gassed for protesting against apartheid. Apartheid fell (yes, I know that was not due to me).I married super young and moved to Swaziland. I lived there 10 years and had 3 kids (whom I quite like), collected another few degrees and learned how to bake (there were very few bakeries there, back in the day). I then got divorced and moved back to JHB where I lived (dangerously) for 10 years while working at a really great school as a maths teacher and the HOD of Biology. I decided that South Africa was a bit much and spent two years working for hours every night to get a visa for NZ and moved in April of 2016. I worked three years at Mahurangi College in warkworth teaching maths before coming to Huanui in 2019. I think Whangārei is great.

What do you enjoy most about your role? Having `interesting conversations with students.

How do you like to spend your leisure time? Walking, swimming and cycling.

Elaine Wong (McDonald)

Fiona Boorer

What you are looking forward to in the future of our school: Seeing the school grow!

Your most fond memory of your time so far at Huanui College: Watching our first cohort grow up and get to Year 13 - though I love you all!

What do you enjoy most about your role? Teaching. The New Zealand slant on things. The “Only in New Zealand” moments, like sheep and chicks in the classroom.

What do you look forward to with the future of Huanui Collefe? For it to continue to offer quality education to Whangārei and Northland students
Tell us a bit about your life leading up to this moment: I grew up as the child of an Army Officer, so travelled quite a bit. I married a Naval Officer, and continued to teach whilst bringing up two children. I’m a passionate Scuba Diver, and became an instructor there, too! I travelled a lot, sometimes as a family, sometimes diving. We had always wanted to move from the UK, and settle somewhere warmer, so the opportunity to come to NZ was too good to pass up! I’m a proud new Kiwi!

What led you to teaching? Really not quite sure - I have teaching in my family, but it just seemed a good idea! I love it now, and watching “the penny drop” is wonderful!

How do you like to spend your leisure time? Diving, travelling, reading (I have a whole library at home - every room has bookcases and piles of books!).

Guy Oclee-Brown

What I enjoy most about my role(s):
I have always loved discussions and finding out new things, as well as trying to explain things to others. Teaching allows me to do this which I love. As well as this the role of Whānau leader gives me the opportunity to see each student more individually and work with them to try and make their Huanui experience as fulfilling as possible. I love seeing ex students and hearing about what they are up to, feeling that I had a small part to play in where they are today.

Tell us a bit about your life leading up to this moment:
I grew up in Bognor Regis, a little seaside town in the south of England and went to a small private school called St John’s
College in Southsea. I really enjoyed my time in school and I think in part that is why I became a teacher. I went to Swansea University studying Physics and Sports Science and it was in the first year here I decided I wanted to be a teacher. From there I did my teacher training. A conversation I had with my Dad once stuck with me; People say they have control over their lives but most people do not choose where they live. They are born in a country where they grow up, get jobs, and move for jobs. So with this in mind I decided I needed to live in another country. That’s when I moved to New Zealand. I got a job at Whangaparaoa College and moved to Auckland. There I met Louise, and started looking for other jobs outside the city. Huanui came up, and fitted all the check-boxes for me; a small school like St Johns,
countryside and CIE. So that’s why I am here. Along the way Louise and I got married and have had two children Alfred and Charlotte.

What are you looking forward to for the future of our school?
I am looking forward to seeing the school grow and gain more of a reputation for offering the best start for young adults that we can. PERMA and growth mindset ideas, will I believe, really set our students up for work and the “real” world. I am looking forward to seeing more of the students’ come back to just say Hi. Finding out what they are up to and laughing with them about what they were like when they started at Huanui College. This personal side to Huanui’s future is the main thing I am looking forward to.

Hayley Beaumont

Heather Pomfrett

Your most fond memory of your time so far at Huanui College:
The wonder and joy of our junior students, as they experienced the Van Der Graff for the first time. Hair standing on end, sparks flying. Marveling at their questions and their enthusiasm to understand. Observing the most apprehensive buoyed on by the enthusiasm of their classmates, to eventually just have a go. Building their confidence and willingness to participate and feel comfortable to take on more difficult tasks, and being here to witness and share in their successes.

What do you look forward to with the future of Huanui College?
Commitment and development of our communities, students, vision and goals. Implementing avenues for investigative and developmental science, perhaps partnering with local industry in the future.

What do you enjoy about your role?
The sense of pride and achievement, when students gain the skill and knowledge to safely and confidently perform a practical.The continual improvement and development of practicals to better provide learning outcomes and technical skills for our science students of all ages and skill levels. Working within a talented close knit passionate team. The variety and challenge, each year is a new focus.

How do you like to spend your leisure time?
Enjoying the many coastal walkways with my family. Practicing Yoga, my island of calm. Gardening and enjoying the abundant bird life. Designing and creating original knitwear. A good book in front of the fire on a winters evening.

Henry Beattie

Hilary Scheffer

What you are looking forward to in the future of our school: The growth of the Humanities department, developing it’s profile within the school, and helping students with the skills that will equip them for life beyond the college (essential Human skills!)

Your most fond memory of your time so far at Huanui College: Mingling with staff and families - particularly at the family and friends evenings at the beginning of the year. Such a great way to start the year, and chat with parents and caregivers.

What do you enjoy most about your role? The energy of the students. There really is never a dull moment.

Tell us a bit about your life leading up to this moment: A previous career in print and production, particularly for magazines (Auckland) and high-street clothing brands (UK). A long stint living in London, travelling and having a lot of fun. Return to New Zealand with a gorgeous daughter and the challenge of a new career in front of me. I’ve been privileged to work in some fabulous Auckland schools, before the big move to Whangārei. Love it here!!

What led you to teaching? A love of Geography and Humanities, and love of learning.

How do you like to spend your leisure time? Reading, walks with the dog, the beach, pottering around the house.

James Gebbett

Your most fond memory of your time so far at Huanui College: Having a classroom that overlooks the pigs and Henry the goat. It is great that students have a chance to get have some varied experiences throughout the school day!

What led you to your current role? After teaching and deaning at Auckland Grammar School for 8 years, my wife Stephanie and I decided to make the move back to her roots in Whangārei . I’ve found it really enjoyable spending more time back in the classroom and learning more about the students.

What do you enjoy most about your role? I love the community spirit at Huanui and the thoughtfulness of our students. I find it really rewarding that my students and I can apply our Geography knowledge to our beautiful surroundings here.

Tell us a bit about your life leading up to this moment: As a born and bred South Londoner, I moved over to New Zealand in 2011, having first visited as a fresh faced backpacker back in 2001. Having spent the last 8 years in Auckland we moved up to Whangārei at the start of 2020.

How do you like to spend your leisure time? I love to run! I am often out when I can around the streets of Whangārei , and am currently training for the Auckland Marathon.

Jonathan Bell

Kate Mather

Your most fond memory of your time so far at Huanui College:
Meeting and getting to know all the lovely people at Huanui College

What do you enjoy most about your role?
Helping the students get involved with sports.

Tell us a bit about your life leading up to this moment:
I grew up in Whangārei and went to London for most of my 20’s where I meet Callum, we then decided to come back to Whangārei to settle down, get married and have kids.

How do you like to spend your leisure time?
I love spending time with my family and friends, travelling and being at the beach.

Kathryn Hunt

Kristen Sanderson

Lana Jennings

Linda van Zyl

Margaret Cleland

Nicole Trebilco

What I enjoy most about my role(s): Chatting with the students and people around the school.

My story leading up to now: I have always worked with kids and my hubby is a builder. I started as a nanny, specializing in multiple births which took me overseas. Moved into early childhood teaching and while my kids were little we had international students live with us and we were emergency placements for babies. We lived in Auckland but moved to the Tutukaka coast about 3 years ago.

What led you to teaching / your current role? Wanted to still be with kids but in a different capacity from my previous jobs.

How do you like to spend your leisure time? We spend a lot of time as a family at the beach or just hanging out together.

Peter Ackers

Peter Ackers is a foundation member of the College staff, and has been in Education for 25 years, including 6 years as Principal of Huanui College. During this time, Peter led the growth of the College from 2 classes of Year 9 students to the full year level from years 7-13. The positive, caring environment of the College continues to be a highlight for Peter, and working with and hopefully making a difference in the lives of young people is what he most enjoys about the job. For the future of the College, Peter looks forward to the continuation of quality education being offered to Whangārei and Northland students. In his spare time, he focuses on living a good lifestyle with his family. Peter enjoys Golf, staying fit and cycling to work!

Philip Coombe

What you are looking forward to in the future of our school? There are many things to look forward to. I think we are building what is already a special school and making it even more a brilliant place to belong to. I see the development of our whānau, both physically and spiritually; the development of teaching and learning practice focused on learner agency; alignment of students, staff, parents and the community; being known as innovative yet holding fast to core values; these are all things that we are growing and will do exquisitely. I’m really looking forward to being a part of this voyage.

What do you enjoy most about your role? The people. The variety. The challenge. The opportunity. It is a privilege.

Tell us a bit about your life leading up to this moment:
I was raised in Levin, initially next to the race track as my father was a jockey and trainer, and was a foundation student in my primary, intermediate and secondary school. Our family moved to Auckland when I was 14 but I still keenly feel the connection to the rural lifestyle. I was the first in my wider family to go to university. I have been fortunate to teach with great practitioners in great schools and the quality of young people I have encountered in my career tells me that the country has a bright future, even though we have many issues to address as a society. I have coached sport, principally football and rowing throughout my career; written subject textbooks; been a curriculum adviser; assessment adviser; examiner and a member of a scholarship trust. I have done a lot of work on how we as human beings learn. My career has allowed me to visit Australia, the Pacific Islands; Argentina, Brazil; Uruguay; Chile; Peru; Ecuador; the Galapagos Islands; USA; Canada; Greece; Italy. My more recent work has been on ‘schools that deliver.’ And that is why I am here right now.

Rebecca-Amy Muir

Your most fond memory of your time so far at Huanui College:
There are so many! Last year the Year 13 students organised a scavenger hunt for me in order to find my ‘missing’ stationery. The clues of this scavenger hunt were all centred around Biology and the ‘Huanui College Cell’. Places involved the nucleus (Mr Coombe’s office), the Mitochondria (the gym) and the Ribosome (protein/egg producing chickens in the coup). The treasure at the end of this scavenger hunt was my stationery (and some new things too). It was clear that the students knew me well! I have also loved working with the Arts team with the Little Mermaid production and various Night of the Arts celebrations.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
I LOVE Science! It is a real joy to be able to share my passion with the students and to be able to help them get excited about the subject too. Providing students with a solid grounding in Science will help them to navigate and make sense of the world around them.

What led you to teaching / your current role?
Having been involved in the dance world since a very young age, it was inevitable that I would take on dance teaching from the age of 16. I carried this on, returning home from University each weekend to teach lessons. I never initially thought this would be a career I would follow but, when I began to think about it, the idea of combining both the teaching and my passion for Science everyday was really appealing. I haven’t looked back since!

Richard Pollard

Sarah Cook

Sharon Cole

Stewart Miller

Your most fond memory of your time so far at Huanui College:
Assisting Kay and students with science projects and development of the new AG areas.

What you are looking forward to in the future of our school:
Developing closer ties with the local community with the school becoming a destination for events, sporting, cultural and entertainment as well as education.

What do you enjoy most about your role(s)?
Variety of activities and an opportunity to put knowledge accumulated over the years into practical use, that and not being sat behind a desk!

Tell us a bit about your life leading up to this moment:
I grew up in a small village called Deeping St James on the edge of the fens, not far from Cambridge in the UK. Spent a lot of time as a youngster around water, either swimming in it or sailing on it. Have spent most of my adult live working within engineering in a variety of fields; manufacturing, brewing and construction and now full time carer for my two sonsCharlie and Jacques

How do you like to spend your leisure time?
Cycling both on the road and mountain biking also some dinghy sailing. Last summer enjoyed free diving (or snorkelling as it was!) with Jacques after he completed his PADI course.

What is a valuable piece of life knowledge that you would like to pass on to others? And, if applicable, why?
Listen carefully, don’t write off other peoples ideas, sometimes the best ones come from the most unexpected places. Be Honest….

Terese Sergeant

Toni Koning

What you are looking forward to in the future of our school: Continuing the positive, caring environment.

Your most fond memory of your time so far at Huanui College: The sustainability trip to Rarotonga in 2019 with 54 amazing year 9 students.

What do you enjoy most about your role? I love the day to day teaching and watching students develop. In my careers role it has been a steep learning curve but I am enjoying the challenge.

Tell us a bit about your life leading up to this moment: I was born in Northland and did most of my schooling here ( apart from 3 years in Auckland). I attended Waikato University for my BMS degree and then worked in the business world for two years before training to be a teacher. I stayed in the Waikato for the next 25 years, dairy farming, teaching and raising our 3 children. We moved back to the Tutukaka Coast last year, and have loved being back amongst family. Living near the beach again has been epic.

What led you to teaching? A good fit for me and I feel passionate about what I teach.

How do you like to spend your leisure time? Anything to do with the beach - paddleboarding, water-skiing, swimming, snorkeling, fishing. I am an avid reader and also love to exercise. I love travelling and exploring.

Tracey McNamara

Tracie Lark

Vicki Haverkort

Your most fond memory of your time so far at Huanui College:
I have many fond memories of the first 2 years when the school first opened, dress-ups & competitions, surfing & kayaking trips. I enjoy our House Mathex Competitions which have been running for 10 years in the gym; when the students win at Northland Mathex Competition; DOE Camps; collegiality of the staff; making gardens with the students around the school - allowing students to appreciate their environment & learn life-skills along the way. Most of all I enjoy it when I see students conquering themselves & they feel successful.

Tell us a bit about your life leading up to this moment:
I was born in Tauranga. I moved to Ngunguru when I was 2 years old, while Mum & Dad built in Whangārei. I went to Onerahi Primary School (Mrs. Rudolph was one of my teachers!) and then Whangārei Intermediate. We moved to Kerikeri for my teenage years. I went to Waikato University and Auckland Teachers’ College. I taught 2 years at Epsom Girls’ Grammar School then went to London and taught in a variety of schools for 2.5 years - including one year in a Sixth Form College. While overseas, I travelled to many countries. When I came home to NZ, I taught at Otaki College and Tikipunga High School. I took a few breaks while teaching at Tikipunga while I had 2 children. My husband & I took turns working to be at home for the children. I am a foundation staff member and I have been teaching at Huanui College for 10 years. I had a year off to have my third child (three boys). I have been teaching for 25 years and I love my job.