Matariki Celebration at Wairakei Primary School

My River's Journey

Like the rivers that have carved their paths through the landscapes of my life, my educational journey has flowed with purpose and determination, gathering strength and wisdom along the way.

My story begins in Mosgiel, where the gentle Taieri River cradled my earliest moments, nurturing my first tentative steps into the world. Like a tributary joining a larger flow, my family's journey carried us northward to Hamilton, where the mighty Waikato River embraced us in its steady current—this became the first place my heart truly recognised as home.

As the daughter of a New Zealand Railways family, our lives mirrored the rivers themselves—always in motion, always seeking new paths. The sacred Whanganui welcomed us next, its ancient waters whispering stories of generations past as I began to form my own identity. My family journey continued upstream to Taumarunui, where the Whanganui and Ongarue Rivers converge in perfect harmony—much like how my early experiences were merging to shape my understanding of education, community, and the interconnectedness of all things.

We briefly anchored in Napier, where though no dominant river commanded the landscape, the network of smaller waterways reminded me that even subtle influences can nurture growth and transformation. These coastal streams, less visible although no less vital, taught me that leadership sometimes flows quietly beneath the surface, supporting life in ways unseen but deeply felt.

The current then guided me to Palmerston North, where I trained to become a teacher. It was here, along the banks of the Manawatu, that I met Andrew, who would become my husband and fellow traveler on life's journey.

In Rotorua, the river of my life expanded into a lake, mirroring the growth of my family as children joined our voyage. The unique thermal waters of the region seemed to infuse me with a special energy and perspective that would influence my approach to nurturing young minds.

The return home to the mighty Waikato River called next, drawing me to Cambridge where I first emerged as a Team Leader. Just as the river carves its determined path through the land, I began to shape my leadership style, guiding others with the same natural confidence.

My journey continued over the ranges to Tauranga, where like a river meeting the ocean, my leadership horizons expanded dramatically. It was here I truly discovered my calling as an educational leader, flowing naturally into the role of Deputy Principal, navigating both challenges and opportunities with equal grace.

Now, my journey has brought me to the southern reaches of the magnificent Waikato River, beside Lake Taupō—the largest lake in Oceania. As Principal of Wairakei Primary School, I draw energy from the geothermal currents that define this special place.

Rivers couldn't be more fitting—just as this remarkable landscape harnesses natural power from deep within, I channel my wealth of experience and passion to fuel success in a school community.

You know, I've always felt connected to the waters that have shaped our beautiful country. Each place has taught me something different about leadership, about community, about what it means to guide young people toward their potential. And here at Wairakei, I feel like all those streams of experience have come together in the most wonderful way.