Nau mai haere mai,
Pukehou School is a wonderful school in the heart of Central Hawkes Bay which I feel privileged to lead. I come to Pukehou from Kererū School where I was Principal (and Teacher) for four years. Prior to that, I was at Mayfair School in Hastings for five years. I came to teaching late, retraining in 2010 after being in the NZ Police for more than 15 years. For nearly 12 of those years, I was the Youth Aid Officer in CHB. During that time, I worked closely with local schools and ran a number of Blue Light activities for children and youth. I also partnered with EPIC to develop positive direction programmes for youth. My experiences ignited in me a desire to teach – a decision that I don’t regret.
At Pukehou School, we have a talented, dedicated, and dynamic teaching team who work tirelessly to achieve fantastic success for our learners. Our ākonga (learners) are a pleasure to teach. Their enthusiasm, curiosity and ‘can-do’ attitudes make for memorable learning experiences.
I am a strong believer in a values-based approach to education and feel that all children should be equipped and empowered to achieve success on their terms. Learning can and should be fun!!
My wife Angie is a secondary teacher (Science and Biology) and we have three (grown) children who have all followed their own paths. Lockie is a Policy Analyst with the Matamata-Piako District Council, Cam is a qualified Builder in Hastings, and Alanah is in the final year of her studies towards a Masters’ in Teaching (hoping to teach Science and Math like her mother!).
I am an active relaxer passionate about a range of sports, especially rugby. I a gym nut who gets cranky without my daily fix of exercise and you’ll often find me out in the playground at school playing!
I thank you for the privilege of teaching your children and invite any prospective families to visit and check out our fantastic little school.
Ngāmihiu nui,
Rob