Primary principals
Douglas Andrew BLACK
Location: Paeroa
Academic qualifications
Bachelor of Arts
Post Graduate Certificate in Education
Master of Education
Current position
Principal at Elstow Waihou School - 3 1/2 years as Principal at a rural Primary School just outside of Te Aroha in the Waikato.
Active teaching experience
Teacher, Faculty Leader (Arts), Deputy Principal and Acting Principal at Alfriston College 2005 to 2014
Principal at Paeroa College 2014 to 2018
Principal at Elstow Waihou Combined School 2021 to current
Governance experience
Board of Trustees member (over last 10 years for various terms) Ardmore School, Tirohia School, Karangahake School, Netherton School (current)
Principal Board member Paeroa College, Elstow Waihou School, Alfriston College
Governance Advisor for NZSTA 2020 to 2021 (18 months) and current NZSBA provider
Member of Teaching Council Competency Authority
Personal interests
Lifestyle block farming, kids (3 boys of my own), cars (I race in a 'Lemons' racing series with a team of friends), travel, reading, retro computers!
Profile statement
Tēna koutou,
Teachers deserve a council that promotes, supports and provides value to support the development of our profession. I'm a 'lifer' in education with a strong belief in equity. I've worked as Principal and Senior Leader in both Secondary and Primary schools and am a current rural Primary Principal.
I believe that I can influence education positively and I've had the pleasure of working with a number of schools as a board member both in the Primary and Secondary sectors. I also spent 18 great months advising on governance for NZSTA and still provide support for boards on an as needs basis.
I've loved my time as a Primary Principal and plan to stay for a lot longer. Primary is a wonderful, high achieving sector with amazing professionals that deserves a positive profile.
My broad experience of education can help to develop TC into what it needs to be!
Anthony DE THIERRY
Location: Nelson
Academic qualifications
Poumanawa Matauranga Whakaakoranga, Poutāhū Whakaakoranga (Post Graduate Diploma in Education (Māori Medium)) Poutāhū Whakahaere (Post Graduate Diploma in Māori and Management).
Current position
Tumuaki since 2019
Active teaching experience
2004 - Bi-lingual Teaching Scale A Teacher - New Entrants Years 1 - 2
2006 - 2012 - Bi-lingual Scale A Teacher of Te Reo Māori Whānau Enrichment Unit (Years 7 and 8)
2012 - Year 6 - 8
2013 - 2014 Year 4 - 6
2016 - 2018 mixed years
2018 - Present NCEA Wharekura
Governance experience
2018 Acting Tumuaki member of Board of Trustee Member
2019 - present Tumuaki member of Board of Trustee member
Personal interests
Whānau
Hāhi
Education
Reo Māori
ICT
Music
Cultural Activities
Basketball, Wrestling, various Martial Arts
Entertainment
Profile statement
Kei aku nui, kei aku rahi e rere ana ngā mihi ki a koutou katoa,
Ko tāku he mea mangai mō ngā tamariki mokopuna katoa Māori mai, Tauiwi mai. Ko te mana nei ko te Matatū Aotearoa he ohu whakaae ki ngā pūkenga ka noho hei pouako, he mea nui tēnei haepapa.
Ko taku anō he arahi i tēnei kawenga, he mea tautoko i ngā kura me ō rātau whiringa pouako, nā, ka kitea he tukanga, he punaha anō pea hei tautoko.
Heoi anō
Brendon John FIEBIG
Location: Morrinsville, Waikato
Academic qualifications
Post Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary)
BA (Sociology & Education)
Current position
Principal of Tatuanui School, Morrinsville, Waikato
Management & Governance of the school, Curriculum Lead, Leader of Learning
I have been in this position for 1 year, but this is my 6th Principalship in total, in schools in Gisborne, Auckland, and Rarotonga.
Active teaching experience
January 2024 – Current, Principal, Tatuanui School, Morrinsville.
January 2022 - Dec 2023, Principal, Makauri School, Gisborne.
January 2018 – Dec 2021, Team Leader/Teacher, Morrinsville Intermediate.
January 2016 – Dec 2017, Principal, Apii Te Uki Ou, Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
July 2014 – December 2015, Principal, Waitoki School, Auckland.
January 2013 – July 2014: Teaching Principal, Tapora School, Auckland.
January 2011 – December 2012: Teaching & Learning Advisor, Cook Islands Ministry of Education.
July 2009 – January 2011: Deputy Principal, Birkenhead School, North Shore.
July 2006 – July 2009: Teaching Principal, Ngatapa School, Gisborne.
Jan 2004 – July 2006: Teacher, Stanley Bay School, Devonport, North Shore.
Governance experience
January 2024 – Current, Principal, Tatuanui School, Morrinsville.
January 2022 - Dec 2023, Principal, Makauri School, Gisborne.
January 2016 – Dec 2017, Principal, Apii Te Uki Ou, Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
July 2014 – December 2015, Principal, Waitoki School, Auckland.
January 2013 – July 2014: Teaching Principal, Tapora School, Auckland.
July 2009 – January 2011: Deputy Principal, Birkenhead School, North Shore.
July 2006 – July 2009: Teaching Principal, Ngatapa School, Gisborne.
Personal interests
My interests are Sport (Football & Cricket), Music (I play guitar, drums, and a little bass and ukulele), Travel, Physical fitness and the arts
Profile statement
I am a seasoned educator with 20 years of experience, including 17.5 years in school leadership across diverse regions such as Auckland, Gisborne, Waikato, and the Cook Islands. I am currently into my 6th principalship. I am skilled in performance management, mentoring, and coaching, and getting the best out of my staff. As a teaching and Learning Advisor in Rarotonga I coached. mentored, and trained local teachers and School Leaders, including performance and disciplinary meetings. I am committed to upholding the highest personal and professional standards for myself, and expect likewise from others. As role models teachers must strictly adhere to a clear set of standards and guidelines. My goal is to ensure that mana is returned to the teaching profession, that we produce outstanding trainee teachers, and all teachers maintain the highest of personal and professional standards, and deliver exemplary teaching and learning programmes.
Stacey HONEYWILL
Location: Oamaru
Academic qualifications
Bachelor of Education
Current position
Tumuaki at Te Pākihi o Maru
Te Pākihi o Maru (formerly Oamaru North) was a under Statutory Management when I accepted the role of Tumuaki. In the 4 years that I have been there I have led significant change management to provide a positive and culturally sustainable learning environment.
I have vast experience in:
- Visionary leadership
- Team leadership and management
- Strategic planning
- Change management
- Governance
- Funding applications
- Effective communication
- Community relationship building
- Curriculum development
- Data analysis and assessment
- Budgeting and resource management
- Equity and inclusion
- Development of Policy and Procedures
Active teaching experience
2008 - Weston School
2009-2015 - Palmerston Primary School
2015 - 2020 - Tumuaki, Waitati Primary School
2020 - current - Tumuaki Te Pākihi o Maru
Governance experience
Te Akatea - Vice President (current member of the Executive)
Kati Huirapa ki Puketeraki - Executive
Moeraki Runaka - Executive
Combined Runaka Education Roopu - Executive
President of Otematata District Club 2023
Recently appointed to the Board of the Otago Community Trust
School Board
Personal interests
My interests include promoting education, particularly in culturally significant contexts, as well as engaging in recreational activities that celebrate heritage and identity. I enjoy supporting and organising community events. To maintain fitness and well-being I swim, wakeboard and enjoy reading and spending time with whānau and friends.
Profile statement
I am deeply committed to advocating for equity and opportunity for Māori in education. I believe in honoring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and He Whakaputanga by ensuring that Māori students have access to culturally sustainable learning environments that affirm their identity, language, and heritage. I am dedicated to working alongside whānau, iwi, and educators to create a future where Māori success is celebrated and education becomes a powerful tool for self-determination and empowerment.
I am eager to bring my leadership skills to the board, contributing to its strategic vision and collaborative decision-making processes. With a strong background in fostering inclusive environments, driving innovation, change management and aligning teams toward shared goals, I am committed to supporting the board's mission and values. My experience in empowering others, navigating complex challenges, and building strong relationships will enable me to add value to governance and policy discussions.
Gary MARSH
Location: Dunedin
Academic qualifications
Bachelor of Education
Diploma of Teaching (Primary)
Current position
Principal at Balaclava School in Dunedin for the last 10 years.
Active teaching experience
Taught for 16 years in Central Otago at a variety of schools, including teaching in South East London during the traditional OE.
Reading Recovery, ALiM and MST trained.
Governance experience
11 years on Board of Trustees - 10 as a Principal.
Personal interests
Bogan - owner of a 1966 Mark 1 Ford Cortina, a wannabe surfer who plays in the whitewash, spending time with my 19, and 17 year old children and attending live music concerts.
Profile statement
Kia ora Colleagues,
Why vote for me?
- I am a teacher and principal of 25 years who is focused on making outcomes better for our profession - 10 years as principal at Balaclava School in Dunedin
- Member of the Otago Primary Principal's Association Executive
- I am passionate about teaching and learning across the sector
- Our profession needs better promotion - to be a career more aspire to
- With all the changes occurring in our profession we need to ensure policy from Wellington is accurate, timely and for the better of our students and profession
- I have no political aspirations - I'm in it for the right reason to improve outcomes for Tamariki, Kaiako and Tumuaki
- I am proactive and look for positive outcomes
I would appreciate your vote!
Ngā Mihi Nui,
Gary
Patrick William Christopher NEWMAN
Location: Whangarei Te Tai Tokerau
Academic qualifications
Ko Hikaroroa te mauka
Ko Waikowaiti te awa
Ko Kaā waka; ko Uruao, ko Araiteuru ko Takitimu hoki
Ko Waitaha, Mamoe, Kai Tahu ka iwi
Ko te hapū ko Kati Huirapa
Ko te Marae te Puketeraki
Ko Pat Newman ahau
MNZM. T.T.C. Dip Ed(Waikato) B.Ed.(Massey) Dip Tchg. ANZPF. FNZEI
Current position
Principal Hora Hora School Whangarei
Active teaching experience
1976-1976: Opotiki Primary, Bay of Plenty, A Scale(BT)
1977 – 1978: Pakuranga Intermediate, Auckland, A Scale(BT)
1979 – 1982: Bay of Islands Intermediate, Te Tai Tokerau, A Scale(BT)
1981: Tutamoe, Te Tai Tokerau , Principal Seconded 1 term
1982-1985: Arohena, King Country/Waikato Principal
1985-1987: Tirohanga, King Country/Waikato, Principal
1988-1990: Omarama, Central Otago, Principal
1990-1999: Seddon, Marlborough, Principal
1999-Now: Hora Hora, Te Tai Tokerau, Principal
Governance experience
1981 – Now
Experienced principal of schools, isolated rural to city.
1995 – 2007
Elected National Executive, NZPF. Membership Convenor. Organised original Email Tree. NZPF Representative NZEI Negotiating team for two principal collectives.
1996 – 2022
Te Akatea - Maori Principals.
1973 – Now
NZEI Member, have held various offices at a local/regional/national level. FNZEI
2005 – 2006
National President New Zealand Principals’ Federation, Public Spokesperson for NZPF.
2007
Immediate Past President New Zealand Principals’ Federation
2007 – 2023
President of Te Tai Tokerau Principals
2023
TTPA Immediate Past. Spokesperson
2007 – 2010
Team Solutions Advisory Board
2002 – 2006
Member NZ Principal Leadership Council Massey University
2007 - 2014
Treasurer Hikurangi Rugby Northland
2008 – 2016
Elected Principals’ Representative Teachers Council. Chair Audit Risk Committee. Complaints Assessment Committee Member.
2019 – Now
Elected by NZ Primary Principals to the Education Council of Aotearoa. Currently member Risk and Audit Committee.
Personal interests
Slayer of Political Soothsayers!
Reading Fiction - this could include much from MOE these days, camping, politics, Television, wine beer tasting in various formats, fishing (If you call my results such) and food!
Profile statement
Our profession as a whole, our role within the profession as principals, is under attack to a degree that I have never encountered before.
Six Council members including the Chair will be appointed by the Minister, but only after approval by the Honors and Appointments Committee lead by Luxon, Seymour and Jones.
Who will be appointed? This makes your vote so so important. This is a time for real experience and real fortitude in your representative. Most of you know that I certainly fit that description!
In my time on NZTC, I have very strongly advocated for Primary Principals at the table, where Principals needs and views could easily be swamped!
The next 3 years is about you having strong, experienced advocacy. It’s about you having a representative with the experience, courage and the passion to ensure principals and our profession are heard strongly. It’s about making that difference.
Michelle RYAN
Location: Matamata, Waikato
Academic qualifications
Diploma of Teaching (ECE), Bachelor of Education, Master of Educational Leadership
Current position
I am currently the Principal of a U4 contributing school in the rural town of Matamata, in the heart of the Waikato. I have held this position for the past 5 years. Our school community is 48% Maori students with a high number of neurodiverse learners.
Active teaching experience
Active teaching experience: Kindergarten Teacher at Miropiko Kindergarten 2001-2003
Scale A teacher Rhode Street School 2004 - 2014,
Assistant Principal Rhode Street School 2006 - 2014
Foundation Deputy Principal Endeavour School June 2014 - 2019 -
Principal Firth Primary School Principal - 2020 - present
Governance experience
ACET Governance group 2006
NZEI Te Riu Roa Waikato Branch Secretary/Treasurer - 2006 - 2019
NZEI Te Riu Roa - Waikato Area Council - Secretary - 2007 - 2018
NZEI Te Riu Roa Primary Teachers Negotiation team - 2019
Matamata Principals Association Chair - 2023 - present
NZEI Waikato Area Council Chair - 2024
Personal interests
I am keen sportsperson and play socially both Netball and Touch Rugby. I have a specific love for the beach and enjoy spending time with whanau.
Profile statement
As a principal I am committed to embracing cultural values, demonstrating excellence and fostering mutual respect to uphold and advance the mana of the teaching profession. I believe strengthening public perceptions of educators is a critical step forward as our profession comes under increasing political and social pressures. Educators must be recognised for their knowledge of the communities they are responsible for, and therefore what is required for all tamariki to achieve equitable education outcomes. I am committed to a Te Tiriti o Waitangi based education system, which is led by educators. As a principal I have a clear understanding of what is good for ākonga and see the work of professional teachers in meeting learner needs and diverse community challenges. I will contribute 20+ years of experience from early childhood, and classroom teaching, principalship and governance roles to the board, working for a professionally led, quality public education system.
David Anthony SCOTT
Location: Christchurch
Academic qualifications
Master of Education (Educational Leadership) - Distinction, The University of Canterbury
Post Graduate Certificate in Education, Leeds Metropolitan University
Bachelor of Science (Hons) - First Class, The University of Greenwich
Current position
Headmaster
Medbury School
To lead Medbury School towards achieving its strategic vision in a manner consistent with the Medbury School Mission Statement. Through the pursuit of educational excellence, effective management of staff, and ensuring the design and delivery of an educational programme that enriches each boy's learning, building strong relationships with parents, whanau, staff, and boys.
In post since January 2023
Active teaching experience
Middle School Principal - Kristin School - January 2016 to December 2022| www.kristin.school.nz
Deputy Principal - Scots College - January 2014 to December 2015 | www.scotscollege.school.nz
Director of Boarding - Scotch College, Adelaide, Australia - January 2011 to December 2013
Boarding Housemaster & Teacher - Christ's College - January 2001 to December 2010
Director of Rugby and Teacher - Latymer Upper School, London - September 1997 to December 2000
Teacher - Colfes's School, London - September 1993 to December 1996
Governance experience
Primary Sports Canterbury - Independent Director - 2024 to present
Medbury Foundation - Board Member - January 2023 to present
Medbury School Trust Board - Ex-Officio (Headmaster) - January 2023 to present
Personal interests
I have a keen interest in maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. I see this as an essential part of my professional life in inspiring the well-being of students, fellow staff and the school community. Following an active team sports career, my focus shifted to triathlon and multi-sport. I have run many marathons and half-marathons and completed several half-ironman and Ironman triathlons. I have also completed the NZ Coast to Coast and numerous other multi-sport races. In August 2012, I ran seven marathons in 7 Australian cities in 7 days to raise scholarship funds for Indigenous education (Yalari). In 2018, I ran the Great Wall Marathon in China to raise scholarship funds for students who would not normally be able to attend to attend Kristin, raising $50,000. I am also a keen road cyclist and have competed in many events. In October 2022, I completed the Tour Aotearoa (bike packing), the length of New Zealand (over 3000km) in 21 days, unsupported, to raise money for The New Zealand Lung Foundation (raising $9,000). As you can see, community service is very important to me, and through my various sporting and community interests, I have raised well over $150,000 for different charitable causes.
Other interests and hobbies include scuba diving; I am currently working towards obtaining PADI (Scuba) Dive Master status and am a keen wreck diver when time allows. I play golf and squash. I enjoy reading and have a particular interest in Second World War history. I love film and theatre and am an aspiring amateur cook!
Profile statement
An innovative, energetic, and highly experienced future-focused Principal and educational leader, I thrive on challenges and love facilitating those 'aha moments' that change mindsets and open up new possibilities. I'm passionate about education and helping young people realise their potential to be the best versions of themselves. I enjoy partnering with staff, students and communities to drive results, increasing outcomes and engagement. I am a champion of holistic values-based education and believe my extensive school leadership experience and skills make me an ideal fit to represent the Primary Principals Sector.
Lynda Maree STUART
Location: Mt Eden Auckland
Academic qualifications
Bachelor of Education
Masters of Educational Administration and Leadership
Current position
Currently Principal of May Road School in Mt Roskill Auckland
Active teaching experience
Teaching New Windsor School
Sunnyvale Primary
Various relieving positions over years of young children
Owairaka District School - Scale A teacher/ Senior Leader / Assistant Principal
1999 - 2002 Finlayson Park School - Literacy Leader/ Deputy Principal
2003 - 2006 Owairaka District School Deputy Principal
2006- current Principal May Road School
also 2017-2019 (three years) President New Zealand Educational Institute Te Riu Roa
Governance experience
Staff Rep on Board of Trustees at Owairaka District School
Member of National Executive (governing body) of New Zealand Educational Institute Te Riu Roa 2013 - 2022 - inclusive of chair of Finance Committee.
President New Zealand Educational Institute Te Riu Roa 2017-2019
Previously on NZ Teachers Council in the last 5 months of its existence as the NZEI Te Riu Roa representative
Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand 2014-2016
Foundation trustee of Aotearoa Educators Collective
Member of May Road School Board of Trustees
Personal interests
Family
Walking
Reading
Movies
Activities with friends
Profile statement
Ko Lynda Stuart toku ingoa
I am currently the Principal of May Road School in Mt Roskill. May Road School is in the heart of Mt Roskill, Auckland and is a U4 school in the midst of a new housing development.
I began my journey as a Principal in October 2006. I have held many senior leadership positions in a variety of schools during my career and within the education sector. I have had the opportunity to speak and facilitate at both national and international conferences about education in Aotearoa.
I have held a wide variety of governance roles, inclusive of the NZ Teachers Council, Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, and am a former President of the New Zealand Educational Institute Te Riu Roa.
I have a strong commitment to working with diverse communities and embracing the language, culture and identity of each child.
Luke Teamaru THOMPSON
Location: Paerata, Franklin, South Auckland
Academic qualifications
Bachelor of Education
Graduate Diploma of Teaching
NZ Certificate in Level 1 and 2 Reo Rua
Current position
Principal at Paerata School currently - 2015
Franklin Principals Association - AIMS representative, Sports Representative.
Active teaching experience
Current - 2015 Principal at Paerata School
2014 - 2013 Deputy Principal at Valley School
2012 - 2011 Principal at Mercer School
2010 - 2008 Professional Sportsperson
2008 - 2004 Teacher Otaua School
Governance experience
Board of Governors - Paerata School Currently - 2015
Board of Trustees - Mercer School 2012- 2011
Personal interests
A keen fisherman, martial artist, rugby player and golfer.
Community Involvement:
Pukekohe Junior Rugby Coach 2023- 2018
Xtreme Martial Arts Instructor for over 25 years.
iTKD HP Panel - Employment of NZ Coaches and Management Teams for TwaeKwon Do.
Self Defence instructor working alongside NZ Police and Franklin Silver Lining Trust.
Profile statement
As an experienced and dedicated educational leader, I am passionate about fostering a thriving learning environment where every learner feels valued, empowered, and inspired to achieve their full potential. I am committed to achieving the best outcomes for all learners, developing and strengthening high-performing school teams, and building authentic whānau and kura partnerships that strengthen communities.
I believe high-trust and respectful relationships are the foundation of effective school organisations. They are critical for improving student outcomes, managing change, and building a strong, positive culture that connects whānau, students, staff, and the wider community.
I aim to bring this leadership perspective to support and strengthen the teaching profession of the Teaching Council. With a focus on equity, evidence-based practice, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, I am dedicated to ensuring that teaching standards, professional growth, and system-level leadership reflect the aspirations of learners, teachers, and whānau across Aotearoa.