People

Ōtūmoetai College Board

Our School Board is comprised of dedicated professional people from all walks of life and connections to the school, with one common purpose, the careful stewardship of the School’s Purpose, Vision and Values and the strategic framework that guides the growth and development of Ōtūmoetai College in the present and into the future.

I’ve been practising as a lawyer for over 20 years in Wellington, London, and, for the last 12 years, Tauranga. My wife Adele is an OTC alumnus, my oldest child is in year 11, and my youngest will start at OTC next year.

This is my first term as an OTC Board member, but I was Board Chair of Bellevue School before that. As a lifelong tennis enthusiast, I belong to the Otumoetai Tennis Club and I help oversee its junior tennis programme. I am an avid sports watcher and have to confess to the odd bout of binge-watching on Netflix.

Qualifications: LLM, LLB/BSocSci (Economics)

Matthew King

Presiding Member

Tēnā koutou katoa,

I am proud to serve as the staff representative on the Ōtūmoetai College Board of Trustees, where I represent our dedicated and talented staff. I bring to the role 19 years of teaching experience, both in New Zealand and abroad.

I have taught Physical Education, Health, Social Sciences, working in a range of diverse educational environments including Tauranga Girls’ College, Katikati College, and Hornsey School for Girls’ in London. These experiences have shaped a broad and inclusive understanding of student needs, staff collaboration, and school culture.

At Ōtūmoetai College, I have had the privilege of holding junior and senior deans positions. I am currently the Year 12 Dean, a role I deeply value for the opportunities it provides to support students through critical stages of their pastoral needs and educational journey.

Cameron and I have three children, two of our daughters have attended Ōtūmoetai College. They thrived here thanks to the care, commitment, and expertise of our incredible staff. I am committed to being a strong voice for our staff, advocating for a positive, supportive, and future-focused environment that benefits both staff and students.

Vanessa Hays

Staff Representative

I am one of the Sports Coordinators at Ōtūmoetai College. I have three kids, all at Ōtūmoetai College. I am passionate about our local community and volunteer in multiple organisations including Tauranga Sports Junior Rugby Club, Youth Search and Rescue and also the Ōtūmoetai Barbarians Rugby.

I enjoy being involved in the community and working alongside others to help improve organisations and contribute to their ongoing success. I would like to see the best for our tamariki and like to get things done. My background is in law and science and I currently work running my own business which has been going for the last 11 years.

My strengths include organising, problem solving and creating systems and processes.

Emma Henderson

Parent elected

Kristen Matthews

Parent elected

I was born in Matamata but have lived in Tauranga since 1987. I grew up involved in a successful family business before leaving Matamata to follow a career in Tauranga.

I returned three years ago to that family business to assist with running our Tauranga branch. I have been married to Andy for 19 years and we have 3 boys, 2 at Otumoetai College and 1 at Otumoetai Intermediate.

I have been on a primary school board for the past 7 years with a keen interest in finance, employment, international students, health and safety, and the achievement of students. I’m very passionate about everything I’m involved in and genuinely care a lot about our school and community in general.

Lisa Adams

Parent elected

Tēnā koutou katoa, I’m an Ōtūmoetai graduate with a long-standing connection to the school. My eldest son will finish in 2029, and my youngest will start year 9 around that time too.

I’ve worked in Human Resource Management within Tertiary Education for over 10 years and have more than 15 years of experience in community governance, including serving as President of a not-for-profit branch in Tauranga. I’m passionate about mental health and supporting our students and staff in creating a safe, inclusive school environment.

As one of your parent representatives, I look forward to the challenge.

Rick Hopcroft (Ōtūmoetai Road) PgDip HRM, BRecEd

Rick Hopcroft

Parent elected

Hi, I’m Liam Smythe, and I have the privilege of serving as a student representative on the Ōtūmoetai College Board of Trustees. My role allows me to advocate for student interests, contribute to important discussions, and help shape policies that impact our school community.

Beyond my work on the Board, I have a strong passion for mechatronics engineering and electronics, always looking for ways to apply problem-solving and technical innovation to real-world challenges. I’ve also been actively involved in the technical side of live events at the Performing Arts Centre, managing lighting, sound, and IT support.

I believe in the importance of communication, leadership, and creating a positive environment where students feel heard and supported. Being part of the Board has given me valuable insight into decision-making processes and strengthened my commitment to making a meaningful difference at Ōtūmoetai College.

Liam Smythe

Student Representative

Senior Leadership Team

Our Senior Leadership Team’s focus is on leading, developing and monitoring teaching and learning. Our goal is to create a foundation for all learners to flourish within a learning environment that enables students to achieve their personal best in their academic studies, the arts, sporting and cultural pursuits.

Russell views his position as principal of Ōtūmoetai College as being an absolute privilege and one that brings with it a deep responsibility.

The privilege is in being able to contribute to make a difference to student learning and to improve learning outcomes.

The responsibility is to ensure that every student receives quality learning opportunities and has an equal opportunity to fulfill their potential as a powerful thinker and learner.

He believes that quality learning opportunities, student progress, and ultimately improved student outcomes are created within an environment where learning is central to a school’s raison d’être.

As an educational leader, his role is to develop and promote a shared purpose, to lead curriculum and pedagogical change, and to develop a common understanding of learning.

Qualifications: MEdLeadership (Hons), BPA, Dip Tchg

Russell Gordon

Principal

Jo’el Komene, a dedicated Deputy Principal, embodies a multifaceted role as a carver, musician, and educator. Hailing from the tribes of Ngā Puhi, Tapuika, and Tainui, his commitment to Te reo me ōnā tikanga is unwavering, always placing indigenous language and customs at the forefront.

Jo’el’s work is driven by a strong focus on supporting Māori students in mainstream schooling, striving to create an inclusive and empowering educational environment school wide. His passion lies in empowering youth, particularly Māori, by providing them with the tools and opportunities to succeed. Through his diverse talents and cultural heritage, Jo’el Komene stands as a beacon of inspiration and leadership in the educational landscape of New Zealand.

Qualifications: MA, BIT, BMVA, Dip Tchg

Jo’el Komene

Ngā Puhi, Tapuika, Waitaha, Tainui
Tumuaki Kaitiaki - Deputy Principal

Dave has a professional background that includes a wide range of experience in New Zealand schools, and joined the Ōtūmoetai staff in 2021.

Strongly aware of the transformational impact learning can have on young people, his broad educational experience, strategic expertise and hands-on knowledge of schools brings a unique range of attributes to his role at Ōtūmoetai College.

Dave believes that learning needs to be challenging and fun and that students need to acquire the skills, competencies and dispositions that will enable them to be confident, well-rounded and successful young people in a rapidly changing world.

Qualifications: BESc, BEd

Dave Cleland

Deputy Principal Operations & HR

What is my why? Valuing humanity, diversity and cultural connections is important to me.

I love the mindset of: How can I help? Being a contributor to a collaborative and teamwork approach which encompasses future thinking and a growth mindset in all paradigms of education resonates strongly with me. However, also acknowledging that some forms of traditional education remain very effective.

Importantly, volunteering and coaching have allowed me to give back in a wider school context and have provided me with many enriching experiences, connections, and friendships, both here at school and in the wider community. This has been its own reward.

Along my education journey, here at Ōtūmoetai College, I have been fortunate enough to have had a son come through our school and a very supportive family.

Qualifications: BEd, Dip Tch

Richard Brown

Assistant Principal Junior Behaviour

Pip has a strong desire to empower students to become independent and lifelong learners. She is committed to unleashing student potential and ensure that all students experience a high quality, balanced programme of learning opportunities. Pip oversees the development of the school’s curriculum, professional learning and growth, by actively fostering staff and student talent in a safe and supportive environment. Pip also stresses the importance of building a strong partnership between school and home.

Qualifications: MEdLeadership (Hons), BEd, Dip Sp Mngmt, Dip Tchg

Pip Woodward

Deputy Principal Curriculum

Stephen is a gifted and dynamic educator who seeks to inspire students and colleagues through an authentic and collaborative approach. Recognising the importance of educating the whole person, he understands a learning environment based on respect, connection and integrity is key to achieving positive outcomes.

His vision for the future rests on the belief that education is about empowering young people with what he sees as ‘the most important skill of all, which is learning how to learn.’

Qualifications: BSc Dip Tchg

Stephen Tisch

Deputy Principal Achievement

Tēnā koutou katoa,

I have been teaching for 12 years, seven of these at Otumoetai College. I have been involved in a variety of areas within the kura including English, Media Studies, Te Whare Māori (Poutama), the Kahui Ako, and as a Dean.

Qualifications: BA, Graduate Dp Sec Tchg

Ashleigh Lack

Assistant Principal Senior Behaviour

Heads of Department

The core role of our Heads of Department (HODs) is to provide academic leadership of their subject area. HODs are required to lead, manage and develop their department to ensure it achieves the highest possible standards of excellence in all its activities.

Art
David Henderson

Business
Martenette Strauss

Careers
Stacey Shefferd

Drama & Dance
Jane Harnett
(Acting HOD)

English
Dave Shefferd

Guidance
Julie Sutton

Languages
Leo Wilson

Learning Centre
Vicky Jeffares

Māori
Awhina Mikaere

Mathematics
Neil McDermid

Media Studies
Joshua Buxton

Music
Matt Bodman

Physical Education
Jamie Davis

Science
Holly Wilson

Social Science
Nick Page

Special Needs
Caly Pillay

Supported Learning
Paula Purser

Technology
Kevin Meyer

Technology
Lauren May

Year Level Deans

The College Deans travel alongside their year level cohort and over their 5 years will work to ensure that our students grow into powerful thinkers and learners who embrace diversity, resilience and develop meaningful relationships with others.