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  • Getting AI-Ready: A Day with Bex Rose

    If educational leadership has taught me anything, it’s that the ‘next big thing’ usually arrives with a lot of noise and very few instructions. Lately, that noise has been all about Artificial Intelligence, and for many of us, it feels like trying to learn a new language while the rest of the world is already…

  • Nurturing the Seed: Our 2026 PLG Journey

    We’ve all been there—sitting in a staff meeting, nodding along to a great presentation, only to head back to class and do exactly what we’ve always done. It’s not that we don’t want to improve; it’s just that changing long-standing habits is genuinely hard. This year at Mount Maunganui Intermediate, we’re trying to break that…

  • Family History At Godley Head

    I’ve been thinking a lot about places that look like a scenic walk… but quietly carry the weight of a whole other story. Godley Head (Awaroa) is exactly that. It’s a cracking bit of coastline on the edge of Ōtautahi (Christchurch) — dramatic cliffs, ridiculous views, sea that can’t decide if it’s friendly or furious…

  • Pouākai Hut: The World Record Married Couple Ascent

    Let’s get one thing clear before the sensible people arrive: Rachel and I may have just set the world record for the fastest married-couple ascent of the Mangorei Track to Pouākai Hut. No one was timing it officially.There were no judges.No finish tape.Just a married couple, one watch, and the kind of urgency that turns…

  • 2026 – Six Second Shem

    Every December, as the pōhutukawa burst into bloom and my birthday once again looms on the 31st, I find myself back at my favourite annual tradition: a deep, meaningful reflection… followed by a wildly unnecessary personal challenge. For over 18 years I’ve set myself peculiar, sometimes preposterous missions. Each one a small experiment in endurance,…

  • Pinnacles Hut – Mount Somers: A family night under the rocks

    Some trips begin with big objectives and serious faces. Ours began with a car full of snacks, a 90-minute car ride from Christchurch, and the familiar sound of one child asking, “Do we really have to go?” Pinnacles Hut (the Mount Somers one — not the Coromandel mega-hut) is one of those perfect “proper tramp,…

  • Scree Running into Mt Tarawera’s Crater

    Rachel and I knocked off something pretty special this week — we climbed Maunga Tarawera with Kaitiaki Adventures (Kaitiaki Tours), and it ended up being one of those half-day missions that felt way bigger than the time it took. About 4.5 hours all up, leaving from Rotorua, and it was perfectly run from start to…

  • Relational Trust: The Unseen Force Behind School Success

    Today I want to reflect on a paper that really gets to the heart of what makes a school thrive. It’s an older piece, but its insights are more relevant than ever, especially for those of us in leadership roles, whether you’re a Team Leader or part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), or working…

  • Judith Collins and the Miracle of the $140,000 Teacher

    In Matthew 14:13–21 we read the well-known story of Jesus feeding the five thousand, where five loaves and two fish were miraculously multiplied to satisfy a crowd. Below is a modern retelling of that parable, with Judith Collins taking the role of miracle worker, not with bread and fish, but with teacher salaries. Judith Multiplies…

  • “It’s the Vibe”: Why Belief Isn’t Enough in Education

    “It’s the vibe and ah, no that’s it. It’s the vibe. I rest my case.”— Dennis Denuto, The Castle It’s funny how often this quote comes to mind when we talk about teaching. Ask someone why they use a certain strategy in the classroom, and you’ll often hear: “It just feels right,” or “The kids…

  • Setting Sail with AI: Kathryn MacCallum’s Call for Critical Literacy

    Kathryn MacCallum for practical ways to build AI literacy in your classroom.“We can’t just sit still and hope this storm passes—we need to learn how to sail.”That was the opening metaphor offered by Associate Professor Kathryn MacCallum (University of Canterbury), setting the tone for a compelling keynote that challenged educators to stop avoiding artificial intelligence…

  • What Makes a Great Middle Leader? Lessons from a Masterclass with Viviane Robinson

    Can’t be bothered reading this? Check out the audio created on this topic using Google NotebookLM. Being a middle leader in a school is a really important job. You’re right there, working closely with your colleagues, supporting students, and trying to make things better every day. But what does it really take to be effective…

  • Learning the Hard Way: Our Wild Adventure on the Mangamate Loop

    Quick Tramp Details:Distance: 34.3km total loopGrade: Intermediate (river crossing skills needed)Track markers: Orange triangles — visible but can get tricky around streamsHuts: Central Whirinaki Hut (25 bunks), Mangamate Hut (9 bunks)Highlights: Whirinaki Waterfall, Taumutu and Mangamate Streams, ancient podocarp forestChallenges: Freezing nights, constant water crossings. Sometimes the best memories are made when things don’t go…

  • Strengthening Our Leadership Practice – Reflections from Rotorua

    Last week, I had the chance to attend a two-day leadership course in Rotorua run by Evaluation Associates | Te Huinga Kākākura Mātauranga. I went with a group of 12 from Mount Maunganui Intermediate – four from our senior leadership team and eight of our team leaders. It’s not often we get the space to…

  • The Science of Times Tables – A Session with Bruno Reddy

    Last week we took a chance. We cancelled our usual staff meeting, moved it to another day, and invited in a speaker I knew very little about. Bruno Reddy from Times Tables Rock Stars was coming to our school—and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Would it be useful? Would it be engaging? Or…

  • Leadership Lessons from Beast Games

    This week, I used an unexpected source to spark a deep conversation about leadership at school — a section from Beast Games, the reality competition series hosted by MrBeast. What unfolded in the episode turns out to be a powerful metaphor for trust, integrity, and leadership under pressure. In Episode 2, the remaining contestants are…

  • Conquering the Kaimanawa Descent

    Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s rugged wilderness, the Kaimanawa Descent is a mountain biking experience like no other. Spanning 23km of awe-inspiring terrain, this downhill trail combines adventure, natural beauty, and world-class engineering to deliver an unforgettable ride for intermediate to advanced riders. In total, riders navigate just under 2500ft (800m) of exhilarating…

  • A Journey Around Mount Ruapehu

    This past weekend, Rachel and I tackled the Round the Mountain tramp, a multi-day adventure circling Mount Ruapehu. We decided to squeeze the usual 5-6 day tramp into just 4 days and 3 nights. It made for some long, tough days, but what an experience! Day One: Whakapapa Village to Waihohonu Hut We got underway…

  • 2025 – Rolling with it

    Every December, as the pōhutukawa trees burst into bloom and my birthday looms on the 31st, I engage in a ritual of reflection and resolution. For over 15 years, I’ve set myself peculiar, sometimes preposterous challenges. Each one a testament to human endurance, curiosity, and questionable decision-making. From the “constant wood” of 2024 to the…

  • Across the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

    Last weekend, Rachel and I marked our 21st wedding anniversary by walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It was an unforgettable one day walk filled with stunning landscapes. Perfect Weather for the Perfect Day The weather couldn’t have been better. The sky was clear, giving us uninterrupted views of the incredible volcanic terrain. At the highest…

  • Reflections on Education in China

    Two weeks visiting schools across China offered an eye-opening comparison to our own education system in New Zealand. Here’s what stood out for me: 1. Class Structures and Learning StylesOne of the first things that struck me was the sheer size of Chinese classes. Typically, a single room accommodates 48-50 students, all in orderly rows…

  • Two Weeks in China – Educational Exploration and Connection

    I recently had the privilege of traveling to China alongside my Principal Melissa Nelson. This trip, organized by SFEI (agents for Chinese International students), brought together a diverse delegation of around 25 principals and international managers from around New Zealand. Melissa and I landed in Beijing at the crack of dawn on 18th October, although…

  • Pinnacles Walk

    Are you searching for an ideal introduction to overnight hiking and hut stays, paired with breathtaking views? Look no further than the Pinnacles Walk in the Coromandel. This iconic hike is one of New Zealand’s premier short overnight trails, renowned for its stunning sunsets and sunrises from the rocky summit. Conveniently located within a short…

  • AI Presentation – Voice to Text tools to make life easier

    This week I had the privilege of speaking at the Tauranga Innovative Education summit. the main focus of the summit was to highlight the work of AI and open dialogue into this important issue for our schools. I use ChatGPT heavily so I decided to do something different and talk about voice to text AI.…

  • Embracing Te Reo Māori – Stacey Morrison

    Embracing Te Reo Māori: Stacey Morrison’s Inspiring Session In an engaging and insightful session titled “Stacey Morrison.m4a,” Stacey Morrison passionately discussed the importance of cultural recognition and engagement with te reo Māori, emphasizing its integral role in New Zealand’s identity. The meeting was a blend of motivational stories, practical advice, and a call to action…

  • Jamie Fitzgerald – Leading for Tomorrow

    Jamie Fitzgerald’s Inspiring Leadership Talk: “Leading for Tomorrow” In an enlightening session titled “Jamie Fitzgerald – June 2024,” renowned adventurer and motivational speaker Jamie Fitzgerald delivered a compelling talk centered on the theme “Leading for Tomorrow.” Fitzgerald’s dynamic presentation seamlessly wove together stories from his incredible adventures and insightful lessons on leadership, strategy, and success.…

  • Ben Lomond – An Adventure with Breathtaking Views

    If you’re looking for a challenging hike with breathtaking views in Queenstown, then you’re in the right place – the Ben Lomond Track is my top choice! Set behind the Queenstown Gondola, from the lake, Ben Lomond is an imposing mountain. The track is a fair challenge, so if you’re a hiker with a decent…

  • Embracing Te Reo Māori at Mount Maunganui Intermediate – Part 1

    Term 1 2024 – A Strategic Initiative for Cultural and Educational Excellence Term 2 Continuation Following the successful implementation of our Te Reo Māori initiative in Term 1, we continued to focus on enhancing our staff’s language skills in Term 2. We maintained our weekly Tuesday Te Reo Māori sessions, offering structured opportunities for staff…

  • Professional Learning Communities – Gavin Grift

    Gavin Grift – NZAIMS Conference 2024 Gavin Grift tackled some of the most critical aspects of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in education. 📚 Introduction to PLCs Gavin kicked off the meeting by addressing the long-standing challenges of educational collaboration. He referenced Michael Fullan’s critique on superficial PLCs, emphasizing the need for deep, meaningful learning within…

  • Ferocious Warmth – Tracey Izzard

    Tracey Izzard – NZAIMS Conference – June 2024 In the recent meeting titled “Tracey Izzard – June 6, 2024,” several key themes emerged, offering valuable insights for leaders in education. Here’s a relaxed recap of the highlights and actionable takeaways from the session. 🌏 Introduction and Acknowledgements Tracey started by acknowledging the traditional landowners of…

  • Unlocking Leadership Potential: Gavin Grift

    Gavin Grift – NZAIMS Conference – June 2024 Gavin Grift delivered an insightful keynote focusing on the importance of self-awareness, relational intelligence, and the impact of personal narratives on leadership. 🌟 Introduction and Background Gavin kicked things off by expressing his gratitude for the chance to speak. He shared his background in education and relational…

  • Elena Moretti – A new vision of ERO

    Elena Moretti’s – 2024 AIMS Conference Elena Moriti keynote at the June 2024 AIMS Conference was packed with valuable insights on educational support and research applications. Here’s a laid-back review of what went down, focusing on initiatives to boost teacher preparedness, support new principals, and highlight the latest research findings. 🔍 Introduction and Role Clarification…

  • Mastering Stress and Achieving Balance: Dave Wood

    Dave Wood – NZAIMS Conference June 2024 The keynote speech by Dave Wood was packed with valuable insights on health, stress management, and work-life balance. 🧠 Introduction and Personal Story Dave shared a riveting personal story from his career as an intensive care paramedic, emphasizing the crucial importance of stress mitigation and mental skill development.…

  • Achieving Impossible Goals: Mike Allsop

    Mike Allsop – NZAIMS Conference June 2024 In an engaging and inspiring talk, adventurer and motivational speaker Mike Allsop shared stories and insights from his extraordinary life. His tales centered around resilience, strategic planning, and the importance of personal dreams. ✈️ Aviation Incident Story Mike kicked off his talk with a gripping story about an…

  • Transforming Education: Erica Stanford

    Erica Stanford – NZAIMS Conference 2024 New Zealand Education Minister Erica Stanford was the opening address at the 2024 NZAIMS Conference. In her speech she laid out some of her major plans and improvements for the education sector. From budget boosts to new teacher training spots, all aimed at making our education system better and…

  • Cultivating Well-Being with Wiremu Matthews

    On Friday, our team had the privilege of listening to Wiremu Matthews from Kānuka Wellbeing and Leadership for an enlightening session on well-being. Wiremu’s approach, grounded in the ‘te whare tapa whā’ model, provided us with a deep and holistic understanding of well-being from a Māori perspective. The ‘Te Whare Tapa Whā’ Model The ‘te…

  • Understanding Learning Intentions and Success Criteria

    Below are my thoughts, notes and ideas, blended together after reading two chapters on Learning Intentions and Success Criteria. The readings were Shirley Clarke’s Unlocking Formative Assessment and the other was Michael Absolum’s Clarity in the Classroom.  Both chapters serve as extremely practical guides to ensure that Learning Intentions and Success Criteria are key parts of both a…

  • Questions you should ask at a job interview

    As a Deputy Principal I’ve had the privilege of conducting numerous interviews for various positions at schools. Through these experiences, one aspect has consistently stood out to me: the importance of asking questions. While candidates often focus on preparing answers to anticipated queries, the art of asking thoughtful questions is equally crucial, if not more…

  • Book Review: Leading to the North-East by Russell Bishop

    In the world of running, the difference between a casual runner and an athlete reaching their full potential often lies in the strategic guidance of an experienced coach. This coach doesn’t merely increase the quantity of training but transforms the quality, introducing a sophisticated mix of aerobic and anaerobic exercises, periodization, and varied running techniques.…

  • Embracing Te Reo Māori at Mount Maunganui Intermediate

    Term 1 2024 – A Strategic Initiative for Cultural and Educational Excellence In 2024, Mount Maunganui Intermediate has embarked on a new initiative designed to significantly enhance the Te Reo Māori proficiency of their teaching staff. This initiative is not only about language acquisition but has a deeper commitment to improve the cultural identity of…

  • Lake Waikaremoana – Great Walk

    Nestled in the verdant landscapes of New Zealand’s North Island, the Lake Waikaremoana Track is one of three Great Walks that showcase the breathtaking natural scenery of the region. These premier tracks are maintained to a higher standard than typical backcountry routes, offering superior accommodation options along the way. Less frequented than its southern counterparts,…

  • A Family Adventure on the Timber Trail

    Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, the Timber Trail beckoned two families—the Banburys and the Gilberts—for an adventure that promised more than just scenic views and a physical challenge. It was an invitation to create memories, bond over shared experiences, moan about the lack of wifi, and immerse ourselves in the natural…

  • Mobiles Devices – The problem and what our family has done!

    The core premise of this article revolves around the startling rise in teen depression, self-harm, and mental illness, primarily observed post-2010. A succinct summation of its findings can be covered in the following statement: “We have shown that there is an adolescent mental health crisis, and it was caused primarily by the rapid rewiring of…

  • 2024 – The year of the ‘Constant Wood’

    Every year, as the warmth of summer overtakes us and my birthday approaches on the 31st of December, I find myself pondering the next challenge for my annual ritual. From writing a blog for a year to wearing the same pair of underwear for 365 days, my challenges have run the gamut of the bizarre…

  • Pouakai Circuit – New Zealand’s Hidden Gem

    The Pouakai Circuit is a 2 or 3-day, 25km circular track that starts and finishes at the North Egmont Visitor Centre on Mount Taranaki. While this tramp may not take you to the summit of Mount Taranaki itself, it guides you along the awe-inspiring Pouakai Range, delivering unparalleled vistas of Mount Taranaki and a number of…

  • Writing My Life Story and My First Book with ChatGPT

    They say that ‘every life is a story waiting to be told’ and earlier this year I decided it was time to share mine. The journey of writing someone’s biography is usually a deeply personal and reflective experience. Not for me – I was after something quick and easier so I decided to do it…

  • The Mount Ruapehu Crater Climb

    The Mount Ruapehu Crater Climb is a must-do for any adventurous traveler visiting the North Island of New Zealand. Located in the Tongariro National Park, the volcano is home to the largest ski fields in New Zealand and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The walk starts at the Whakapapa Ski Field, where today…

  • The Parable of Tim Southee and Cricketing Talents

    This is an adaptation of the parable of Jesus found in Matthew 25:14-30 For it will be like the Black Caps captain Tim Southee going into a test match against England. He called together his team and entrusted to them his plan to beat Bazball. To Williamson he gave five talents, to Blundell two, to…

  • What does a wet lunchtime say about your class culture?

    The first week of teaching in New Zealand has been challenging due to the persistent rain that has limited opportunities for outdoor activities. As I walked in and out of classrooms during breaks, I realized the importance of how teachers set up their students for success during lunchtime. A positive and supportive classroom culture is…

  • 2023 – A year to stand .. sorry sit … with those who identify as her/she/girl/female

    Coming up with a yearly challenge is no easy task. Every year around October, with the gradual warming of the weather, my mind turns to how I can challenge myself in the following year. For those unaccustomed to my yearly ritual, since my birth in Blenheim Hospital in 1978 I have celebrated my birthday on…

  • ChatGPT – This could change everything

    Get ready for the most amazing educational tool that I have ever seen. A bold statement I know, especially when you consider Kiwi Kids News, but something that I firmly believe, following a week of playing with ChatGPT. About a week ago I read this article in the Guardian. From that I have spent last…

  • Leadership lessons from Ted Lasso

    I have just finished watching the first series of Ted Lasso and am now deep into season two. It is one good TV show. Ted is a likeable (think Ned Flanders) character who is sees the best in everything and everyone. The plot follows his journey from a college-level American football coach who is unexpectedly…

  • The parable of the S-O-L-I-D foundation

    an adaptation of the parable of Jesus found in Matthew 7: 24 – 27 As for everyone who logs on each day and solves my wordle, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a H-O-U-S-E, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on S-T-O-N-E. When the F-L-O-O-D…

  • 2022 – The year to awaken my dormant intellect

    Enough of the frivolous yearly challenges.Enough of the daily shenanigan’s with no real benefit to society. Enough of the gimmicky personal undertakings. After 14 long years it is time to step up my daily challenge to benefit the very thing I have neglected for so long – my brain. This year my 2022 challenge will…

  • Abel Tasman Coast Track

    The Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, and it’s definitely one of the more relaxed ones. Compared to some of the big mountain tracks, this one is pretty easy going — the distances aren’t too long, the paths are well looked after, and you’re never far from a golden beach.…

  • My go-to Digital tools

    Every year, the EdTech Top 40 analyzes the digital tools accessed by the most students and educators across the United States. This year’s list was interesting for me as most of my own go-to tools were not included. So I thought I would make my own list of My go-to Digital Tools for 2021 for…

  • NZ Teacher Council develops new Teaching Standard

    The New Zealand Teachers Council of Aotearoa has changed the NZ Teaching Standards to reflect the new vaccination mandate by the Government. A new standard has been included under the heading Professional Responsibilities and stipulates that teachers must have the vaccine in order to teach in New Zealand Schools. This is the first major addition…

  • The Parable of the COVID Vaccine

    This is an adaptation of the parable of Jesus found in Matthew 13:1-23

  • What do good teacher observations look like?

    One of the best parts of my job is going into classrooms and observing teachers at work. From experienced teachers to trainee teachers, I am always inspired by what I see. Just as importantly, I always seem to come away with something that I can add to my own teaching kete. For me, teacher observations,…

  • Olympic advice – focus on the losers

    I would like to hedge a bet that over the last few weeks the number of middle aged men going through a midlife crisis has increased tenfold. The reason is simple, the Olympic Games. While being an avid supporter of the Olympics, I believe that the Olympics are dangerous to the emotional wellbeing of most…