Our Principal

Prior to Kataraina Nock’s appointment to Edmund Hillary School in 2007 there had been 18 principals in 25 years. Subsequently the school had a chequered past and needed to be reinvigorated. The improvements have included special partnerships with many like minded people who are dedicated to providing opportunities and positive outcomes for children, families and the community. The school is finally in a much better place. Quality student learning is the major focus and achievement levels are very good. This is reflected in the recent five year Education Review.

With a career in Education spanning over 30 years Kataraina is passionate about providing equitable educational outcomes for those who are most at risk. She has had a longstanding teaching career in South Auckland and previously worked as a Principal in Mangere. Kataraina has led a number of professional development and research projects on behalf of the Ministry of Education, including evaluation and review of Māori educational programmes and literacy facilitation in the Manurewa Enhancement Initiative.

Kataraina is a trained Reading Recovery Tutor, holds a Diploma in Teaching, a Bachelor of Education and Master in Māori Education Degree with First class honors at the University of Auckland. Along with her current principal responsibilities Kataraina has also been the Lead Principal for the implementation of Mutukaroa in the Papakura , Pukekohe and Otara areas. The Mutukaroa project (developed by Sylvia Park School) encourages schools to challenge the way they communicate with parents, and to create home engagement opportunities that provide a better fit for their community. Kataraina is currently the Lead Principal for the Kootuitui ki Papakura Cluster (a Manaiakalani Outreach School) since 2015. The programme provides 1:1 digital learning for students in low decile schools and has enhanced health services with the appointment of a registered nurse for daily health checks. Whanau also have the opportunity to participate in workshops which focus on Warm, Dry, Healthy Homes, Money Skills courses and digital device learning.