A talented group of new staff as they begin their journey at Onehunga High School.
The 2026 school year began on Monday 27 January with the return of all staff to Onehunga High School. The week opened with a pōwhiri held at the school marae, where new staff were formally welcomed into our community alongside returning colleagues.
Following the pōwhiri, Principal Hayat delivered a warm welcome, acknowledging the important role staff play in shaping both learning and school culture. She reinforced that Onehunga High School is a respectful and connected community, where students are welcoming, engage positively and take pride in their school. She highlighted the school’s strong academic outcomes and noted that new staff are joining an environment shaped by shared values, collaboration, and a collective commitment to student success.
Members of the Senior Leadership Team then guided new staff through a comprehensive induction programme over the following two days, with a strong focus on whakawhanaungatanga, building relationships, understanding our school culture, and supporting new staff to feel connected and confident in their roles.
We are pleased to welcome the following new teaching staff to Onehunga High School in 2026:
- Lucy Stone, Director of Community Education
- Jessica Reid, Year 9 Dean, Physical Education & Health
- Gavin Hunter, Mathematics
- Harley Watene, Te Reo Māori
- Antony Keung, Sports & Te Reo Māori
- Maushmi Devi, Food, Catering & Hospitality
- Michelle Foley, Counselling
- Emma Coll, Languages & Social Science (joined term 4 in 2025)
- Patrick Burtenshaw, Physical Education & Health (joined term 4 in 2025)
- Lewis Creed, Digital Technology
- Johnny Zhang, Mathematics
Welcome to our new Support Staff members:
- Maree Peterson, Communications & Marketing Manager
- Michelle Lamb, Canteen Assistant
- Kika Tevaga, Learning Assistant
- Aleyah Sly, Learning Assistant
- Uzma Memon, Bi Lingual Learning Support Assistant
- Beverley Tai, Food Technician
We also warmly acknowledge our teacher trainees who join us this year:
- Kayla Newman, Technology
- Benjamin Lewis, Art,
- Tsitsi Mapepa, English
Our highly skilled educators and support staff are eager to contribute to the life of the school, and over the course of the year we will continue to share the impact their work and talents are having across our learning community.
If you need to contact your child’s teacher, please visit the staff directory on our website to send an email.
Pictured above, back row from left to right: Lewis Creed, Maree Peterson, Lucy Stone, Johnny Zhang, and Gavin Hunter.
Front row from left to right: Jessica Reid, Aleyah Sly, Kayla Newman, and Kika Tevaga.
