Nikki Peterson | Gavin Hockly | Tina Kwok | Kelly Jean-Louis | Ned | Waiora
Nikki Peterson
Kaiwhakamāia and Head of Kia Tū Māia Counselling Department
Ko Shotover te maunga.
Ko Cherwell te awa.
Ko Oxford, ko Bristol, ko Ahuriri ngā wā kāinga.
Ko Nikki Peterson taku ingoa.
Nō Oxford, Ingarangi ahau.
Kei Te Whanganui-a-Tara ahau e noho ana.
Nō reira tēnā tātou katoa.
Kia ora koutou,
I’m Nikki, thanks for reading about our amazing team of kaiwhakamāia at Te Kura Tuarua o Taraika ki Pukeahu!
I grew up in Oxford, England surrounded by many of my extended family. We all supported Oxford United Football Club and enjoyed the excitement of Saturday match days. During my teenage years, my parents separated and divorced and I gained a step-family when my Dad remarried.
I moved away to Bristol to study to be a teacher, initially in the primary classroom before moving into schools to teach more vulnerable young people with challenging behaviour or learning needs. I found this hugely rewarding.
Meanwhile, I loved to travel and used the school holidays to travel as much as I could and as far away as possible. I had a taste of Aotearoa and tried my luck getting a job in this beautiful country. I got lucky and was a Resource Teacher: Learning & Behaviour for many years. During which time, I worked with many school guidance counsellors and decided this was the next role for me!
I completed a Master of Counselling Studies in 2024 and have been a kaiwhakamāia since 2020 at Wellington High School. I love this role and working at this kura! It’s a privilege to support young people so closely. I do my best to build strong relationships, listen with care and empathy and support people through life’s challenges.
Ngā mihi nui,
Nikki
Ko Kakepuku te maunga
Ko Puniu te awa
Ko Lady Carolyn te waka
Ko Ingarihi te iwi
Ko Hockly te hapū
Ko Gavin Hockly tōku ingoa
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa
Kia ora,
My name is Gavin – it’s great to be part of this special kura.
I was raised on a dairy farm in the Waikato and initially thought I would carry on the family tradition. However, a love of learning inevitably led me into further education and secondary school teaching. In time, a curiosity about the way our minds work to influence our lives led me into a Counselling Degree while still working with secondary school students.
My wife and I have 3 sons, their wives and four grandchildren. Five years ago we were both convinced it was a good time (mid-Covid) to shift from Te Awamutu to be closer to our two youngest grandchildren in Te Whanganui-a-tara Wellington. No regrets!
Sport has always been important for me with Football and Tennis when I was younger giving way to triathlons and more recently, golf and running. My other hobbies are playing the piano and guitar with a current interest in baking.
I grew up in a very religious setting and while there have been adjustments within my philosophical outlook I am convinced establishing core values and choosing to live by them has been critical for a healthy te whare tapa whā.
Finally, I value relationships as an essential part of a thriving life. Getting to know teenagers and share their adolescent journey is both a privilege and best part of my ongoing learning journey at Wellington High School.
Ngā mihi nui,
Gavin
Nō Taina ōku tipuna
I whānau mai ahau ki Taipei
I tipu ake ahau ki Tamaki-makaurau
Ko Rangitoto te maunga
Ko Tamsui te awa
Ko Tina tōku ingoa
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa
Kia ora, 你好, Hello!
I’m Tina – it’s lovely to meet you.
I moved from Taiwan to Aotearoa as a teenager, so I know what it’s like to go through big changes at a young age. That experience shaped my identity and how I see the world. It also helps me connect with people from diverse backgrounds, especially those who feel marginalised or unheard. I care deeply about creating spaces where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.
Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, music, reading, crafts, photography, cooking, and watching K-drama. I also watch a fair bit of rugby and cricket, thanks to my sports-mad son. I love learning about cultures and languages – I speak Mandarin and English, and I’ve learned Italian, French, and te reo Māori.
When we work together, it’s important to me that you feel safe and genuinely heard. You’ll always be in control of what you share and how we work. I’m here to listen, support, and walk alongside you toward your goals. What we talk about stays private, unless I’m concerned about your safety or you’ve given permission to share.
I’m really looking forward to meeting you and supporting you however I can.
Ngā mihi nui,
Tina
E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā hau e whā, tēnā koutou
No Awherika ki te Tonga ahau
Ko Xhosa tōku iwi
Tēnei au e mihi ana
Kia ora, Molo, Bula Vinaka, Hi!
Ko Kelly ahau, unjani? How are you?
I am privileged to be a kaiwhakamāia/counsellor, supporting rangatahi here at WHS.
Originally from a Xhosa, South African whanau, I grew up in Tāmaki Makaura/Auckland with my parents and five brothers, so life was always noisy, busy and full of fun. Pōneke became home when I moved here for university after high school. I love the shoreline, moody beaches and especially the coffee!
My journey at Wellington High School has spanned over a decade; first as a teacher, then a Dean and now a kaiwhakamāia/counsellor. This whanau that we belong to is something genuinely special.
On the weekends, you will find me training for Hyrox competitions, hiking through the southern suburbs, watching mystery shows, reading fantasy novels and listening to true crime podcasts.
Whenever you need someone to talk to, support with a tricky situation, or just a safe and calm space, my door is always open.
Nau mai, come say hi anytime!
Ngā mihi,
Kelly
Ned
Resident Puppy – On Duty on Mondays and Tuesdays
Nō Ingarangi ōku tīpuna
I whānau mai ahau ki Papaioea
Kei Pito-one ahau e noho ana
Ko Ned tōku ingoa
Ko Kwok-Fitzgerald tōku whānau
He kurī ahau
Kia ora! Woof woof!
I’m Ned. My human brother named me after the great outlaw Ned Kelly.
I love chasing birds, digging holes in my mum’s backyard, cuddling my human whānau, chewing on expensive high heels, and eating yummy dog treats. I also love coming to work with my mum because I get lots of attention from the children.
I may not be what some people would consider a “good” dog. I only know one trick, and I have a little separation anxiety. But, just like many people, I’m perfectly imperfect – or perhaps imperfectly perfect!
Come and say hi when you get the chance!
Ngā mihi,
Ned
Waiora
Canine ambassador and unofficial therapy dog
Ko Tauhara te maunga.
Ko Waikato te awa.
Ko Waiora taku ingoa.
Nō Taupō ahau.
Kei Te Whanganui-a-Tara ahau e noho ana.
Kia ora koutou,
I’m Waiora, or you can call me Wai for short. My full name means health or soundness. I’ve been coming into school with Nikki to support ākonga in the counselling department at Wellington High School since 2021 when I was a little puppy. I love meeting new people, a close second to my first love of food.
I’m very friendly so if you see me around and you’d like to give me a pet, please do!
Arohanui,
Wai