Principal

Bill Adams

 Mr Adams has been Principal at Havelock North High School since 1996, having taken over from the foundation Principal David Barham who had led the school since 1975.

Mr Adams began his teaching career in 1973 after graduating from the University of Canterbury.  His first teaching position was at Aranui High School in Christchurch where he taught geography and social studies, becoming head of department in 1979.  In 1986 he was appointed Assistant Principal at Rangiora High School and in 1989 was promoted to Deputy Principal at the same school.

Mr Adams has an 'unshakable' belief in the value of the co-educational environment in creating great, well-rounded citizens.  A key factor in the effectiveness of this school is its ability to draw its pupils into a positive school spirit where it is OK to be clever and where cultural, sporting and citizenship activities flourish.  Mr Adams believes that pupils, at every level of ability, can be expected to do their best, encouraged to do so by good, strong teachers and acknowledged by the school community for doing so.  Whether it be academic work, sport, culture or house activities, the core business of the school is to make it possible for all pupils to be the best they can be.

Deputy Principals

Mairi Fitzsimons

Mairi began her teaching career in Tonga for two years on VSA. She taught geography and history before working as an English teacher at Hastings Girls’ High School. Mairi was appointed as Head of the English Department at Havelock North High School and then as Deputy Principal. 

Mairi is a strong believer in quality educational opportunities for all students from our brightest and best through to those who struggle with an academic course. She has a strong belief in life-long learning and to that end hopes to complete a Master of Education Administration this year. Mairi is involved in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, but in particular school productions and debating.

Joel Wilton

Joel began teaching at Rangitoto College in Auckland.  He started in 2000 as a Science teacher and then worked for five years as a year level Dean.  Joel was working as Acting Deputy Principal at Rangitoto College before taking the position as Deputy Principal at Havelock North High School in 2007.

Joel works alongside Mairi Fitzsimons as part of the HNHS Guidance Team.  Both Deputy Principals have a keen interest in maintaining a positive environment around the school that allows teachers to teach and students to learn.  Joel also has an interest in the development of school systems, in particular the use of technology in the classroom.

Joel is 'Teacher in Charge' of the Duke of Edinburgh Award - Young New Zealanders' Challenge. 

Curriculum

Evan Simonsen

 Evan began his teaching career at Tararua College, Pahiatua, in 1970.  At the end of 1974 he was appointed to teach French, social studies and "other subjects" at Havelock North High School, opening in February 1975.

As the school grew, he was given responsibilities as Year 9 Dean, Rata House Dean (later House Tutor) and HOD Social Studies.  In 1993 Evan was appointed to the position of Curriculum Co-ordinator, in the newly-created management team, with specific responsibility for the curriculum, assessment, reporting and timetable.

Over the years, Evan's involvement in extra-curricular activities has included managing and coaching athletics, managing cricket and badminton teams, being stage manager for music performances, and coaching debating.  As well, there was a twelve-year role as staff representative on the Board of Trustees.  However, history and the French language and culture have been life-long interests, and one rewarding aspect of teaching has been the opportunity to help students discover and pursue these disciplines.

Evan's main concern has been to ensure that the values and philosophy that support the school curriculum continue to provide the best opportunities for all students to become skilled learners.

Senior Manager

Simon Murfitt

Simon taught law part-time in polytechnics for several years, while, at the same time, working as a lawyer for approximately ten years. Inspired by family members who taught at schools, he re-trained as a secondary teacher. He has taught English at Havelock North High School and has acted as assistant head of English and as senior manager. 

Simon’s special area of responsibility is improving the achievement of our Maori students at school. He works as part of a team of teachers, Te Waka Awhina, whose goal is to help Maori enjoy success as Maori at Havelock North High School. 

Interested in the sport and cultural areas of school life, Simon has coached and managed school rugby, mountain biking, debating and mooting teams.