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.
