Hauora Matters

Guest Keynote Speaker

Gregor Fountain, Sport New Zealand

Gregor Fountain is Sport New Zealand’s Strategic Engagement Manager.  In this role, he supports Sport New Zealand and its partners to effectively engage with the education sector.  Prior to joining Sport New Zealand, Gregor had more than 25 years as a secondary school teacher and leader.  He was the Principal of Paraparaumu College (2013-2018) and Wellington College (2018-2022). 

Guest Workshop Presenters

Te Ahu Teki, Director of Connect Consulting

Ko Ruapehu ko Taranaki ōku maunga 
Ko Whanganui ko Kai Iwi ōku awa 
Ko Aotea tōku waka 
Ko Ranana, ko Te Aroha ōku marae 
Ko Te Atihaunui a Paparangi me Ngā Rauru Kītahi ngā iwi 
Ko Ngati Ruaka, Ko Ngāti Pūkeko me Ngāti Iti ngā hapū 
Ko Te Ahu Teki tōku ingoa 

Te Ahu comes with over 15 years’ experience in education in a variety of leadership roles. He has always had a passion for coaching and empowering others on their journey, whether it be in the classroom, in the boardroom, working with corporate and public sector clients or on the sports field. 

Dipti Pandrangi, Healthy Active Learning Advisor, Te Whatu Ora

Dipti is a Healthy Active Learning Advisor employed by the National Public Health Service, Whanganui. Her role is to support schools with Nutrition and Wellbeing. Prior to this role, Dipti was trained as a specialist doctor back in UK and moved to New Zealand 6yrs ago. Having passion towards wellbeing and serving our communities, she did Public Health and Health Promotion studies here to understand our Whanganui rohe and the cultural diversity of our beautiful New Zealand. As a mum of two young kids, Dipti understands how important the Healthy Active Learning is for our tamariki at schools.

Meg Fisher, Manahau

Meg has a background in psychology and a keen interest in mental health and wellbeing. Meg is a trained teacher, and her teaching has taken her across the globe. She has worked as an advisor and social content writer across the Sparklers website and most recently she has joined the Manahau team as their co-designer and writer.

Michelle Cronin, Curriculum Advisor, Ministry of Education

Kia ora koutou. Ko Michelle Cronin taku ingoa, no Taranaki ahau.

I have recently joined the Curriculum Lead team at Te Mahau, based in Taranaki but working across both Whanganui and Taranaki regions. It is an exciting opportunity for me to work alongside educators to support curriculum development within schools.

With a passion for teaching and learning, leadership, culture and identity, partnering with communities, and the Health & Physical Education curriculum I feel privileged to be part of today’s network.

My experiences in education include 16 years of principalship through rural U1 schools to urban U4 schools in Taranaki, and 24 years within primary schools in total. I have recently completed a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and have previously led Health & Physical Education within schools where I’ve valued the interagency network and focus on community action for the benefit of tamariki and their whānau.

Brigitte Luke, Ministry of Education

Kia ora koutou. Ko Brigitte Luke angi au, no Taranaki au. 

Brigitte joined the curriculum lead team in 2023. Prior to this she was principal for 9 years at Rahotu Primary School, south of New Plymouth. She has 30 years’ experience in education, teaching across primary, intermediate, secondary and area schools. In between extensive travel, she has also worked as a behavioural specialist, a Resource Teacher of Literacy, a SENCO, a deputy principal, and the Head of Faculty in the arts department. 

Between 2020-2022 Brigitte worked alongside education provider Te Rito Maioha and co-wrote the course content for the Bachelor of Education degree and Postgraduate Diploma in Education.