Leadership Team

Leadership Team

Diane Whyte

Principal

About Me

Kia Ora. I began teaching in Auckland, working in Primary, Intermediate and Secondary Schools, before moving into Specialist Education. I was hooked!! After 8 years as Principal of Maitai Specialist School in Nelson I came to Fairhaven in 2014. I’m a passionate advocate for the rights of our students at both local and national level and have been on the Specialist School Principals Executive for over 10 years. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time at the beach with whānau.

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Sioned Oliver

Deputy Principal

About Me

I began my teaching career in London, before moving back to my native Wales to work for a local authority, where I ran a specialist unit working with students across primary and high schools. In 2011, my family and I moved to Aotearoa. I now oversee the Senior School at Fairhaven. I have a passion for ensuring that our students engage in quality learning and experience equity with their peers. Outside of school, I enjoy running and watching my daughters row.

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Sophie Ellmers

Deputy Principal

About Me

Originally from London, I have taught in Specialist Schools in the UK and New Zealand for the past 13 years at both the Junior and Senior level. Currently, I oversee our Junior and Intermediate classes. I am particularly passionate about working with students who have complex needs and I completed my Specialist Teacher in Complex Needs Postgraduate Diploma in 2018. Outside of school, I am generally found with my husband and two young children enjoying the beautiful outdoors.

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