Chris Matthews (Papakura High School)

Christopher Matthews is the Deputy Principal of Papakura High School. Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, he has been living in Tamaki Makaura New Zealand for 15 years. Christopher has extensive experience in education, currently overseeing the induction of new teachers, school operations, and health and safety. He has been a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) at college level for eight years. Prior to this role, he served as a Dean and Head of the Junior School at Aorere College.

Rachel Peak (Rosmini College)

Rachel Peak is a Deputy Principal at Rosmini College on Auckland's North Shore. She has oversight of school wide Professional Learning, senior curriculum & pastoral. She works with the Auckland School's In Based teacher training programme in association with Waikato University and in 2026 with The Teachers' Institute trainees, developing and mentoring new teachers. She has participated in the PPTA micro-credential courses for secondary school senior leaders and has a passion for developing teachers and leaders in education through coaching, internal professional learning opportunities and supporting middle leaders as they navigate the complexities of their role. 

Pip Woodward (Ōtūmoetai College)

Pip is a Deputy Principal at Ōtūmoetai College in Tauranga. She has previously worked on a national Ministry of Education project supporting whole-school approaches to student wellbeing. Pip also facilitates the micro-credential course Effective Mentoring Practices for Secondary Teachers in Aotearoa NZ, delivered by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. She holds qualifications in leadership coaching and has a background in complexity and adult development theories, supported by a Master’s thesis in these areas. Pip is committed to fostering inclusive, supportive school environments that promote wellbeing and growth for both students and staff.