Principal: Murray Saunders srm@pukekohehigh.school.nz
Deputy Principal: Suzanne Powar spowar@pukekohehigh.school.nz
Deputy Principal: Hester Myburgh hmyburgh@pukekohehigh.school.nz
Deputy Principal: Siosiua Pole spole@pukekohehigh.school.nz
Deputy Principal: Martin Bennett mbennett@pukekohehigh.school.nz
Deputy Principal: Sofia Kaur skaur@pukekohehigh.school.nz (Starting 26 August 2024)
Deputy Principal: Kirsty Couper kcouper@pukekohehigh.school.nz (Starting 26 August 2024)
Business Manager: Denis Murphy dmurphy@pukekohehigh.school.nz

Murray Saunders

Ko Ingarangi te waahi whakapaparanga ai au
Noo Tamaki Makaurau au
Kei Waiau Pa te kainga
Ko Murray Saunders tooku ingoa

Having been born and raised in Auckland, my family and I moved into the Franklin area in 2022.  I began as a Deputy Principal at Pukekohe High School in July 2023. Prior to this I was a Deputy Principal at Onehunga High School and Whaanau House leader at Macleans College.

I have a strong belief in the power of schools and education to influence and guide students as they pathway into their adult life.  This applies to academic achievement as well as the social, cultural, artistic and sporting opportunities that schools provide.

I am excited about what Pukekohe High School offers in these areas and am determined as Tumuaki to help lead and progress these in the years ahead.

Suzanne Powar

I began my teaching career in 2005 at Pukekohe High School as a teacher of health, physical education and social science, having also taught overseas in the UK and in South Korea.  I have held a variety of leadership positions with the health and physical education faculty and recently as the Specialist Classroom Teacher to support new and experienced teachers to develop their classroom practise. Outside of the classroom I have been involved in coaching and managing girls cricket and football, working with the Community Council in fundraising activities for CanTeen and in leading year 10 camps.

I have a particular interest in leading change related to pedagogy (the ‘how’ we teach) and in student wellbeing. I believe strongly in the potential of all students and view it as our responsibility to the community to support and guide our students  to become confident, connected, lifelong learners who are active participants in their community.

Ko te piko o te maahuri, teeraa te tupu o te raakau

The way the sapling is shaped, determines how the tree grows.

Hester Myburgh

Teena koutou
Ko Drakensberg te maunga
Ko Limpopo te awa
Ko South Africa te ahau
Ko Hester Myburgh toku ingoa

Born and raised in South Africa and a staunch supporter of the Springboks, Pukekohe is where my home is.  It is a privilege to share in the diversity of our town.

I am delighted to be part of an experienced leadership team and work at Pukekohe High School.  It is important to support the growth, learning, and development of our aakonga.  It takes a village to raise a child. Working collaboratively with our community we can raise expectations for our aakonga and develop them as well-rounded, balanced individuals, making a difference wherever they go.

I am a firm believer in teamwork and building relationships. For the moment we journey together for a brighter future.

Siosiua Pole

Kirsty Couper

He kaakano paakehaa teenei i ruia mai i ngaa whenua o Ingarangi, o Kootirana, o Tiamani, o Aerana, puta mai ai i te taumaru o Maungakiekie.
Ko Skiold te waka tuatahi o ngaa waru.
Ko Waitaki te awa i whangai ai te taha taane; ko Thames te awa i te taha koopuu.
Ko te Tiriti o Waitangi te korowai manaaki, ko te Haahi Iriiri te whakaruruhau.
Ko Kirsty Couper tooku ingoa.
E ngaa maataa waka o te ao, teenaa koutou katoa.

As a Pukekohe local with eighteen years of teaching experience in the Franklin rohe, I am excited to begin my Senior Leadership journey here at Pukekohe High School. I come from Waiuku College where I have been a member of both the Science and Te Hononga ki te Ao Maaori faculties. I have been privileged to serve in a number of leadership roles, including as Specialist Classroom Teacher and as an Across School Leader of the Waiuku Kaahui Ako (Community of Learning).

I am deeply committed to fostering reciprocal relationships of trust and respect which enhance teaching, learning and wellbeing for all. As Tangata Tiriti, I have a particular passion for walking with aakonga, whanau and kaiako Maaori as they seek to realise their educational aspirations within a kura auraki context.

Denis Murphy

I’ve been on the team at Pukekohe High School for 4 years after holding a similar role at James Cook High School, Manurewa. Prior to that I spent around 30 years in the Disability/Mental Health sector in various accounting and management roles firstly for IDEA Services (Previously NZ Society for the Intellectually Handicapped Inc or IHC as it was known) and then for The Goodwood Park Healthcare Group.

My family and I have lived in the Pukekohe area since 1991 and our children were all educated at Pukekohe High. I coached football at the Pukekohe AFC and was the club’s Treasurer for a while. I am also Chairman of the St Joseph’s Pukekohe Primary School BOT.

It is a real pleasure to be part of the team here at Pukekohe High School. I see my role here as basically a support person for the BOT, Senior Leadership Team and Staff, ensuring that the school’s finances are managed efficiently and that its property resources are in good order and fit for purpose. Pukekohe High School celebrated its centenary in 2021 so it has a long and proud history and I believe the next 100 years are going to be even better.