Posts in Management & Support
Tina Utting-Johnson

PGDip ICT in Education, PGDip Education Leadership, PGCE ICT & English, BA (HONS) Business Information Management

I originally trained as an ICT and English Teacher in England and taught in Wales until 2018, at a number of different schools and roles before moving to New Zealand. My family first came to Auckland, where I taught Computer Science at Macleans College and held the role of Director of Digital Learning. Since then we have been in the South Island at Marlborough Girls, where I took up the role of Deputy Principal. After a year, we decided to apply for residency and moved to Christchurch where I was the Deputy Principal of Catholic Cathedral College.

Teaching is in the family. My husband Roushan is a teacher of Maths & Physics and our son Dylan is about to study Māori and Statistics for Education. Our son Brody is at Horizon school.

I have a passion for future focussed learning.

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Simon Bartlett

Bachelor of Teaching

My teaching career began in the Waikato before working in a specialist role in South Auckland. I then spent nine years teaching in the UAE in the Middle East before returning back to Aotearoa to work in a Special Education school in Hamilton.

My primary role at Horizon is Deputy Principal but I am also a classroom teacher. I am committed to raising achievement for all learners by fostering an inclusive and culturally responsive environment that promotes a sense of belonging and acceptance for all.

I live locally with my amazing wife Carmel who also works here at Horizon and two children. I enjoy skateboarding, experiencing live music, mountain biking, exploring local beaches, and have recently taken up surfing.

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Deborah Steele

BA, BTchg (Secondary) Dip Christian Leadership

I am a rural girl at heart. Being brought up on a farm in Northland meant I learnt the value of hard work and team work. I love all things nature and love adventures - especially travel! I love spending time with my husband and two girls – camping, hiking, water activities!

As the Assistant Principal, I aim to see students and staff flourish and thrive at Horizon School. People matter to me and it's why I do what I do. I love the family vibe at Horizon and the way that people are able to belong, no matter their differences.

Performing Arts is a passion of mine. I write plays, perform, direct, and especially love musicals.

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Robin Stephen van Niekerk

Bachelor of Education (Honours), Bachelor of Arts, Primary Teacher Diploma

I am originally from Durban, South Africa. I arrived in New Zealand in 1997. I am married to Odette and we have two sons, Byron (38) and Lance (35)

My primary role is to teach and support the students in front of me. However my pastoral role at Horizon School depends on me establishing good relationships with my colleagues, the students and their whanau. I enjoy the "challenges" of successful dispute resolution.

My work-life balance is maintained by my involvement in sport. I referee adult football on Saturdays, enjoy watching UFC and most importantly, spending time with my wife and sons.

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June Port

Certificate of Teaching

Our family originally moved into the area in 1996 to manage Parklands Christian Camp. I became a tutor at Mahurangi Technical Institute before starting at Mahurangi Christian School (now Horizon School). My first position was as an office administrator, moving on to Reading Recovery and then settling into my current position.

I coordinate additional support for learners and liaise with their parents, teachers and other professionals who are involved. My heart sings when the support we have put in place can be seen in the changed life of the learners we work with. Making sure teachers and support staff get paid is greatly appreciated by those who work here at school.

My family and the time I spend with them creates the highlights in my life.

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Lisa Hyde

I was born and raised in Auckland, spending most of the holidays in either Snells Beach or Omaha. I've previously been a paediatric nurse, working mostly at Starship Hospital, until my husband and I decided to move to beautiful Snells Beach with our 3 children.

I'm part of the amazing admin team at Horizon. I have always loved working with children and have been involved with my own kids' school in various roles in the past. I love working with a group of passionate people who are genuinely interested in the wellbeing of our students and upholding the school's Christian special character.

Outside of school I enjoy spending quality time with my family, watching the kids' sports and activities, exploring nature and making memories together.

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Carmel Bartlett

Bachelor of Design

I worked in the fashion and design industry in New Zealand until moving to the UAE where I lived for almost 9 years. My children were born in Abu Dhabi and my eldest started his schooling there. We moved back in 2019 to be closer to whānau and have our children experience life here.

I am the one snapping photos, putting together newsletters and doing a little bit of everything in the school office. I love the connection to the Tamariki, whānau and community that this job has given me.

Our family love to travel and explore different cultures. Spending time with our wider family is a very intentional goal for our family. I also enjoy sewing, weaving, building Lego and decorating cakes.

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Alison Hand

I am originally from Scotland, being born there. I immigrated to New Zealand in 1966. My husband Jim and I, with our two children, came to Snells Beach 30 years ago and continue to enjoy the area.

I am in charge of handling school finances and I look after the accounts payable and receivable ensuring that all is in order. I enjoy working with a wonderful and supportive team here at the Horizon School office.

Outside of work my interests include caravaning, biking and stand-up paddle boarding. But most of all, I enjoy spending time with our five grandchildren.

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Lena Schewa

I grew up in Germany. My family lived in Russia as well so I speak both German and Russian. The city I’m from is one of the oldest in Germany with beautiful cathedrals and cobblestones. I am married and have 4 beautiful children.

I am an office administrator which makes me the person who takes your phone calls, replies to your emails, does the daily student attendance and many other little things on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

I love reading and spending my days at the beach or boat with my family. I also enjoy running or going on hikes. New Zealand is absolutely stunning and there is so much to see.

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