our principal
Vision - Building an interdependent community of engaged learners who go forth to influence the world around them.
Ko Taranaki te maunga
Ko Waitara te awa
Ko Te Atiawa te iwi
Ko Pukerangiora te hapū
Ko Kairau te marae
Ko Te Hungaririki te wharenui
Ko Timu Niwa ahau
Ngā mihi mahana ki a koutou kātoa.
My name is Timu Niwa and I am privileged to be the principal of James Cook School in the beautiful town of Marton. I have been a primary school teacher since the late 90s and have taught all primary and intermediate age groups throughout my career. I have taught in varying schools in the Manawatū, Auckland and in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I am married to Laura and we have three young daughters and we built a house on a few acres in Mount Biggs between Sanson and Feilding. We returned to New Zealand in 2012 after being in Belfast for a number of years. I am currently in my sixth (and final!) year of part-time study for my doctoral degree through Massey University. In my spare time I enjoy playing 'Uno Flip' with my daughters, have a penchant for earl grey tea and asparagus and am a made netball fan! I started my principalship journey in 2017 and was Tangimoana School principal for 2.5 years before beginning here at James Cook School at the start of Term 3, 2019.
There is a very special 'vibe' here at James Cook School where our RICHER core culture is infused into everything that happens here. Our great staff and amazing children are amazing role-models of what it means to show Respect, be Inclusive, be Co-operative, be Honest, Endeavour to do our best and use skills of Resolution to seek solutions to putting wrongs right!
Ngā mihi,
Timu Niwa
Principal @ James Cook School, Marton