New Staff Welcomed 2025
Matthew Cockburn
Kia Ora Koutou,
I am privileged to be part of the Social Sciences department, teaching Social Sciences and Geography. I come from Hertfordshire, UK, and I first fell in love with Aotearoa, New Zealand, during my gap year at 18 while working at another school in Auckland. I am delighted to be back and to be teaching at such a fantastic school as Sacred Heart College.
I am eager to get stuck into everything SHC has to offer and to support these great young men in achieving success in whatever they choose to pursue.
Sarah Crawford
Hello my name is Sarah Crawford. I am one of the new nurses that has started at Sacred Heart College in 2025. I have previously worked alongside parents and families in the community as being a well-child health nurse for Plunket for 27 years.
I have worked alongside many lovely families in the community as a Nanny. I am really enjoying working as a nurse at the Health Centre and being part of this special community. I have very strong Catholic values and am proud to be part of a large family where all of our children belong to Catholic Schools in the area.
I look forward to being part of this community and working alongside you all.
Natalia Escobar
Hola everyone! I’m Natalia Escobar, and I’m excited to be part of this amazing community!
I’m originally from Colombia, a country that runs on good coffee and great hospitality, two things I know a lot about! I’ve spent over 20 years in the hospitality industry, and my passion for coffee led me to start my own café.
Life brought me to New Zealand, where I’m happily married to a Kiwi and a proud parent of two boys, one of whom is currently at Sacred Heart College. When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me enjoying a perfectly brewed cup of coffee or spending time with my family.
Melinda Gibbon
Hi, I’m Melinda and I’ve been a part of the Sacred Heart Community for a number of years as a parent. I’m married to a football loving husband and we have a grown daughter, twin teenagers, and two high energy dogs that keep us on our toes.
I completed a secondary teaching diploma in Economics many years ago, but my career has been in corporate marketing, research, and strategy. However, what I enjoyed the most was the teaching and mentoring aspects in any role I held and have always been drawn to supporting those who learn differently and find learning more challenging.
I’m excited to have joined the Learning Support Department as a Teacher Aide. I’m enjoying supporting students who have some challenges accessing learning and helping them achieve.
Amy Grant
Kia Ora, I’m Amy Grant and I am excited to join Sacred Heart College this year to teach Year 7.
I am very lucky that I have taught some of the students previously at Mt Carmel School. I am looking forward to working with the students and being a part of the Sacred Heart Community again as my brother is an old boy of the school.
Prior to coming back home to New Zealand I worked in Melbourne, Australia and Hong Kong as well as South Auckland. I am enjoying being back home in New Zealand. I enjoy reading, travelling, and supporting our sports team.
Peter Jackson
Hello, my name is Peter Jackson and I have joined Sacred Heart as a mathematics teacher starting Term 1 of 2025.
I grew up in Auckland, and from a young age I have been captivated by the patterns found in numbers. I share this enthusiasm with many and am also aware of the struggle mathematics can be for some. I relish in supporting and encouraging learners of all levels in capability to; believe in themselves, develop a love for learning, and work hard at reaching goals.
Along with previous teaching experience, I bring with me 15+ years of working in analytical positions across finance, health, dairy, and aviation industries. Outside of school, I am a husband, father to three school-aged children, uncle, son, brother, and friend. I enjoy running, bush walks, watching NRL with mates, reading, and playing guitar.
I am enjoying being a part of this special Marist community and hope to be of good service to the boys, teachers, and parents.
Joshua Lee
Passionate about numbers and problem-solving, I bring energy and dedication to the classroom. I graduated as an Electronics Engineer from the University of Sussex in Brighton, United Kingdom, but my love for teaching led me to the world of mathematics education.
Before joining Sacred Heart College, I spent two years at Napier Boys’ High School and a year at Avondale College, shaping young minds with a mix of enthusiasm and structured learning. My journey also took me to Australia for a working holiday, where I embraced new experiences and broadened my perspective.
Anita Minnaar
I come from the sunny shores of Durban, South Africa and have been teaching for many years. New Zealand has been my home for the past 18 months and I am enjoying the outdoor lifestyle it offers.
I am excited to be at Sacred Heart College and looking forward to my future here. My twin nephews are my biggest blessing and I am thrilled to able to watch them grow and thrive in this beautiful environment.
Orla O'Riordan
Kia Ora, Ko Orla O’Riordan Toku Ingoa
I’m excited to be joining the Sacred Heart College nursing team. Originally from Ireland, I’ve been living in Auckland for 13 years and feel very settled in this wonderful community. My background is in hospice nursing, and I’m looking forward to this new role, supporting the health and well-being of our students.
Outside of work, I keep busy with my husband, our three young children, and our energetic golden retriever. We love exploring the outdoors and making the most of family life. I look forward to getting to know you all.
Ange Peters
Kia ora koutou,
I am a proud parent of a Sacred Heart College student and am now thrilled to join the staff as the International Homestay & Welfare Co-ordinator.
Originally from the South Island, my husband and I lived and worked overseas with our two children, before settling in Auckland six years ago.
Before taking on this role, I worked with an organisation dedicated to ensuring that professionals and investors migrating to New Zealand successfully settle in all aspects of their personal and professional lives.
I’m excited to draw on my experience and knowledge to support our international students and help them thrive during their time at Sacred Heart College.
Ivan Poljakovic
My name is Ivan Poljakovic.
I’ve been teaching ESOL for many years in New Zealand and Croatia. I worked as Head of ESOL at Macleans College from 1998-2006 and then returned to Croatia to teach at the University of Zadar.
Last year I moved back to New Zealand. My daughter is currently in Year 10 at Baradene College. I come from a strong Catholic background. It is a pleasure and honour for me to be part of the Sacred Heart Community.
Karl Pokino
Tēna koutou katoa, my name is Karl Pokino and I have joined the staff as the new Rugby Development Officer for Sacred Heart College - Te Ngakau Tapu a Hehu. I whakapapa back to a place in the Whāngaroa Harbour called - Taupo Bay, while the Pokino name comes from the tiny Island of Mangaia in the Cook Islands. I am an Old Boy (2005) and currently my son is in Year 10 at the College.
My role is to ensure that the rugby experience of all students here at Sacred Heart College is positive, supportive and engaging - that sets them up for success in later life. Through Rugby I have been able to experience some wonderful things and meet many people and it is my hope that through the game of rugby; our young men will be able to positively contribute to their own communities when they graduate from our school.
I part with this whakatauki (proverb) which I feel encompasses the Marist charism and service to our Sacred Heart community:
"Nāku te rōurōu, Nāu te rōurōu, Ka orā ai te Iwi" - with my basket & your basket the people will Thrive
This speaks of our school and community who share their talents and gifts with each other for the achievement of the collective much like St Marcellin Champagnat and his example with the Marist Brothers.
E nga mana, E nga reo, E nga Iwi - Mauri Ora
Alison Turner
My name is Alison Turner, and I am delighted to join Sacred Heart College as your new School Nurse.
Originally from Northern Ireland, I have experience in paediatric and mental health nursing, having worked in Belfast, Edinburgh, and Auckland. I have also been fortunate to take part in humanitarian missions with Médecins Sans Frontières.
I moved to New Zealand six years ago and have loved embracing the lifestyle here. I enjoy exploring the outdoors and spending quality time with friends and family.
I am excited to support the students at Sacred Heart College and to be an active part of this wonderful community.
Victoria Williams
Hello, my name is Victoria Williams and I am very happy to have joined the Science department here at Sacred Heart College. I recently moved to Auckland from London, where I taught Biology, Chemistry & Physics in a secondary school for the last four years.
I grew up between the busy city of London and the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the latter nurturing a love of an active, outdoor lifestyle. I have sailed since a young age and, more recently, have been learning to kitesurf. I also like to spend my spare time walking, and am really looking forward to exploring many of the tramping tracks and huts here in New Zealand.
Patsy Zambrano-Arevalo
Hola, my name is Patsy Zambrano and I am from Iquitos, the capital of the Peruvian Amazon. I have a degree in Education.
I met my Kiwi husband while working on cruise ships and I moved to New Zealand 10 years ago, we have two daughters, one at Mt Carmel school and the youngest will start school this year.
I love travelling, especially if I go visit Peru. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports (volleyball and soccer) and also watching Disney movies with my little girls.
This year I will be working in the Learning Support department.
