Letter From The Principal
Mrs Michelle Randles
Kia Ora and Welcome to North West College!
At North West College, we are committed to providing an exceptional educational experience that combines academic excellence with creative pursuits in a nurturing, inclusive environment. We believe every student should be encouraged to dream big, work hard, and grow into confident, capable individuals ready to make their mark on the world.
Our curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, foster creativity, and cultivate resilience. Through hands-on learning experiences, engaging workshops and field trips we bring learning to life. We prepare our students not just for the next stage of their education but for a lifetime of learning and exploration. We want our students to leave with the skills and confidence to seize every opportunity, whether it’s excelling academically, pursuing creative passions, or achieving personal milestones.
Well-being is central to everything we do. We understand that students thrive when they feel happy, safe, and supported. That’s why we offer mental and emotional well-being, with pastoral care that ensures every child feels a sense of belonging. We are committed to nurturing the whole student.
We encourage our students to strive for excellence, face challenges with determination, and contribute positively to society.
We are a school where community matters. Our staff, pupils, parents, advisory board, and local partners work together to create a thriving, happy school. We believe in the power of partnership between school and home, and we are committed to working with parents to help each student reach their full potential.
We warmly invite you to explore everything we have to offer here at North West College. Whether you are a prospective family looking for the right school or a visitor wanting to learn more about our community, we would love to welcome you in person.
Mrs Randles
Founding Principal
Senior Leadership Team
Sherida Penman Walters
Co-Founder, Educational
Leadership and Vision
Sherida Penman Walters is a highly experienced educator who has spent her career shaping schools and opportunities for students. She was the founding principal of Pinehurst School, where she spent 27 years building it into one of New Zealand’s leading private schools.
Her teaching experience spans primary, intermediate, and secondary schools in New Zealand, Australia, and England, with a strong focus on gifted education and innovation in learning. Sherida holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and a Post Graduate Diploma in Mediation, bringing both academic and practical expertise to North West College.
Sherida has a long history of creating successful educational environments. Her approach combines academic achievement with innovative thinking, and she’s passionate about providing opportunities for every child to thrive.
Ken Pemberton
Co-Founder, Experienced Educator and Community Leader
Ken Pemberton has a strong background in education and community leadership. He was the principal of Murrays Bay School on Auckland’s North Shore for many years, where he worked to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
In addition to his work in schools, Ken has spent over a decade as Chairperson of the Safer North Community Trust Board. In this role, he supported community safety programs and helped the organization achieve accreditation.
Ken’s experience in education and his commitment to fostering community relationships bring valuable insight to North West College. He’s dedicated to creating a school where students feel supported and inspired to succeed.
Suzanne Oliver
Deputy Principal
Suzanne is a dynamic and accomplished educational leader with a unique blend of experience across secondary education and executive leadership. As Founding Deputy Principal of NWC, she brings strategic insight, relational leadership, and a deep commitment to student success.
Suzanne has taught at Hamilton Boys’, Fraser High, and Rototuna Senior High, where she served as Senior Academic Mentor, Head of Commerce, and a scholarship English and Media teacher. She has also held senior roles as a Chief Executive, leadership and business coach, and general manager.
Known for bringing order to complexity, Suzanne empowers students and staff to realise their potential. Her strengths lie in systems thinking, curriculum design, and leading with clarity and trust. A talented musician, she has led creative arts initiatives across NZ, Fiji, and Tonga, reflecting her passion for creativity, culture, and community.
Andrew Kingston
Deputy Principal
Pastoral and Wellbeing
Andrew believes that the most impactful educators are continuous learners themselves. Grounded in a background spanning science, educational leadership, and effective, innovative teaching practices, he values the learning journey in every aspect of life and is passionate about helping young people discover that same value in their own education.
Across a diverse career spanning state and private school environments, Andrew has worked alongside forward-thinking mentors who shaped his collaborative, adaptive style. Inspired by the distinctive mission of North West College, he joined the team during an exciting period of expansion. Appointed Deputy Principal in Term 4 2026 working alongside Suzanne Oliver, Andrew leads pastoral care and wellbeing across both campuses, while overseeing EOTC, sport, and the Creative Arts programme to enhance outcomes for all learners.
Teaching Team
Lincoln Road Campus
Andrew Kingston
Global Perspectives
Years 7-8
Lincoln Rd Campus
Maureen Sheldon
Mathematics
Years 7-8
Lincoln Rd Campus
Maureen has been teaching for over 30 years across Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary sectors. She is passionate about Mathematics Education and promoting the importance of mathematics for further education, work, and everyday life. She enjoys helping students achieve success by overcoming barriers to learning. In her spare time Maureen enjoys making things with fabric and wool, reading historical fiction, and attending shows and exhibitions.
Alex Wanliss
English
Years 7-8
Lincoln Rd Campus
Alex Wanliss has many years of experience teaching English and History at primary and secondary levels in South Africa, England, and New Zealand. Beyond the classroom, Alex has a background in educational publishing. She has authored chapters for a high school English language textbook, edited a poetry anthology, and developed reading comprehension resources.
Alex is passionate about language and literature, and is committed to supporting young people in developing strong literacy skills and growing in self-confidence.
Chris Hart-Crombie
Science and Technology
Years 7-8
Lincoln Rd Campus
Chris has been teaching since 1998 in New Zealand intermediate and secondary schools, specialising in science and technology. Passionate about hands-on learning, he also enjoys medieval sword fighting and working in his metal and wood workshop.
Rowena Rooney
Visual Arts
Years 7-8
Lincoln Rd Campus
Rowena is a registered teacher and teaches Visual Arts every day other than Wednesday, when she helps with Sports and the William Pike Challenge. She is also our Learning Support Coordinator.
Universal Drive Campus
Song Lee
Science
Years 9-13
Universal Dr Campus
Song teaches Cambridge Senior Science at North West College, focusing on building strong conceptual understanding and academic rigour. She enjoys supporting students as they develop confidence, effective study habits, and curiosity in scientific thinking. Her classroom is structured yet supportive, encouraging students to take responsibility for their learning and make steady, meaningful progress over time.
Ahmed Elkharbotly
Science
Years 9-10
Universal Dr Campus
Ahmed leads the Science programme for Years 9 and 10 in Term 4, with an emphasis on practical, hands-on investigation.
Paola Maldonado
Spanish
Originally from Chile, Paola has taught Spanish in a range of educational settings, including secondary schools, language institutes, and private tutoring. She focuses on building students’ confidence through practical communication and cultural immersion. With a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and formal language‑teaching training from AUT, she brings a strong academic foundation to her practice. Community‑oriented and committed to supporting diverse learners, she contributes a warm, structured, and student‑centred approach to Spanish at our school. Outside the classroom, Paola enjoys crochet, walking along the beach, and relaxing by a cosy fireplace in winter.
Natalie O'Connor
English
Years 9-13
Universal Dr Campus
After leading multiple organisations, Natalie has returned to the classroom to inspire the next generation of English students. As a published author, a certified academic coach for students, and a certified positive psychology practitioner, she brings a unique blend of skills that teach students the ‘how of learning’, perseverance, and self-motivation; this in turn supports students in taking ownership for their learning where the greatest progress is within their grasp.
Colette Rhodes
Mathematics and Visual Arts
Years 9-13
Universal Dr Campus
Colette Rhodes has a diverse teaching portfolio, having educated students in New Zealand and England at primary, intermediate, and secondary levels. Her passion lies in Mathematics and Art, subjects she particularly enjoys teaching. Ms Rhodes is devoted to each student’s development, creating a secure and nurturing learning environment.
Jo Sandler
Visual Arts
Years 9-13
Universal Dr Campus
Joanne Sandler is originally from Cape Town, South Africa. She has experience teaching Art and Design at secondary school level and believes every student has a unique visual language and creative approach. She supports learners to discover and express this in ways that feel authentic and meaningful to them.
Joanne has also worked across organisations in human-centred design and product development, placing users at the centre of solving complex challenges.
Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, walking in nature, painting, cooking, and spending time outdoors with her family. She values collaboration and looks forward to contributing to a creative and supportive community.
Heidi Balzat
Sport
Years 9-10
Universal Dr Campus (Fridays)
Heidi organises and runs the Friday sport programme for Years 9 and 10 in Term 4, encouraging every student to take part and play as a team.
Robert Solomone
Global Perspectives, and
Geography
Years 9-13
Universal Dr Campus
Robert has been teaching for over 30 years, mostly in West Auckland schools. He’s passionate about helping students overcome barriers and achieve beyond expectations, and enjoys working closely with families to support their children’s growth. He’s a keen cook and gardener, with Geography a lifelong passion.
Pastoral Care and Learning Support
Semu Filipo
Dean
Both Campuses
Semu is Dean across both campuses, supporting consistent pastoral care for students at Lincoln Road and Universal Drive.
Rowena Rooney
Learning Support Coordinator
Both Campuses
Louise Pemberton
Learning Support
Lincoln Rd Campus
Visual Arts Tutor
Lincoln Rd Campus
LJ Hart
Learning Assistant
Universal Dr Campus
Visual Arts Tutor
Lincoln Rd Campus
School Operations
Monique McLeary
Office Manager and Enrolments Coordinator
Lincoln Rd Campus
Monique is a founding member of the North West College administration team. As Office Manager and Enrolments Coordinator, she runs the enrolment process from first enquiry through to onboarding, and looks after finance, student management, and office operations across our campuses. She works alongside the Senior Leadership Team and is often the first port of call for prospective families.
Monique holds Certificates in Personnel Management and Human Resources, and in Accounts Administration and Bookkeeping. She is passionate about students and the wider school community can thrive.
Monique is passionate about building positive relationships with students, families, and staff, and is committed to creating a supportive and well-run environment.
Rachael Malafu
School Receptionist and Admin Support
Universal Dr Campus
Sport Tutor
Lincoln Rd Campus (Wednesdays)
Rachael joined the school community in August 2025 as a School Receptionist and works across both the Lincoln Road and Universal Drive campuses. She enjoys supporting students, families, and staff and takes pride in contributing to a positive, welcoming, and community-focused school environment.
Outside of work, Rachael is a passionate netball player and has been involved in the sport for over 15 years. You can often find her at Te Pai Courts, where she continues to enjoy playing and being involved in the local netball community.
Rachael comes from a family of six and is the second oldest of four sisters. Sport has always been a big part of her family, particularly netball, with both Rachael and her sisters enjoying the game competitively. Her passion for sport has been influenced by her father, who grew up playing basketball and volleyball while her mother has always been a constant source of encouragement and support. The strong sense of teamwork, dedication, and family support has played an important role in shaping who she is today.
Keri MacKinnon
Part Time School Receptionist
School Programmes and Administration Support
With over 25 years’ experience across administration, secretarial, and office management, Keri has worked in FMCG, tertiary, and private education, gaining a broad understanding of different industries and people. She’s a genuine people person who enjoys good conversation and keeping busy.
Music has always been central to her life — she’s played guitar for 30 years and performs in bands and duos. Naturally drawn to the creative arts, she also enjoys drama, dance, architecture, and interior design. A proud mum of four, Keri balances family life with a love of travel, bush walks, beach swims, and stargazing. Having lived most of her life in Waitākere, she feels right at home.
Steve Bencsy
School Caretaker and Bus Driver
Steve has joined the North West College team as the school Caretaker, Bus Driver, and the school’s go-to “fix-it man.” He has quickly become a valued member of the school community and enjoys working alongside the students, whom he describes as respectful and a pleasure to be around each day.
Steve has been married to his wife for 41 years.
Together they have four adult children, two grandchildren, and more fur babies than they can count.
With a background in engineering and over 30 years working in the glazing industry, Steve brings a wealth of practical knowledge and experience to the school.
Outside of work, he enjoys all forms of sport and was heavily involved in the formation of the Waitakere Hockey Club, where he was a foundation member and served as Club Captain for many years before moving to Helensville.
Terry MacWilliam
Bus Driver