Matthew Cowie is joining King's as Head of Cricket. Matthew's involvement in cricket stretches 25 years, as a player, coach and administrator. He comes to us from a role as Regional Cricket Officer in the Goldfields Region of Western Australia. Prior to that, he was Development Manager for Ellerslie Cricket. Matthew's philosophy has always been to create an environment where every player can reach their full potential, regardless of what level they strive to play at, and at King's, that will be no different.
Rowan Adams is joining King's as Head of Football. His experience in football coaching and administration spans 18 years. He has been involved with Three Kings United Football and the Auckland Football Federation since 1996 coaching teenage boys, plus four years as Chairman of the Executive Committee of Three Kings United. As well as the New Zealand National Academy Coaching Licence, Rowan holds Banking Diplomas and an MBA degree. Rowan's vision is for the football environment at King's to become well-respected for educating and developing young players and their coaches.
Wally Rifle (BSport and Exercise Science) started at King's in 2014 as the Strength and Conditioning Coach on a fixed-term contract. He now moves to the permanent role of Head of Strength and Conditioning. His previous roles include being Head of Strength and Conditioning for the Maori All Blacks and the Auckland Blues. Wally's aim at King's is to educate and empower all students with key life skills through the medium of all sports.
Briar Chalmers is our new weekend Nurse, job-sharing with Prue Gardner.
Anna Poole is joining us as English Administration Assistant.
Sean Harris is a Technology Technician, joining us for two days a week. Sean replaces Bill Mann, who retired last year. He has extensive experience in engineering model design and making, and over the years has taught apprentices and graduates. He is a member of the Auckland Steam Engine Society and an avid reader.
Bev Clark is employed as a Learning Support Administrator. She is one of two new staff in the Learning Support Department assisting the Head of Department. Bev has recently been working in a role supporting young people with various mental health, physical and learning disabilities at the University of Auckland and as a Reader/Writer at King’s College.
There are also current Support Staff members who have recently had a change in role.
Tasesa Lavea, who commenced at King's in 2013 as Assistant Coach for the First XV Rugby team, has taken on the role of Head of Rugby. Tasesa became an NRL player at just 18 years old and during his career he has played professionally for a number of teams including the Auckland Blues, Waikato Chiefs and Melbourne Storm. One of only a handful of players to have competed in both the Rugby League and Rugby Union World Cups, Tasesa represented New Zealand at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup before playing for Samoa in the 2011 Rugby World Cup. In addition to playing, Tasesa has coached Auckland Rugby age grade representative teams and has been a Resource Coach for the Auckland Blues Under-18 team. Still involved with coaching the First XV this year, Tasesa is very passionate about working with young men and helping them achieve their full potential.
Keith Rowley, who has been teaching at King’s for the past 15 years, is the new Head of Hockey. He has a proven track record of success as a player, coach and administrator. Previous coaching roles include Head Coach of the New Zealand Under-18 and Under-16 teams, as well as a selector of the Black Sticks Men’s team. Keith was the Director of Sport at King’s from 2000 to 2007 and coached the First XI Hockey team from 2007 to 2011. His goal as Head of Hockey is to help all King’s players become the best hockey players they can be and to enjoy their sport.
Tracey Butchers has been with King’s for the last 18 months, working over a number of departments before electing to specialise in Careers. She is passionate about the importance of good Career Management as students transition to life beyond school, and is currently studying towards a Postgraduate Certificate in Career Management. With two children approaching the end of their university degrees, Tracey has a breadth of experience in supporting and encouraging students’ transition to tertiary study.
