I am very privileged to be the Principal at Maniototo Area School. I am new to this area, and have spent most of my adult life in Dunedin. Professionally I have worked in a range of primary and secondary schools, most recently at John McGlashan College as Specialist Classroom Teacher and at St Hilda’s Collegiate School as Principal. I believe this is one of the most beautiful parts of the country, and I enjoy spending time walking and exploring the area with my husband Nigel, and black lab Bella. My teaching passions are the humanities, especially History, English and Social Studies. My Master’s degree is in Mathematics education and I am part way through a PhD examining the teaching of local histories. Nigel and I have two adult children. Nico is a primary teacher in Auckland, and Max is a painter in Dunedin.
Email: bellm@maniototo.school.nz
Lucia Dowling
Deputy Principal (Primary), Year 7/8 Teacher
I am a local lass – born and bred here in the Maniototo. I attended St John’s for my Primary schooling then came to MAS for my Secondary education. I have travelled throughout and worked in, many countries but came home to the stunning Maniototo where most of my family live. In 2017 I was awarded an Area Schools Study Award which gave me a year away from the classroom to complete my Masters in Education. I am currently the Deputy Principal of the Primary School and I team-teach with Katrina Hunter for Literacy and Maths. I am also the BoT rep on the Board of Trustees. I love my job, and I am a proud member of the MAS team.
Email: dowlingl@maniototo.school.nz
I am lucky enough to be the Deputy Principal for the Secondary School at MAS. I grew up on the Kapiti Coast and attended Massey University where I did a double degree in Science and Business ( BSc/BBS). I majored in Chemistry and Management. I then went on to do my Graduate Diploma of Teaching. I have taught at Wairarapa College, Hawera High School and East Otago High School before coming to Maniototo Area School. My husband Mark and I moved here after a rail trail trip with friends in 2012. We own an accommodation business and pub on the Otago Central Rail Trail.
Email: meyern@maniototo.school.nz
Nikki Meyer
Deputy Principal (Secondary), Business Studies, Science & Chemistry Teacher