Introducing the school counsellors

By OBHS | Posted: Wednesday March 2, 2022

Otago Boys' has two counsellors, Mr Rob Wither and Mr James Howey.

Rob Wither

BCom, Dip.Grad, DipTching, PG Dip.Ed (Counselling), COP, MNZAC

Rob has been the HOD of Counselling at OBHS for approximately the past two and a half years. Rob has a full membership with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors and is also a registered teacher.

Previous counselling experience includes Wellington College, where he was the HOD of Counselling for five years. Previous counselling experience beyond this includes time at Kaikorai Valley College as HOD of Counselling for three years and at Auckland Boys' Grammar as the Assistant Guidance Counsellor for two years.

Rob was born in Dunedin and has enjoyed moving back to Dunedin to be with both his family and friends. Beyond supporting the OBHS community, his interests include teaching a Mental Fitness class at Year 10, coaching Rugby, and helping with Water polo. Rob has personal interests that include: reading, cars, cinema, poker and travel.

James Howey

MCouns, BCouns, MNZAC

James is originally from Waimate in South Canterbury, and has extensive clinical experience over a period of 25 years within a variety of counselling and education institutions in both Australia and New Zealand.

James has a full membership with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors and has completed a Masters in Clinical Counselling, with a focus on Family Therapy, Couples Therapy and Group Work from the University of New England, Australia, and a postgraduate Bachelor of Counselling from the same university.

James currently works as a Clinical Counsellor across several schools in Dunedin, including being at OBHS on a part time basis, usually on Thursday and Fridays.

He also runs a small private counselling practice located in central Dunedin.