Introducing our new staff

By OBHS | Posted: Monday January 27, 2025

We would like to welcome our new staff to the Otago Boys' High School community.

Neil Brew

Ko Tuwatawata te maunga 

Ko Whirinaki te awa

Ko Mātaatua te waka

Ko Wharepakau te tangata

Ko Murumurunga raua ko Waikotikoti ngā marae 

Ko Ngāti Whare, Ngai Tūhoe raua ko Ngāti Pākehā ōku iwi

Ko Neil Brew tōku ingoa

Tēnā tātou e te whānau. I am originally from Te Whaiti in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. My wife and two children call Dunedin home and have done so off and on since 2001. I join Otago Boys' High School from Balmacewen Intermediate in Dunedin, where I have taught for the past 7 years. I will be teaching Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Haka which I am extremely passionate about.

Prior to teaching, I played professional rugby within New Zealand as well as in England and Japan. Through my experiences in both careers, I see the importance of relationships, work ethic and education, and believe these are critical in making lasting, positive change.

Ngā mihi maioha

Rachel Chisnall

Kia ora, Malo a lelei, Hello there. 

I'm Rachel Chisnall and I'm excited to be joining the Otago Boys High School Science department. 

I grew up in Otautahi Christchurch, and my family still has a bach (or crib) at the Rakaia River. 

I moved down to Ōtepoti Dunedin for University and haven't left. My most recent role was with Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | the Ministry of Education, and prior to that I was a Science and Tech teacher at Taieri College. When I'm not teaching, I'm usually watching some cricket or reading a book.

Colleen Eckhoff

Kia Ora

My name is Colleen Eckhoff. I am excited and thrilled to be part of the team at Otago Boys'.

I've been a lifey at New Zealand Post for the past 43 years until my role was disestablished in August last year. My career at NZ Post invovled payroll, accounts payable, support for the Otago and Southland region, customer service and health and safety. My passion is people, and striving for everyone to get home safe each day.

I have a husband, two girls and two grandchildren. I love walking and looking after my grandchildren, when I am not at work. My husband and I have bought a camper van and love going on weekend adventures, I've taken up casual golf when we are away.

I look forward to meeting the staff and boys and being part of the team.

My passion
It's people It's people
He Tāngata He Tāngata

Stephanie Hill

My name is Stephanie Hill. I am the new Attendance Officer here at Otago Boys and excited to be part of the Administration team.

I was born and bred in Dunedin and have spent my entire life here. I am married with two daughters and have one grandson. I enjoy gardening, scrap booking, reading and walking my two dogs. I am looking forward to the years ahead here and any challenges along the way.

Alex Poore

Kia ora,

My name is Alex Poore and I am excited to be joining Otago Boys' High School as a teacher aide in 2025.

Originally hailing from Northland, I have spent the last few years living and studying in Dunedin, and I now consider it to be home. During my studies in Dunedin, I found I have a passion for helping others learn, and so I look forward to having the opportunity to work with Tom and absorb some of the Otago Boys' fantastic school culture.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time in the outdoors; my favourite activity being rock climbing.

Nourah Ross

Kia ora and warm Pacific greeting. مرحباً Ko Nourah tōku ingoa

I am a bi-lingual, third culture adult. I am Palestinian on my father's side and Pākeha on my mother's side. They met in the United Arab Emirates and raised my siblings and I, where I completed a Bachelor of Science before moving to Christchurch and then Dunedin. As a result of growing up with many cultures and languages around me, I have a multi-lens view of life, I can also understand a little Urdu, Hindi and French.

My university qualification in Environmental Science gave me a solid foundation in science and mathematics as well as a wide variety of courses including writing and communications, philosophy and history.

In the various education roles I have had over the last 19 years, working with young people has been the most significant aspect of my life. I continue my journey in being a second year provisionally registered teacher here at Otago Boys’ High School, spreading the joy of reading, measuring, calculating and hence learning mathematics.

He reo ātaahua! Language is beautiful, and it is with language that we learn.