Introducing our new staff
By OBHS | Posted: Thursday January 29, 2026
We would like to welcome our new staff to the Otago Boys' High School community.
Jacob Brown
My name is Jacob Brown, and I am looking forward to teaching P.E. and Health at Otago Boys’ High School. P.E. and Health are strong passions of mine, and I endeavour to ensure students understand the importance of physical education in strengthening their overall wellbeing.
I was born in Hamilton and moved to Dunedin when I was very young. I grew up in Dunedin before moving to Tauranga, where I completed my schooling at Tauranga Boys’ College, before returning to Dunedin to pursue further study. I have worked in various roles involving factory work, support work, and teacher aiding before making the decision to pursue teaching as a career.
From 2022–2024, I studied at the University of Canterbury through correspondence, graduating with a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary). Although I hold a primary teaching degree, I am privileged to have the opportunity to teach in a secondary school, utilising the skills I have acquired over the years. I relieved for part of 2025 before beginning at Otago Boys’ High School in August 2025, and I have been enjoying every moment since.
Outside the classroom, you can find me playing squash, which is my main sport and one I hope to inspire more students to take up. I love spending time outdoors hiking, running, or simply getting away for an adventure. I also prioritise spending time with my daughter and family, who are pivotal in providing me with a strong support network.
I am excited to be part of the OBHS culture and look forward to building relationships with students, colleagues, parents and whānau, and the wider community. I am excited about what 2026 will bring.
Charlotte Cotter
Kia ora koutou,
My name is Charlotte Cotter, and I am thrilled to be starting at OBHS this year. I will be teaching Physical Education, Health, and Outdoor Education—subjects I absolutely love.
I grew up in Dunedin; however, I left as soon as I could for Alberta, Canada, to work at an Outdoor Education Centre for a few years. After spending some time overseas, I was very happy to return home and begin studying. Since coming back, I have completed a Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sports Science) and a Master of Teaching and Learning at the University of Otago, and I have worked in both the Recreation and Physical Education departments at the University of Otago.
I now love living in Dunedin, and in my spare time you’ll find me taking advantage of the mountain biking and running trails our city has to offer. I am looking forward to becoming part of the community here at OBHS.
Sharon Ladyman
Kia ora, my name is Sharon Ladyman, and I teach Mathematics and Statistics. Before transitioning to secondary education, I worked as a research scientist and taught at the University of Otago. Over the years, I have been involved in science outreach in Dunedin, teaching hands-on neuroscience at local schools and community events. While I enjoyed my time in research, the mathematics involved and the opportunities to teach were always the aspects of the work I found most rewarding.
My academic career has taken me around the world, seeing me live and work at universities in Canada, the USA, and Brazil, but I have long called Dunedin home. Outside the classroom, I love watching Test match cricket, knitting, and running the trails around Dunedin. I look forward to being part of the school community and helping the students at Otago Boys’ achieve their best.
Annika Marriner
Annika Marriner is a Commerce and Digital Technologies teacher who is excited to be joining Otago Boys’ High School this year. Born and raised in Dunedin, she attended St Hilda’s Collegiate before pursuing her studies at the University of Otago, where she earned a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Information Science, followed by a Master of Teaching and Learning. Annika is passionate about helping students develop practical skills and confidence in both Commerce and Digital Technologies. This year, she looks forward to building positive relationships with her students and supporting them to make meaningful progress in their learning.
Helena Sodergren
Kia Ora,
My name is Helena Sodergren, and I am very excited to join the OBHS team as a mathematics teacher.
I am originally from Sweden and have been living in New Zealand since 2005. I have an 18-year-old son, and we both love it here in Dunedin.
I completed my MSc in Chemistry at the University of Otago in 2010. After that, I worked on environmental and climate modeling and as an environmental consultant for a few years before completing my PhD in Physics at the University of Canterbury in 2017. Over the last few years, I have combined my research with outdoor education, teaching surfing, mountain biking, and horse riding. I realised that I love teaching and decided to pursue it full time. I completed my teaching degree last year, and I feel very fortunate to now have the opportunity to work with OBHS.
Apart from maths and physics, I am passionate about surfing, skiing, climbing mountains, and horse riding.
Rod Stewart
Kia ora koutou,
My name is Rodney Stewart, and this year I am teaching Social Studies at OBHS. I have taught for over 30 years in both New Zealand and Japan, and I bring a wealth of life experience to the role. I previously taught Japanese at Kaikorai Valley College, but I have also taught Social Studies, Economics, and Business Studies.
My wife and I first moved to Dunedin 25 years ago and have raised four children, who are now all in their 20s and have apparently left home—although they seem to come back on a regular basis! In my free time, I enjoy fishing, watching sports, and travelling.
I am looking forward to getting to know my students and assisting them on their educational pathway through Otago Boys’ High School.
Lauren Stirling
Kia ora!
My name is Lauren Stirling and I am the new ESOL teacher at Otago Boys’ High School. I am really looking forward to working with our non-native English speakers, as well as other students, staff, and the wider school community. I have taught ESOL for many years, from primary-aged children right through to tertiary students, both here in New Zealand and abroad.
I grew up here in Dunedin and graduated from the University of Otago before departing overseas for my big OE in China and Japan. Having lived for many years in large, busy Asian cities, I felt a strong pull to return to the quieter pace of life back in New Zealand, to be closer to family, and to reconnect with the natural beauty that makes this place home. I am now fortunate enough to live on a lifestyle block where we run some cattle, keep bees and chooks, and share our home with one very diva cat.
I’m excited to be starting at Otago Boys’ and to become part of the community. I hope to make a positive difference for students while embracing the new challenges the role brings.
Tipene Walker
Kiaora kōtou e te whānau whānui,
Ko Matua Tipene Walker taku ingoa.
Ko au he Kaiako hou i kōnei ā tēnei tau
He Kaiako au mō te Reo Māori me ngā Kapa Haka
Kei te hīkaka au ki te āwhina i to tamaiti ki te whakatere
i ō tātou wāhi tapu
Kaua e whakamā ki te haramai ki te kōrero, ki te inu tii
menā ka hiahia koe
Mā tō Wāhi Tapu kōtou ko tō whānau e manaaki
Greetings everyone
My name is Tipene Walker, I am a new teacher here this year. I am a teacher of Te Reo Māori and Kapa Haka. I am excited to help your taonga to navigate our sacred spaces. Please don't hesitate to come for a chat or a cuppa if you'd like.
May your spiritual realm care for you and your family!
Andrea Yetter
Kia ora koutou,
My name is Andrea Yetter, and I am excited to be joining OBHS this year. I am originally from Canada but have had the opportunity to live in Australia, Europe, and Aotearoa over the last 15 years. I worked for a number of years teaching piano, ESL, and a variety of outdoor recreation programs in Toronto and Calgary before heading overseas.
After many years in the workforce, I completed my teaching qualification at the University of Otago last year, and I am looking forward to being back in the classroom teaching Geography this year.
In my spare time, I can be found out on the trail with my kurī or cooking up a storm.
