Ana Stites

Tumuaki | Principal

Kia ora koutou
After teaching at both rural and town schools, I was lucky enough to land at Wharepapa South School, where I taught for three years before being appointed Tumuaki (Principal) in 2021. I’ve been loving it ever since!

I absolutely adore Wharepapa South. The tamariki, the whānau, and our wider community make this place something really special. I feel so grateful to lead a kura where we celebrate strengths, support each other, and embrace the adventures that come our way.

Outside of school, I live in Te Awamutu with my beautiful family, and a small zoo’s worth of pets. I’m a fan of animals, waka ama, gardening, the beach, and pretty much anything outdoors. Many of these passions sneak their way into school life too. Whether that’s through our school dog, Lester, our garden-to-table programme, or the endless EOTC trips we squeeze in. Doing what I love makes “work-life balance” feel more like “work-life fun.”

When I’m not at kura, there’s a good chance you’ll find me out on the water paddling waka ama. It’s the perfect mix of fitness, fresh air, and teamwork. Just like in education, paddling a waka only works if everyone’s in time and pulling together. Leadership is a lot like steering a waka. Sometimes you’re setting the pace, sometimes you’re keeping the balance, but you’re always part of the team moving forward.

I’m passionate about helping children, and our team realise their potential, and Wharepapa South School provides the perfect environment for this to happen. We’ve got exciting times ahead, and I’m proud to be leading our kura as we continue to grow happy, resilient, and successful learners.

“There are no limits to what you can accomplish, except the limits you place on your own thinking.”
— Brian Tracey