Ko wai au?
Ko Mauao te maunga
Ko Tauranga te moana
Ko Takitimu te waka
Ko Ngāti Ranginui tōku iwi
No Tauranga ahau
Ko Tania Rogers tōku ingoa
About me
Personal Interests
Outside of my professional life, I am a proud mum to an almost 11-year-old son, step-mum to two adult children, and step-grandmother to three energetic grandchildren. I am also the wife of a Secondary School Deputy Principal, and together we share a strong commitment to education and family life.
I enjoy playing Mahjong, paddle boarding, and I have a passion for travel. Some destinations have become family favourites that we return to regularly, but in the past year Melbourne has become a second home following the arrival of our granddaughter there.
In summer, you will often find me on a paddle board at Lake Ōkataina or spending time with family in Raglan. In winter, I like to escape to warmer climates such as Fiji, Bali, or Hawaii. Experiencing other cultures through travel continues to enrich my outlook and deepen my appreciation for diversity.
Leadership
Throughout my teaching and leadership journey, I have been fortunate to work alongside outstanding leaders and colleagues. Each experience has provided valuable learning, shaping my own leadership style. I regularly reflect on my practice and adapt to ensure I can bring out the best in others. Leadership requires flexibility, empathy, and a commitment to evolving in response to the diverse people and situations we encounter.
He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.
People are at the heart of all change. Without people, change cannot occur, and without manaakitanga, change cannot succeed. Every member of a school community, students, staff, parents, and whānau, has an important role to play in education, and all must feel welcomed, respected, and valued. Strong relationships enable influence and change.
My leadership is grounded in manaakitanga. I believe in empowering others, encouraging staff to step forward into leadership opportunities while knowing that I am there to guide and support them. Leadership is not always about being at the front; often, true success comes from a collective effort. As the whakataukī reminds us: Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini – My success is not mine alone, but the success of the collective.
I have high expectations of both staff and students, and I am committed to creating the conditions for success. This includes ensuring that professional development is purposeful and effective, enabling teachers to deliver high-quality teaching and learning. Through ongoing reflection, I seek innovative approaches to meet the needs of all learners.
Strong, positive relationships are at the core of my philosophy. I believe, as James Comer stated, “No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship.” Every child, teacher, and whānau member brings more than what is visible at the school gate, and it is essential to consider the whole person in every interaction. Ultimately, students must remain at the centre of all decisions, with every choice made in their best interests.
Rural schools are unique in that they are often the hub of the community and therefore it is important that it is the community's school. Strong relationships between home and school are essential to supporting children in their learning journey.
Leadership is about reading the context, acting with purpose, building relationships, and learning continuously.
