Leadership

Nita Pond

PRINCIPAL

At Whanganui Girls’ College, I have continued to share my love for teaching and passion for the performing arts.  I am in the privileged position of being able to support and guide many of our students through to academic and personal success as they make their journey through secondary school.

The family feel of the school along with its strong house spirit and ASTRA school values give students, staff and community a sense of belonging and self-worth.

Email: npond@wgc.ac.nz

Craig Ritani

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - On Study Leave until September 2026

I am originally from Christchurch but completed a Bachelor of Physical Education at Otago University. From there, I taught at Christchurch College of Education. I then traveled to London and worked in an all-boys school for two years before travelling around Europe and returning to New Zealand. I then applied for a job at Wanganui Collegiate School as Head of Physical Education and ended up working there for nine years. When an opportunity came up to work at Whanganui Girls’ College as Assistant Principal, I decided it was a great opportunity to gain more experience at a good school. I’ve also been heavily involved in hockey as a player and coach and enjoy coaching the 1st XI girls team here at Whanganui Girls’ College.

Email: critani@wgc.ac.nz


Renee Cox

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - CURRICULUM AND LEARNING

I take great pride in being part of a school community that supports and empowers young people to thrive. No two days are ever the same here- I am constantly inspired, entertained, and in awe of the potential that exists in our students.

I love being in the classroom teaching English, where I get to see students grow in confidence, discover their strengths, and think critically about the world around them. Supporting that journey, both through my passion for teaching and across the wider school, is what makes this role so rewarding.

Email: rcox@wgc.ac.nz

Ryan McFadyen

ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - PASTORAL

I have been teaching since 2005 in schools across Taranaki and also overseas in South Korea. My family and I moved to Whanganui in 2021, and we have built a strong connection to the place and its people. I am passionate about supporting students through positive relationships, care, and practical guidance, and I am proud to be part of Whanganui Girls’ College and all it offers young people in our community.

Email: rmcfadyen@wgc.ac.nz


OUR SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER


Te Mania O'Rouke​​​​​​​

The role of the social worker is to provide confidential support, guidance and advocacy for students and their families/whanau to ensure students are emotionally safe, both at school and in their lives. Social work in New Zealand is governed by two professional bodies: ANZASW – Aotearoa/New Zealand Association of Social Workers and SWRB – Social Work Registration Board.​​​​​​​

Te Mania’s qualifications include a Diploma in Social Work, a Certificate in Counselling, and Primary Certificate in REBT (Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy). She is accredited to facilitate Strengthening Families Meetings and is a member of ANZASW (Aotearoa / New Zealand Association of Social Workers). Te Mania is registered with the SWRB (Social Workers Registration Board).

OUR DEANS

OUR HODS