Dr Dawid de Villiers was appointed as principal, but when he left and the principal's job came up again, Mrs Carter didn't hesitate.
"I love the country, small town feel and the community. This job is about belonging to a community and when I came to visit the school the students were so polite and everyone was friendly."
And with being part of the community high on her list, Mrs Carter has already joined Dannevirke Rotary, attended her first Table Talk meeting and Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce events.
"I'm getting out and meeting people," she said.
Having come from Queen's High School in Dunedin where she was principal, Mrs Carter said her move was motivated by her husband's return to the North Island for his work.
"I'm looking forward to getting Dannevirke High School more involved in the community and although this school has had great academic results in NCEA, I want to make sure it continues and improves," she said.
"While keeping the focus on top results, I'm aiming for more merit and endorsements, aiming for excellence, not matter what our students do and the teaching staff are behind me on this."
The adoption by Dannevirke primary schools and early childhood education centres, along with the high school in a Community of Learning (CoL) is a big bonus too.
"It's really nice to be working in a CoL all for the common good of students," Mrs Carter said.
"We've a great mission and we're going to have a great vision. I believe this school should be number one choice of secondary school in this area and I'm talking with parents who send their children out of the area.
"There's no need because this school offers education for all levels of students. We've also some fantastic ex-students who have done exceptionally well."
Mrs Carter said she wants to acknowledge the calibre of students at Dannevirke High School.
"The talent they have in all areas is incredible, Dannevirke should be very proud of all these students."
The new principal said she believes in discipline, as well as being fair to everyone.
"Students need boundaries," she said.
"I'm working with the staff and students and listening to what they have to say."
As a passionate basketballer she was on the board of Otago Basketball for two years and has also coached.
"I've come from a physical education and psychology background and PE teachers make great principals," she said.
Living semi-rurally Mrs Carter says "Dannevirke is a lovely, little place",
"My husband and I both love getting out on our motorbikes. There is some beautiful rolling countryside here and we plan to enjoy this region."
