The Monday Q&A: James Cook School principal Timu Niwa

Timu Niwa says he was "quite a shy and reserved kid". Photo / Supplied

Every Monday, the Chronicle fires 10 questions at a local. This week, Ethan Griffiths has a chat with Marton's James Cook School principal Timu Niwa.

How long have you been in Marton?

I've been principal of James Cook for two years, but I actually live in Feilding, and I taught in Tangimoana prior to this for three and a half years.
Previously I taught in Auckland, worked as an assistant lecturer at Massey University and taught in Belfast in Ireland for about seven years.

What sparked your passion for education?

I always wanted to be a school teacher ever since I was 5. I loved primary school and knew I wanted to be a primary school teacher from that age.

I studied straight out of school at 17 and have pretty much taught ever since I turned 21, about 20-odd years ago now.

Was there anything else you considered doing when you were growing up?

I was going to be a teacher or an astronaut. I loved space and the mystery of what was out there, but I was not very good with going on merry-go-rounds.

There was no way on earth I'd cope with all the forces in space.

What advice would you give to yourself at 12, the same age of the kids you now teach?

Get stuck in and give things a go. I was quite a shy and reserved kid. My advice is to just try and give things a good go.

What's the most memorable place you've travelled?

I love Japan, I've been there a couple of times. The hospitality of the people, the cuisine and the culture. I've got three daughters and I'd love to take them to Japan one day.

What's your favourite musical artist?

Where's my playlist? One of my favourite older bands is Keane, from the '90s. I really enjoy listening to them. But at the moment I'm really into this Icelandic band called Sigur Ros.

It's all in the traditional icelandic language, and for me I find it connects to the spirt. I'm not religious, but it connects with my spirituality in some way.

But other than that, I love Bob Marley. Me and Bob are good friends.

What's your favourite thing to do in your downtime?

I read, I love reading. I read a lot of crime novels or anything to do with war or spies. World War II books are quite good too.

And this sounds really weird, but I also like writing. I'm completing my doctorate at the moment and some days I love it, and some days I feel like throwing it in the bin.

What subject were you worst at at school?

Science. I know that straight away.

What's your favourite subject to teach?

Literacy is the best. I really love reading and writing.

What's the best thing about Marton?

The community is really cool. I've only been here a couple of years and they've welcomed me. I feel very well supported by both my board and my staff and the wider parent community.