School Leadership
Our Senior Leadership at Hokowhtiu School consists of Reece Hawkins our principal; a deputy principal, Kat Wills who oversees Curriculum and an assistant principal, Carlee Hodge who oversees Learning Support.
Each of the team has shared leadership and responsibilities in most areas of the school.
Reece Hawkins
Tēnā koutou katoa
I am honoured and privileged to be the Tumuaki / Principal at Hokowhitu School. Having been part of our school community for many years, I deeply value the connections I have built here. Prior to becoming the Principal at the beginning of 2026, I served as Deputy Principal for six years and a Kete Team Leader for five years.
I am incredibly proud of all our ākonga. Their diversity makes our kura a truly special place, and it is something we celebrate daily. As an educator, I believe that every child has the potential to succeed and achieve their dreams. My goal is to maintain an environment that enables our tamariki to do exactly that - mentoring them into confident, caring, and self-motivated individuals who can reach their full potential and contribute positively to their communities.
We have a dedicated teaching and leadership team at Hokowhitu School who are highly collaborative and motivated to do the very best for our learners. I am excited to lead this team as we continue to make our school a fantastic place to grow and learn.
Originally from Feilding, I have strong connections to the Manawatū, with most of my family living in the region. I studied at Palmerston North Teachers College, have taught at several local schools, and have also spent time teaching overseas. Outside of school, my wife and I are the proud parents of three girls. We love supporting them in their various endeavours. To maintain a healthy work-life balance, I run and swim regularly.
My door is always open, I look forward to working alongside you all to ensure Hokowhitu School remains a place where our tamariki thrive.
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Kat Wills
I am very excited to be joining the Hokowhitu School community as the new Deputy Principal. It is a privilege to be part of a new leadership team, and I am really looking forward to working alongside wonderful students and a talented, dedicated staff who clearly care deeply about their school and their learners.
I was born in Taranaki and have been fortunate to teach in a range of places including Rotorua, London, Feilding, and most recently at PNINS here in Palmerston North. Hokowhitu School holds special meaning for me, as my grandfather was a first-day pupil when the school opened in 1924, and my dad also attended here, making this a really meaningful full-circle moment. Outside of school, my partner and I are both heavily involved in basketball - it’s a huge passion for us both.
I value strong relationships, collaboration, and a sense of belonging, and I am committed to supporting a positive and inclusive learning environment. I bring a strong sense of humour, a genuine willingness to keep learning, and huge enthusiasm for everything I do. I look forward to getting to know the students, staff, and whānau, and contributing to the continued growth and success of Hokowhitu School.
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Carlee Hodge
I feel very privileged to hold the role of Assistant Principal. Part of this role includes teaching intervention. I enjoy facilitating our ākonga to “grow their brain”, whether it be academically, artistically, sports, or finding their passion and place in our world. I am looking forward to learning and working alongside a highly dynamic and new leadership team.
Prior to this role I have held the role of Kete Leader in Te Kete Aronui - Yr 4/5, Te Kete Pounamu - Yr 2/3 , Te Kete Wakahuia - Yr 0/1/2. I can honestly say I have taught all over the different year levels.
I originally hail from Christchurch and I am a true one eyed Cantab. I studied at Christchurch Teachers College and from there decided to teach overseas in London for 7 years. I try to maintain a work/life balance by supporting my two children and family in all of our chosen activities.
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