About me

Nature is the answer. Me and Libby at Pahi, Northland. NB This Moreton Bay fig tree (Ficus macrophylla) is apparently one of the largest in the world.

Writer, adult tutor, researcher, dog-lover, bee-keeper... Over the years I have published a wide range of writing, as an academic, researcher and citizen-journalist.

Qualified in England, I migrated to New Zealand over a decade ago when I became increasingly aware of the restrictions placed on academic freedoms and the conflicts of interest that prevent open debate.

As an educational psychologist, I recognise the power of story-telling in creative non/fiction as an alternative method for reader and author to gain deeper understanding. My diverse international experience in commercial and public sectors provides me with a broad perspective, along with personal understanding of the transformative power of learning.

My teaching, consultancy, research and mentoring roles reflect my authentic 'informed heart' approach. I have presented my research at many international conferences and regularly undertake peer-review for a range of inter/national academic journals.

Education

Oct 2010 - Dec 2013. PhD in Education (completed a full-time scholarship). Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent. UK. Thesis Title: Performativity and Affectivity: Lesson Observations in England’s Further Education (Tertiary) Colleges. My qualitative research investigated quality control policies in post-compulsory education and teachers’ emotional labour. An edited version of my thesis was published by Springer (see Selected Publications).

Jan 2021-May 2022. Masters in Legal Studies. University of Auckland. Major: International Human Rights and Environmental Law.

2007- May 2008. Masters in Lifelong Education. Awarded Distinction University of Nottingham, UK. My dissertation was focused on the concept of emotional intelligence of teaching in post-compulsory education sectors.

2006-2007: Post-Graduate Diploma in Continuing Education Training: PGDipCET Awarded Distinction University of Nottingham, UK. (UK tertiary teaching qualification).

2000 – 2006: BA (Hons) Social Studies (2.1) University of Warwick, UK. Sociology & Continuing Education (double major). I undertook my undergrad studies as a self-funded, part-time mature student, whilst employed by the University of Warwick’s Medical School.

Oct 2005: Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Trinity College, London, UK.

Other training:

New Zealand Certificate/Diploma In Adult Literacy & Numeracy Teaching Level 5 (Open Polytechnic).