About Us

Meet the Team



Lindsey Scott	Qualifications MA (1st), English Literature (University of Auckland) Bachelor of Arts, English and History (Victoria University of Wellington) Diploma of English Language Teaching (University of Auckland) Why I like teaching English: It’s a great way to meet a wide variety of people and cultures and to share my enjoyment of the English language. Loves: Horses

Julie Hanna	Qualifications Bachelor of Arts English Diploma in Teaching PGDip Second Language Teaching (Massey University) Why I like teaching English: I love teaching English at New Horizon because there is a great variety in the nationalities and ages of the students. This makes teaching fun and interesting. The staff members are also very friendly and supportive. Loves: Wine

Jane Soan	Qualifications PGDip. Second Language Teaching (Massey University) B. Education (Massey University) Why I like teaching English: I love teaching English at New Horizon. It's wonderful meeting students from many parts of the world and helping them work towards and achieve their goals in learning the English language. Loves: People
Elizabeth Mather	Qualifications Diploma of Teaching (Auckland Training College) Trinity Certificate of ESOL (Trinity College) Why I like teaching English: It is very rewarding to work with students from other countries and see them improving their command of English. The bringing together of students from different countries is a way to build international relations and helps create a more tolerant and peaceful world. Loves: Photography

Kit Houghton	Qualifications Trinity of London TESOL Diploma Why I like teaching English: It is really satisfying to see the progress made and also the sense of achievement the student gets. Loves: Cooking

	Christine Schmidli School Principal Started in 1995 Company Director. Responsible for marketing team and teaching staff. Spent 15 years teaching General and Business English in New Zealand and Switzerland. Travels worldwide. Speaks fluent German. Loves dancing.

	Chris Hagen Administration Director Started in 1989 Company Director. Responsible for all financial matters, administration and assisting students. Loves playing Bridge.

	Janey Grant Homestay Director Started in 1989 Company Director. Responsible for interviewing all homestay families and placing students with a family. Speaks fluent Japanese. Loves gardening.

	Kurt Schmidli Marketing Director Started in 1995 Company Director. Jointly responsible for marketing. Travels worldwide. Speaks fluent German. Has been involved in sales and marketing with a Swiss-based multinational company prior to moving to New Zealand in 1995. Enjoys the rural and relaxed lifestyle in Hawke's Bay and hosts numerous overseas visitors. Loves sailing.

	Justine Wattam Administration Assistant Started in 2001 Responsible for reception, assisting Chris with administration and financial matters, and processing applications from new students. Assists students with visa applications. Keen interest in Art Deco and Napier tourism. Loves hiking.

	Casey Fryer Administration Assistant Started in 2001 Responsible for assisting all the staff and students with the varied and numerous tasks that keep the office running smoothly. Assists students with bank accounts. Speaks fluent Japanese. Loves sport.