Ngā mihi mahana kia koutou kātoa.

I have loved my time here at Greenmeadows School since starting as Principal at the beginning of the 2009 school year. Our school is very friendly and it is great coming to work in such a happy place. I really enjoy being a school Principal - a job I have worked in since 1990. Greenmeadows School is the fifth school I have been Principal of. Previous to this I started my teaching career in Ngaruawahia. I then became Principal of a number of rural schools - Mangaorapa, Matawai, Mamaku and Puketapu Schools. One of the things I love about being a Principal is that you always keep learning in your job, and I know I that the learning for myself has certainly not finished yet!

I have a lot of interests outside of school. I have two children who have left home, but my wife and I love catching up with them. I love sports especially rugby, cricket and rugby league. I referee rugby in the winter, and also enjoy cycling and running. Sport is an important part of my approach to education - children can learn so much from the discipline, team work and enjoyment that sport can bring.

I arrived at Greenmeadows in 2001 and have taught at every level, and in most rooms in the school! I am fortunate that I love teaching any age group. Prior to GMS I taught in primary schools in Wanganui, Auckland and Wellington and also had some time at William Colenso College before travelling overseas. I became Pohutukawa Team Leader in 2006 and it is a pleasure to lead such a strong and vibrant group of teachers. In 2013 I became Assistant Principal and I love this role as Greenmeadows School is a fantastic place to work, it has wonderful students and dedicated teachers who have the children’s best interests at the heart of everything they do. My role of SENCO is rewarding as I work alongside students, caregivers and colleagues to address the challenges facing children and families with special needs.

I came to Greenmeadows School in 2014, beginning my role as Assistant Principal, working alongside our Kowhai Team of Year 1-2 teachers and children. I enjoy working with our fantastic teachers, ensuring our children settle into their first two years of school, filling their days with fun and learning.
I believe children learn best when teachers and parents work together. Fostering good relationships with families of our children is very important to me. My door is always open if you ever have questions or stop and have a chat if you should see me around school.
In my spare time away from school I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walking for fitness (not as regularly as I should), with a few half marathons under my belt. I also like to relax with a good book or crossword.
I love my job and feel very fortunate to be part of Greenmeadows School.

Ko Maungapiko te maunga
Ko Waitononi te awa
Ko Kurahaupo te waka
Ko Kapowairua te marae
Ko Ngati Kuri te iwi
Ko Darren Holloway toku ingoa

It was my privilege to return to Greenmeadows School in 2018 in the role of Deputy Principal, having previously taught here for a brief period in 2014. My wife, Rebecca, is currently an RTLB in Napier and my two children, Maia and Tāne, go to school in Taradale.

I enjoy sharing my love of sport with children and whānau here at Greenmeadows - I think all children can benefit from taking part in a mix of team and individual sports at primary school. I like running and cycling in my spare time. During the summer you might catch me racing or volunteering with Tri HB, or perhaps playing touch rugby at Taradale Rugby Club. I spend the winter months playing football and you might see me coaching at Park Island on Saturday mornings.

Apart from sport I also enjoy sharing a passion for mathematics and digital technologies. I am very excited to be a part of preparing your children for a successful future in our fast-changing world.