Education Staff and Roles

Sue Maynard is the Director of Religious Studies, St Patrick’s, Invercargill. 

I have taught in a number of our Diosesan schools in both junior and senior syndicates. I am looking forward to sharing my practice and skills with the Southland team. I am excited by the progress being made to establish lead principals for the local Special Character Kahui Ako (Community of Learning) as this will allow us to further deepen our professional  learning and collaboration

Pauline Ryan was the Director of Religious Studies St Francis Xavier, Dunedin and is now based at St Mary's Dunedin. I work closely with the Dunedin Catholic Kahui Ako and support our Coastal Otago schools with the introduction of the new Religious Studies Curriculum. Being in Dunedin, I can work alongside the NCRS developers and ensure we are well placed to roll out targeted professional development for staff.

Katrina van de Water has been our advisor previously and is based in Roxburgh.

“I am delighted to be working in a team with Sue, Paul, Pauline, Trisch and Laurel and discovering how I can assist with this new model. I am pleased to be back and supporting our REA's and adding to our online resources. I also continue to happily run my little Tea Store in Roxburgh and teach online Scripture courses for Te Kupenga - Catholic Theological College.”

Trisch Inder is an Educational Consultant who is based in Queenstown. She has been a Primary Principal and brings a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience to her role as an advisor to our Primary School Principals and Religious Education Advisor for Central Otago schools. 

“I am pleased to be able to contribute to Special Character development in our schools and use my experience to support the Diocesan team with this important mahi." 

Dr Laurel Lanner is an Educational Consultant and curriculum development specialist who is based in Dunedin. With her extensive Tertiary experience and having been a Secondary Director of Religious Studies, she brings a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience to her role as an advisor to our Secondary Directors of Religious Studies and Religious Education teachers. “Supporting the mahi of Diocesan Secondary RE Staff is very rewarding and complements with my role at Te Kupenga. " 

Angela Miller is a Senior Professional Practice Fellow (Senior Lecturer) at the Otago University College of Education.   Angela is the Catechetical Studies Coordinator for the Diocese, supporting formation and preservice teacher training for the region. Angela is known to many of our local teachers through her involvement with the College and also helps to arrange practicums for trainees to give them authentic learning experiences in our schools.

Paul Richardson is the Lead School Evaluator. He served as Principal at Sacred Heart in

Dunedin for 18 years and has been in the evaluator role since 2021. He returned in term one

2025 as Interim Principal at Holy Family School in Wānaka and resumed his evaluator role in

term two. “I am enjoying immensely the privilege of supporting our schools and colleges,

celebrating our many strengths and fostering ongoing improvement.”

Elizabeth McCallum co-ordinates the Attendance Dues Office. She facilitates invoicing, statement runs and student enrolment and leavers. Elizabeth runs the “local dues email based help desk” encouraging people to set up automatic payments and following up non-payment of accounts, liaises with Principals to ensure those in financial difficulties are supported in an appropriate way and ensures schools have sent her scanned copies of student Attendance Dues contracts, which are a condition of enrolment.

Craig Paterson is the Property Services Manager. As the Bishop owns all school property mostly on behalf of parishes, any property changes need to be approved by Craig who provides property help and support.  Craig has had a number of roles in Facilities Management and brings a wealth of experience to the management of our extensive property portfolio.

Paul Olsen is the Operations and Education Manager for the Diocese. He had been a Secondary Principal for many years and is pleased to be able to help support the Secondary School Principals in the Diocese.  As well as leading the education team, Paul has over sight for the day to day operations of the Diocese.

Pauline Lee is the Bishop's Secretary for the Dunedin Diocese. She coordinates the Bishop's diary, is the welcoming face at the Diocesan Office and works closely with Paul to ensure the smooth day to day running of the Diocese. Pauline is also the Diocesan Archivist .