Every year we love to profile our 'New to Nayland' teaching staff. Today we meet John Walker who isn't quite so new, having started his teaching career at Nayland back in 1988, achieving the role of Head of Mathematics in 2004 after a short stint away in Gisborne, and now he's back again having spent 2019 - 2021 overseas in Thailand. We're glad to have you back John!

Where were you born and where did you grow up?

Born and grew up in Dunedin until age 18.

Where else have you lived besides Nelson?

Christchurch, Auckland, Gisborne and Bangkok (Thailand).

Why did you decide to be a teacher – and what drew towards becoming a Maths teacher in particular?

I enjoy trying to explain math ideas to people.

What do you like about teaching, and teaching at Nayland specifically?

Great atmosphere, surroundings and people here, Nelson is a nice place to live.

What are your passions and areas of expertise?

Mathematics especially Calculus, Golf, interesting alternative music.

Who has inspired you on your own learning journey?

Henry Stoddart, my year 11 and 13 Maths teacher.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Play golf, read, listen to music, walk/bike for exercise.

What were you like as a student at school?

Pretty conformist, I kept my head down worked hard, we had a competitive group and I am a competitive person. I played a lot of sport, a lot of sport!

What did you do for a living before you became a teacher?

Worked for the Department of Statistics.

What is the most interesting thing you have done in your life so far?

Lived and worked in South East Asia.

Describe yourself with three words:

Friendly, Humble, Humourous.

If you could share one piece of wisdom with the students of Nayland College what would it be?

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Question from previous interviewee Annie Watson-Kidd: Where is the coolest place you have travelled to and why was it?

Coolest place I have travelled to was Siem Reap in Cambodia. This is where Angkor Wat is. One of the wonders of the world, the Tomb Raider temple.

What question would you like to ask the next interviewee?

What is the scariest thing you have ever done?