Te Awamutu-born Shannen Banks comes to us from Auckland where she studied ancient history and classics and began her journey as a teacher.

She has a special interest in Roman history. “Anything to do with the Roman Empire, I love it, so good,” she said.

Here at Nayland she’s broadening her social sciences base by teaching sociology, geography and social studies.

Though North Island born and bred, Miss Banks has a family connection to this area. Her mother grew up on the family farm in Tapawera and as a child she holidayed down here every year.

She’s enjoying the move south so far. “Nelson’s a little city but it’s got all this outdoor nature stuff as well (...). When I lived in Hamilton, there’s no beach there, there were just paddocks and a river!”

However, it wasn’t all bad, as Miss Banks’ family is into water sports and would often take their boat out on the river and lakes of the Waikato. Following the family's watery tradition, Miss Banks is a keen swimmer in both the ocean and the pool.

Making the move to Nelson and finding a flat has proved an easy exercise for vivacious Miss Banks. “There’s such a restaurant and cafe and bar culture here. I’m really impressed by it actually.”

Since arriving at Nayland, Shannen Banks has been co-opted onto the staff social volleyball team by Mr Lewers and is currently being scouted for a football team, though she confesses she hasn’t played before. “Never, never!” she laughed. “I do water sports!”

When she’s not being sporty or social Miss Banks likes “staying at home reading books.”