ADVERTORIAL
Hauraki Plains College is thrilled to join 29 other NZ schools to offer the Services Academy Programme. This is a leadership and life skills course delivered in a military setting here at HPC, with spaces for 20 Year 12 students.
Students will be in Academy classes for 50 per cent of their timetable and will be able to select three other classes during the year.
We are excited to welcome Paul Dodds as the new director of our Services Academy at HPC.
With an extensive 26-year career in the New Zealand Army as both a soldier and commissioned officer, Paul brings unrivalled expertise, leadership, and a deep commitment to student development in this role.
Paul’s military background includes more than a decade of experience instructing and mentoring soldiers at all levels – from basic recruit training to advanced courses for junior and senior non-commissioned officers, Officer Cadet School (OCS), and other specialist units.
His passion lies in helping individuals grow in confidence, adopt a winning mindset, and achieve their full potential. He holds a range of qualifications that perfectly align with the Academy’s focus on developing skills and character in students: training designer (curriculum and programme development), advanced instructor (teaching methodologies), outdoor education (NZQA), working at heights supervisor (rope work), first aid instructor, physical training instructor, close-quarter battle (CQB) instructor, and anti-harassment advisor.
Paul’s leadership experience extends beyond instruction, having managed teams of instructors, overseen training doctrine and future operations, and co-ordinated international engagements. His ability to connect with people and build trusting relationships fosters a positive learning environment where students can thrive. Outside his military service, Paul is deeply rooted in community service.
He has been a volunteer firefighter for 10 years, a Search and Rescue (SAR) co-ordinator, a rugby coach, and has served as Junior Rugby Club President and a motocross club committee member. Paul’s combination of military discipline, community involvement, and enthusiasm for mentoring makes him an ideal leader for our Services Academy.
Under his guidance, we look forward to seeing our students grow into confident, capable young leaders equipped with the skills and mindset to succeed. Paul lives locally with his wife, Jacqui-May Allison-Dodds, who teaches at HPC and holds leadership roles as arts curriculum leader and SENCO. Their two children are also students at the college.
We are thrilled to have someone of Paul’s calibre leading our Services Academy and are excited about the year ahead under his guidance.
Welcome to the team, Paul.
We encourage interested students and parents to attend one of our two information evenings on November 27, and December 2 from 7pm to 8pm in the Hub. We will outline programme information, introduce you to our director and answer any questions.
Applications close: December 4 at 3pm, and can be dropped to the main office or email: pauld@haurakiplains.school.nz.
– Supplied by Hauraki Plains College
