Get to know Riki Teteina, our new Head of School

The Somersfield Academy new Head of School, Riki Teteina, has arrived in Bermuda. After a busy day of touring the school our Communications Team sat down with him to get to know him a little better. Here are 27 questions we asked to figure out more about Riki.

1.    What are your hobbies? 
I have been a passionate surfer since I was 11 years old and enjoy getting in the ocean as much as I can. I enjoy fishing, and in the winter, I love snowboarding with my family. I’m keen on learning about different cultures and their intricacies.

2.    Do you collect anything?
As global citizens it’s hard to collect items, but I do have quite an assortment of surfboards.

3.    What are you passionate about?
Education, and ensuring the schools I lead meet the aspirations of the community I serve.  I’m also passionate about my family.

4.    What is your most prized possession?
I was gifted a pounamu (green stone) from the community at Newton Central School, which has significant status in Māori culture.  I also have a collection of artistic photographs depicting the rich aspects of Indonesian culture.  These were taken by one of my students at the time, who is now a professional photographer.

5.    What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?
Meeting my life partner while in Secondary School, whom I’m still with today, and of course, bringing up our daughter.

6. What is on your bucket list?
While I like to live in the present moment, if the opportunity arises, I’m keen to explore the surf breaks of Central America, the ski fields of Canada and the United States, as well as go on an African Safari.

7. What sports do you play?
Surfing and snowboarding are my main sports, but I enjoy swimming and cycling too. I played Rugby and Rugby League for many years.

8. What is your best childhood memory?
Spending long summer days at the beach with my parents and my siblings.

9. What is your favorite holiday?
Either surfing or snowboarding with family and/or friends.

10. What skill would you most like to learn?
To be fluent in Te Reo Māori – New Zealand’s indigenous language. While in Bermuda, I wouldn’t mind giving Kite Boarding a try.

11. Where is the coolest place you traveled?
Bali in the 1980’s. My wife and I loved it so much we vowed to find a way to live there. In 2000 we achieved that goal and lived in Bali for 9 years.

12. What does your average weekend look like?
Taking time out to go surfing or being in the ocean for my own mindfulness practice, spending time with family and getting the chores done.

13. What makes you unique?
My resilience and relentless positivity. I can always find a solution in a challenging situation.

14. Who is your hero?
Jacinda Adern, recent Prime Minister of New Zealand. Our paths have crossed many times and her tenure as a member of parliament mirrors my timeline of serving in the New Zealand Public Education system.

15. Who is the smartest person you ever met?
The one who shows humility and compassion to ensure others thrive, and by doing so are able to demonstrate genuine happiness. I have been fortunate enough to meet many people with these qualities throughout my life.

16. What is one thing that instantly makes your day better?
Having been in the ocean, preferably for a surf.

17. What book changed your life?
There have been many in my lifetime, but in the past decade: Mindfulness – A Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World by Danny Penman and J. Mark G. Williams

18. Favorite Authors?
Most recently I’ve been enjoying Heather Morris, but I’m a big fan of J.R.R Tolkien as well.

19. What is the most important decision you have ever made so far?
My Last one. Every decision we ever make can have an impact not only on our future, but on those around us as well. Currently, the decision to come to Bermuda and serve Somersfield Academy is the most important decision I’ve made, as it impacts myself, my family and the community of Somersfield.

20. Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
A coffee and a smile.

21. What do you enjoy spending money on?
Ensuring life is fun.

22. What is something that always makes you smile?
Seeing students achieve something they initially thought they couldn’t.

23. What are you most thankful for?
My immediate and extended family and friends. It is what keeps me grounded.

24. What are you most looking forward to?
Making new friends and connections in Bermuda and learning more about its unique culture.

25. What do you wish more people understand about you?
As a leader, I am required to make decisions – ultimately for the best outcome for the students and the wider community I serve. I’ve never made a decision that has not been made on that principle.

26. What is the greatest challenge or struggle you have ever faced?
There have been many: from losing 4 close family members in a shipping incident in 1996, the Bali bombs in 2002 and losing both my parents before I was 35 years old. Each of these have had an influence in shaping the person I am today.

27. What is the biggest risk you ever took?
Getting up again when faced with significant challenges.

Connect with Riki Teteina on LinkedIn to follow his leadership in education and diversity.