At Orewa College we have three qualified counsellors serving our school community. Kerry Lee Needham, Pip Speedy and Yan Jin are all registered with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors. Kerry Lee and Pip are also both qualified and registered teachers. Prior to obtaining her Masters Degree in Counselling, Yan enjoyed a career as a civil engineer.
We abide by the Code of Ethics of the NZAC which means that confidentiality is maintained unless there is an imminent risk to safety.
We are passionate about maintaining our students’ right to free and confidential counselling and guidance. We aim to work collaboratively within our strong pastoral team, helping students work toward reducing any barriers to their academic progress while also supporting them to develop skills to better manage their hauora.
English, Te Reo Māori and Mandarin are languages spoken in the Guidance Department
Our offices are in the Student Services Building, located down the main driveway entrance (Gate 2) and opposite the school’s main administration building.
Guidance Department hours are 8.30am - 3.30pm
If there is a need for urgent support outside of these hours please see the “After Hours Support” information further down this page.
Common challenges we are able to support students with include:
| Abuse | Advocacy | Anxiety |
| Bullying and harassment | Creating Change | Depression / Low mood |
| Drugs and alcohol |
Emotional Regulation |
Friendships |
| Goal Setting | Holistic Well-being | Identity |
| Loss and grief |
Relationships |
Resilience Building |
| Self Esteem | Sexuality | Trauma |
While supporting students is our primary focus we also work alongside school staff and whanau to ensure students’ wellbeing needs are met. When required, we liaise with external agencies who might provide additional support to students and their whanau.
We encourage students to self refer. When caregivers, friends and school staff feel a student has a counselling need and would like to request an appointment for them, it is our hope that, whenever possible, the student is consulted and involved in this process. Guidance staff welcome a call or email from anyone with concern for a student and unsure how to help them navigate the counselling process.
We now receive all requests for appointment via email. To request an appointment, students can email guidance@orewacollege.nz. or contact any of the counsellors directly by simply clicking on their email addresses below:
We are fortunate to have an enthusiastic team of youth workers from the 24/7 team also working under the Guidance umbrella to support our students.
If you or anyone you know is in immediate danger or facing imminent risk call 111 immediately.
Waitemata Crisis Team - Mental Health - 24/7 phone: - 09 486 8900
You can also, always present at any A&E department for help with any urgent, health concerns - including mental health.
Helpful websites
Orewa College