Salmond College

Salmond College Te Kāreti o Salmond

Applications for 2025 are open now! Click on Apply for more information

Our Team

The Salmond College staff prides itself on being a supportive, inclusive team. We are here to help residents in all aspects of residential life.

Nick Bates – Head of College

Nick joined Salmond College in December 2019. Prior to his appointment at Salmond, Nick was Head of Cumberland College from 2013-2019. A former secondary school teacher, school guidance counsellor and youth worker, Nick is a University of Otago graduate and has worked with young people throughout his career. Nick lives in the Head's residence with his wife, Rachel and their son, Harry. Nick and Rachel's other children, Kezia and Heidi and George, also live in Dunedin.

Richard Hewitt Deputy Head - Academic and Programmes

Richard is Deputy Head of College - Academic and Programmes and has worked at Salmond College since 2004. He is a University of Otago Graduate and lives onsite with partner Vickie and family. Richard is primarily responsible for the academic programme and events.  He also assists with the RL Team and pastoral care of residents. Richard works mainly in the afternoons and evenings. He is a connoisseur of good rock music, expecially from the 70s and 80s and enjoys tramping and travelling when he gets a break from college life.

Rachael Carson Deputy Head - Pastoral and Wellbeing

Rachael is a former secondary school teacher and is experienced in the academic and pastoral support of students. Rachael has completed a Bachelor of Arts and Postgraduate Diploma from Otago, and a Diploma in secondary school teaching and Master of Education through Massey University.

She is also a prominent sports coach and coaches the Otago Women's Hockey team.

Rachael's focus is the wellbeing of residents including the Residential Leaders who are key members of the College's pastoral care team. Rachael is also heavily involved in the sporting, cultural and event life at Salmond and supports residents in their academic pursuits.

You will usually find Rachael around the College in the afternoon and evenings, with her border collie, Maverick.

Operations Manager

Stewart Hibbert is the Operations Manager of both Salmond College and Knox College. Stewart is an experienced manager, overseeing significant work in a number of departments at the University of Otago prior to his current role. Stewart oversees the administration, property, food service aspects of Salmond College and Knox College, and is continually seeking to improve systems to give students the best possible experience. 

 

Administration

Gina Miller is based in the engine room of the Salmond College office. She supports residents with their day-to-day admin needs and oversees the collection of residents' fees. Gina is often the first point of contact for residents at our centrally located office and brings energy and experience to her role.

Administration Manager

Julie Griffiths oversees the administrators at Salmond Colllege and Knox College.  She based at Knox College, but organises and assists residents and staff from both colleges.

Property Team

David Kennedy (Property Manager), Wayne Smith, Simon Aspinall and Ruben Scarlet-Rae are the members of our property team. They ensure the buildings and facilities are well-maintained and are responsive to day-to-day issues around the College. Ruben keeps the vast grounds at both Salmond and Knox Colleges immaculate.

Food Services Team

Michael O'Brien is the Food Services Manager for both Knox College and Salmond College.  He heads up the talented team that provide amazing food for the residents and staff of Salmond.  Michael Tomlinson is the Head Chef at Salmond College, working with Chefs Rose, Jan, Marc and Uzzi to create a variety of delicious meals which are served by Jo and Nicole, along with our casual crews in the evenings and weekends.  Throughout the year, the formal dinners and other special occasions give the team a chance to excel and show off their amazing skills. 

Pastoral Assistant

Richie Brown is the Pastoral Assistant at Salmond College. Richie supports residents, and alongside the senior staff leads in the area of Special Character at the College.

Residential Leaders 2024

Salmond has a team of nine student staff at Salmond, our hard-working Residential Leaders (RLs). These are senior students who have previously experienced residential college life and are here to lead and serve in the community. There is always an RL on duty in the evening after Gina has finished for the day.

Each area of the College has a designated RL to assist residents with general pastoral care, facilitate social activities, help residents adjust to communal life, and help with study or other issues.

If you are a resident at Salmond College this year, the RLs are like your big brothers and sisters who are always available for advice or just a friendly chat.