Flower's House

After graduating from Ara with a Bachelor of Design majoring in Spatial Design, I moved to London, spending four years working in the development departments of St George Homes and Laing Homes. On returning to New Zealand, I completed a Diploma in Teaching and Learning from the University of Canterbury.

In 2004, I began teaching part-time at College, focusing on Design & Visual Communications. The following year, I transitioned to a full-time teaching role. Throughout my career, I have also taught photography and junior hard materials. At present, I am the Head of Design & Digital Technologies at College.

I have been an integral member of the Flower’s House community, initially as a mentor for two years before being appointed Deputy Housemaster several years ago. In 2024, I was also elected to the New Zealand Boarding Schools' Association executive team.

My commitment to student life extends beyond the classroom. I have established polo as a sport at College and coached and managed hockey teams. I am also involved in ski racing and tennis at College.

My husband, Jason, is a builder and we have two daughters, Charlotte and Olivia.

“Boarding is special. It's a very unique environment. It’s important to be able to wear different hats from the teacher earlier in the day, to the sports coach, and then the Housemaster. I love the richness and connections that boarding provides. I look forward to doing the best I can for the boys, their families, and the school.”

Monique Ellis-Martin

Housemaster

Flower’s House has always stood out as a place where tradition, pride, and strong connections shape every boy’s experience, and it is a privilege to continue the great work of those who have led before me. Over the years, our House has built a reputation for its spirit, inclusiveness, and determination, and I am eager to help strengthen these qualities further.

With a passionate and supportive team of seniors beside me, I am confident that we can continue to build a culture where every Flower’s House boy feels valued and inspired to contribute. We aim to uphold the standards that make our House unique – from our sense of community to our willingness to embrace new challenges – while also creating fresh opportunities for growth, leadership, and fun.

Together with our dedicated staff and the wider Flower’s whānau, I look forward to making this a memorable and successful year for everyone in the House. With pride, effort, and unity, I have no doubt that Flower’s House will not only uphold its proud traditions but continue to flourish – growing stronger and more vibrant with each passing year.

Jan-Adriaan Van Wyk
Head of House 2026