Kia ora koutou. Ko Chaitali King ahau. I am delighted to be joining the ANI whānau as a Year 7 teacher in 2026.
I was born in India and have called New Zealand home for more than twenty-five years. My husband, my son and I live in beautiful Tāmaki Makaurau, and as a family we love exploring new places, trying new foods and learning about different cultures. Travel has always been a big part of my life; I have lived and worked in New York, Toronto, Sydney, London, Mumbai and Auckland, and have travelled widely across the world. Spain holds a special place in my heart, I speak Spanish and love its language, warmth and rich cultural life. There is still so much of the world I look forward to discovering.
Before teaching, I spent over twenty years working in film and television, a career that took me across continents and allowed me to collaborate with creative people from many backgrounds. While I cherished that chapter, teaching has always been my first calling. I am passionate about being around young minds, their curiosity, their energy and their eagerness to explore new ideas inspire me every day. My son is close in age to our intermediate learners, so I understand the excitement, challenges and rapid growth that characterise this transitional stage. It is a time where identity, confidence and independence begin to take shape, and I feel privileged to support students as they navigate that journey.
Academically, I hold a Master’s degree and a Postgraduate teaching qualification. I have a strong interest in English, Social Sciences, Digital Technology and languages, and I love the discipline, curiosity and challenge that learning invites. I am also keen to be involved in drama, speech and performance opportunities, encouraging students to find their voices and express themselves confidently.
I was drawn to ANI because of its strong, future-focused learning culture, its commitment to the IB Primary Years Programme, and its reputation for high expectations and diverse, globally minded learners. The school’s blend of academic rigour, wellbeing and inquiry aligns strongly with my own values. I admire ANI’s competitive, aspirational spirit and am excited to contribute to a community that encourages students to think boldly, inquire deeply and take pride in their achievements.
Outside the classroom, sport is a big part of my life. Cricket is in my blood; I love both watching and playing. I alsoenjoy tennis, and I recently took up squash to keep up with my son. Football is another passion, and I’m a loyal Manchester City fan. When I’m not on a court or field, you’ll often find me in the kitchen cooking Mediterranean or Asian dishes, planning my next travel adventure, or at the movies. I aim to go two to three times a month. I’m also keen to learn woodwork and enjoy picking up new skills simply for the joy of it.
I am genuinely excited to be joining ANI, to learn alongside our students and staff, and to be part of a community that values curiosity, creativity and connection.