Sarah Wirth is the Head of Technology at Marsden. Her primary responsibility is to lead and manage the department, which encompasses Textiles, Digital, Home Economics and Food Technologies. She ensures that the curriculum and teaching methods incorporate Mātauranga Māori, including culture, values, and worldviews.

Holding a Master of Education from Victoria University of Wellington and a Bachelor of Art and Design Education from the College of Fine Arts at the University of New South Wales, Sarah keeps the department updated with the latest digital tools and technologies to enhance learning experiences, ensuring students are proficient in current and emerging technologies. She also embeds sustainability principles into the curriculum and departmental practices to promote environmental responsibility among students.

At Marsden Since 2007

Sarah joined the staff at Marsden in 2007 having worked in hospitality as well as teaching in Australia and the United Kingdom. While she grew up in Australia, her mum is a Kiwi and Sarah always knew she wanted to come to New Zealand. 

She began her journey at Marsden as a Textiles Technology teacher. Sarah then took on additional responsibilities as Assistant Head of Department, managing departmental activities and supporting colleagues. She also served as a Dean, focusing on student welfare, academic guidance, and pastoral care of Year 9 students.

Recognition and Awards

Sarah is a member of HETTANZ (The Home Economics and Technology Teachers’ Association of New Zealand), and was previously president for three years. She has been honoured with several recognitions for her contributions to education, including life membership of HETTANZ.

In July 2024 she was elected as the Vice President Pacific of the International Federation of Home Economics (IFHE). She also successfully led the bid submission for hosting the IFHE World Congress 2028 in Wellington, New Zealand. This achievement, supported by Tākina and Business Events Wellington, will bring global attention to the region (read more about this here).

International Experience

In June 2024, Sarah travelled to Galway, Ireland to present her paper "Empowering Textiles and Fashion Education Through Mātauranga Māori: Navigating Post-Pandemic Challenges in New Zealand" at IFHE World Congress.

She’s also presented a paper she wrote on her work with Tivaevae (Cook Island Quilting) in Korea to IFHE. It was a paper rethinking Tivaevae as a model for community sustainability in textiles, and she also presented it here at TENZ (Technology Education of NZ) in Christchurch.

In 2018 Sarah went to India to study organic cotton production and in 2022 she travelled to the United States to present in Atlanta, Georgia at the Home Economics XXIV World Congress. She participated in a group discussion as a part of ‘Human & Political Systems: Best Practice in Using Textile & Design to Drive Sustainable Consumption’, and spoke on ‘Rethinking Textiles Technology High School Education in the twenty-first century’. She then chaired the talk entitled ‘Environmental Systems – Environmentally Responsible Practices of Teacher Education’.

Hobbies and Interests

In her spare time, Sarah enjoys running and is an active participant in the Extra Mile Runners group. This hobby helps her maintain a healthy lifestyle and connect with like-minded individuals. She cherishes her time with family and friends, who provide a supportive environment that keeps her grounded and motivated.

Sarah is deeply passionate about teaching and inspiring students who show enthusiasm and dedication to their studies. Their energy and curiosity drive her to continuously improve her teaching methods and provide the best educational experiences possible.