Please take some time to read through the statements from each of the four candidates in the School Board Mid-Term Elections.

Our school will be undertaking a mid term parent election for two School Board vacancies. We have employed CES to undertake the election process on our behalf. 

At the close of nominations at 12 noon Wednesday 11 October, the following nominations were received for the two parent vacancies on the School Board:

* Ben Taylor

* Mark Graham Sinclair

* Emily Katharine Cooper Duguid

* Kim Tomlin

We will now be proceeding to election. Papers on how you vote electronically will be distributed by email Wednesday 18 October 2023. Voting closes on 4:00pm Wednesday 15 November. We look forward to your participation in this process.

Returning Officer, Wayne Jamieson, CES, 89 Nazareth Avenue, Middleton, Christchurch | PO Box 414,Christchurch 8140, P (03) 338 4444 | Cell 021 399 744 Web www.cessl.org.nz

TAYLOR, Ben

My name is Ben Taylor and I wish to stand for the Mount Aspiring College school board.
I believe that a quality education is essential to prepare our young people to make the most of the opportunities in the brave new world that is appearing before us.
I am married to Debra, a primary school teacher and we have four children, 3 of whom are currently at MAC, so have a significant vested interest in helping the school achieve its aims. As a family, we place great value and focus on our children’s education.
I believe that MAC is on a journey to be one of New Zealand’s leading schools, given the talent of our young people, the motivated and supportive parent community and the dedicated teachers that we have. The board should have this aspiration for the school and be active in supporting this. I believe that an integral part of achieving that goal is effective governance, providing appropriate strategy, oversight and support to the school.
I have been a member of the board for the last three years also taking on the role of Chair of the Finance committee for two of those years. I have really enjoyed working with the current board and management and would like the opportunity to continue this work to help build out the capability of the school and improve long term outcomes for students. I am also an advisory trustee for the MAC Foundation.
Professionally, I have worked as a financial adviser for the last 17 years, and currently work for Forsyth Barr. I have been involved in educational governance for a number of years. Firstly as a trustee and then Chair of Montessori Children’s House Wānaka, Co-opted onto the Wānaka Primary School board as Treasurer for 4 years and on the finance committee of Te Kura O Take Kārara. I have previously been a long standing member and Chair of Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust.
I see MAC as a vital part of our community and it would be an honour to continue to help, as part of the Board, if elected.

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SINCLAIR, Mark Graham

I’m Mark Sinclair, currently Deputy Chair of the MAC school board and if reelected would be honoured to represent parents for the another three years.
I’m stepping forward again because I believe that MAC can become one of the leading schools in the country. We have a strong legacy, we live in an incredible environment, we have really capable teachers and staff and a close-knit, supportive community. The leadership Nicola Jacobson has shown since her appointment as principal in 2021 along with the completion of new school buildings earlier this year mark a positive new phase in the school’s evolution and creates even better opportunities for Upper Clutha youth.
At the same time, I recognise that families have come through a period of unprecedented economic and social pressure since early 2020, and we are not yet out of the woods. MAC has the potential to prepare our student community to be better equipped for a rapidly changing and unpredictable world.
If re-elected, I will continue to focus on transparency, clear communication and good governance, ensuring that MAC continues to be a school that students and their families can be proud to be associated with. I am also particularly passionate about the wellbeing of all students and staff.
I grew up in Wānaka, moved back with Rachel and our two children (both at MAC) six years ago, and I’m delighted that they can live their teen years in this environment. I want them to look back on their time at MAC fondly.
I served as deputy chair of a school board in Bristol (UK) for five years, during which time the school was awarded the top ERO equivalent review category ('outstanding') with academic and sporting results rivalling local private schools. In Wānaka, I am deputy chair of the Wānaka Stakeholders Group (aka “Protect Wānaka”) and was a trustee of Kahu Youth Trust for five years until earlier this year. I’ve held both NZ and UK directorships. I have expertise in communications, strategy and digital technology - and I have a legal background. I am currently centrally involved in two significant Wānaka community projects.

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DUGUID, Emily Katharine Cooper

Hello! I'm Emily Duguid (sounds like 'Do Good'). I'm grateful for the education and development Wānaka and MAC have given my children and aspire to give back by serving on the MAC School Board.
I believe my experience with different education systems gives me broad perspective. I grew up in Auckland, attending private all-girls, private Steiner co-ed, and public co-ed schools. My children attended public primary and intermediate schools in Seattle before we moved to Wānaka in 2021. They entered MAC at Years 8 and 11.
I've had life-long interest in youth development: student and community leader at secondary school and university, global youth development non-profit worker, corporate university recruiter, and parent volunteer.
I think a MAC strength is providing a range of diverse study pathways. MAC should continue striving to meet the needs of all students, so each can feel a sense of achievement and pride from work well done, and leave MAC equipped for their future.
I believe schools are more than classroom education. I've interacted with MAC as Mum of new-to-Wānaka kids, HPC skiers, rugby players, drama performer, and head student. MAC should continue with a wide range of offerings: sports, arts, and other extracurriculars; off campus and outside classroom learning.
I believe student leadership and community service allow students to feel empowered and engaged, developing soft skills and a value for giving back. Being Mum of a head student, house leader, and service committee member allowed me to witness the importance of MAC student leadership and volunteering opportunities.
I'm a life-long volunteer. Since moving to Wānaka, I've joined Friends of MAC and presented at Careers Week. I have led fundraising efforts for the adventure playground and senior Spanish trip. During my children's primary school years, I served as committee chair for educational programs, community socials, and school fundraising, and as team manager, facilities coordinator, and Board member for youth sports.
I intend to work collaboratively with educators, caregivers, and community to prepare MAC students for independent, positive lives. We all benefit from engaged, hopeful youth. As a town with one secondary school, we each have an opportunity to contribute to the growth and launching of our young people.
I am excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our students and serve Wānaka as a member of the MAC School Board. Thank you for considering my candidacy.

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TOMLIN, Kim

Kia ora
My name is Kim Tomlin and I would like to put my nomination forward to be a trustee on the MAC school board. I am originally from Dunedin, and have been living in Wānaka since 2003. I have a son, who is currently in Year 11. I consider it hugely important, and a great privilege to be involved with my not only sons education, but also the education of the wider community. I have been involved with many different youth-focused organisations here in Wānaka over the years , including having been the Board Chairperson of Kahu Youth, the Board Chair of Hāwea Flat School for 6 years between 2013-2019, I have been a teacher-aide at MAC for 7 years, and have also been a Cub and Scout leader. I have sat on several other boards, both in NZ and Australia, and have an excellent knowledge of governance - especially from a chairperson perspective, and also a deep understanding of the Ministry of Education. Thank you for your consideration, and I would love to have your vote.