Kia Ora. My name is Dawn Gibbs. I am a current Board of Trustee member and am seeking re-election. During my time on the Board we have approved and funded the installation of Tiger Turf in the playground and courts and the two new playgrounds, as well as providing good governance.

I currently have two children attending Te Ao Mārama school. Prior to joining Te Ao Mārama my eldest child attended a more traditional school, so I have observed the positive impact the Te Ao Mārama play-based learning style can have on both academic and personal attributes such as happiness and confidence. The custom built facilities at Te Ao Mārama, supporting this play-based learning, combined with the school’s focus on relationships and vision to inspire, challenge and empower our children, make Te Ao Mārama School a very special place for our children to excel and achieve their full potential.

Pre-Covid, I was fortunate to help the foundation year Kererū students to design and make a quilt, and have also assisted in setting up both the walking school bus and the Whanau Support Group.

I am a Chartered Accountant and am employed as a Finance Manager for a local business. I have a demonstrated history of working in both large and small companies and am skilled in most aspects of accounting. My leisure activities include a passion for all forms of handcrafts, especially knitting and hand dyeing wool. I also enjoy gardening, going for bike rides and going for bush walks.

I am a confident and outgoing person with the ability to relate well with people of all ages and cultures. With my current Board experience, commitment, and being someone who genuinely cares about our school, I would consider it a privilege to serve on the board for a further term.