Thank you to all the candidates listed below who have willingly put themselves forward to support the school community.

Nominations have now closed with 11 candidates (in alphabetical order):

1. Ella Boberg

2. Laura Casey

3. Jordan Childs

4. Andrew Corkill

5. Carl Haa

6. Heemi McDonald

7. Michael Ross

8. Anas Shatat

9. Anita Sivakumar

10. Jessica Smith

11. Tama Tawhai

Voting is now open and will close at 4pm on Wednesday 10th September. 

HOW TO VOTE

1. You will receive an email from My School Election called INVITATION TO VOTE.  It will have your unique CODE on it (see image below).
   

   

2. Click the green Vote Here button.

3. Enter your USER CODE (the ‘I am not a robot’ prevents spamming).

4. If your mobile phone number is registered, you will receive a message on your phone with a password.

5. The VERIFY button confirms that you are registered as a voter.  NEXT.

6. Check out the Candidate Statements by clicking on each. Click NEXT to Vote.  Click NEXT to review.  Click SUBMIT to finish.

Your vote is secret.  Keep a record of your own receipt number.

If your email or your phone is not registered, you will get a postal vote instead.  

Amanda Rodley
Returning Officer

CANDIDATE STATEMENTS

Ella Boberg

Kia ora koutou,

My name is Ella Boberg, and I am the proud mum of Nathan, a vibrant and energetic Year 2 student who absolutely loves his school. I am standing for election to the Board of Trustees because I am passionate about contributing to a positive, future-focused learning environment for all our tamariki.

As a parent, I believe in the importance of nurturing not only academic success but also emotional wellbeing, creativity, and a sense of belonging. I want to ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and inspired each day they step into school.

Professionally, I bring to the table financial acumen and a strategic, people-centric, forward-looking mindset. I am a Chartered Accountant, a member of the CAANZ Waikato Local Committee and I run a successful advisory practice alongside my husband. I’m experienced in asking the right questions, listening carefully, and working across diverse perspectives to make thoughtful, balanced decisions and to carry out meaningful, value-adding projects.

If elected, I would be honoured to work in partnership with our principal, staff, parents, and wider community to uphold the school’s vision and values, support its continuous improvement, and help ensure our children thrive—now and into the future.

Laura Casey

Kia ora koutou, my name is Laura Casey.

Our family have lived in the area for the past 10 years and have watched the school grow from an empty paddock to what it is today. We are raising two beautiful boys who attend Te Ao Marama currently, Cooper in Kahu Rua and Cormac in Tui Tahi. I am grateful to be a member of the current board for the last 3 years.

My background is in financial services & banking here in New Zealand and abroad before coming home to have children. My current role is as the founder of a charitable trust The Cake Detective who donates birthday cakes to children going through hardship. As a result of this we have donated close to 4,000 cakes to some of our communities most vulnerable. Within the trust I previously sat as chairperson of the board and am constantly learning in the governance area. The values that we hold are those of respect, inclusion with a strong sense of community. These values I would also bring to the position if elected.

I feel whiria te tāngata (weave the people together) encompasses how our whānau have felt being a member of Te Ao Marama. Across the spectrum from the tamariki, teachers and parents. I am proud to sit on the current board that have governed a school that is thriving, vibrant and has a true sense of community. I would be honoured to be able to be a member of the school board again to help ensure that the strong values and foundations that have been put in place continue and grow for the future pupils, families and teachers.

Jordan Childs

My name is Jordan and together with my partner, Nadine, we have a son, Colter, who is currently in his second term of Pūkeko Tahi and a daughter, Lennox, who is eager to join her brother at school in a couple of years’ time. While I have only been a part of the school’s community for a short period of time, I have been able to see – through my own child – the positive impact and the amazing effect a high performing and socially embracing school can have. I would love to assist in contributing to continue the work already done by previous boards, since the school’s foundation.

Having moved from the UK eight years ago my experience of New Zealand schooling is growing daily, which gives me a unique perspective to question what is possible in order to achieve educational excellence and ensuring each student has the opportunity to thrive, academically, socially, and emotionally.

My professional background in leadership positions and experience partnering with businesses to support their People & Culture across the full Talent cycle, equips me to act on the board with integrity and purpose. In addition, I have held various roles in a leadership capacity in political parties both here in NZ and in the UK reflecting my desire to see communities flourish.

Outside of my professional life, you can often find me and my family working out at our local gym (yes, the kids also try give it a go!), having a coffee at Archies, playing football in the park or simply with the kids at Destination playground.

With Te Ao Mārama School set to be a part of my family’s life for the best part of the next seven years I am truly passionate about working to support the legacy of high standards, and commitment to community and excellence that the school has grown. For that reason, I am seeking nomination as I believe I can be an asset to the Board.

Andrew Corkill

Ko Andrew Corkill toku ingoa. My name is Andrew Corkill and I have been Chairperson of the Te Ao Mārama School Board of Trustees for the last 6 years. Prior to that, I served on our initial Establishment Board as Deputy Chairperson while the school was being built and had a hand in designing the concepts which underpin our kura. It has been an honour to continue on from the Establishment Board through to the elected Parent Boards to maintain and strengthen previous connections.

I am standing because I am passionate about our place and I am inspired by the way our school has been developed through strategy and vision and how this has translated into the operation of the school. Alongside this I place high emphasis on the fantastic culture that you can feel in every part of the school. Each time I visit, I see kids who are happy, energised and fulfilled by their learning environment and a team of highly dedicated professionals who educate them.

My wife Sarah is a foundation 'Day 1' teacher of Te Ao Mārama School and my two eldest children, Blake (10) and Taylor (8) both attend school. Our youngest Ashley-Rose, a future Te Ao Mārama alumnus is almost 4.

I have previous governance experience having been part of numerous Boards of Trustees and a chartered member of the Institute of Directors. For my day job I am the Regional Director for Waikato Bay of Plenty for NZTA Waka Kotahi, the government agency responsible for delivering our state highway roading network and other regulatory functions. I have previously worked as General Manager for Sport Waikato, at Sport NZ and inside our local councils.

I’m excited about the bright future of our incredible school and its inclusive culture. I am committed to drawing upon my professional experience from the journey thus far to continue and better contribute to the positive momentum of our School as we navigate continued growth and educational changes at a government level.

Carl Haa

Ko Carlos ahau, and I’m a proud local dad of three awesome kids one of whom currently attends Te Ao Mārama School. Our whānau is deeply connected to this kura, and I want to join the board as a way to give back to the place my child loves so much.

I come from a background in education, having taught both here in Aotearoa and overseas. These experiences have shaped my understanding of what quality education can look like, and what’s important for the wellbeing of our kids. I lean more on the side of pragmatism, less talk, more action. I care about results and cutting through red tape to get jobs done.

I’m the founder and director of Journey Kids, a local childcare organisation that provides before/after school care and holiday programmes across the country, as well as a couple of other businesses that keep my high energy levels and attention span occupied.

I’m putting my hand up to join the Board of Trustees because I care about this kura about the direction it’s heading, the values it upholds, and the responsibility it carries in shaping our tamariki.

Outside of being a dad, my other loves include basketball (probably too much), NZ history, fitness, and starting new businesses and projects.
This kura already has an amazing culture, foundation, and leadership team, and I’d love the chance to join and add value where I can.

Heemi McDonald

I am Heemi McDonald, and after six years of service on the Te Ao Mārama School Board of Trustees, I respectfully seek your support for re‑election as a parent representative. Over this time, I’ve had the privilege of fulfilling several core governance roles. As custodian of the Board’s Finance Portfolio, I partnered with the principal and Board to craft annual budgets, maintain internal controls, and meet the Ministry’s accountability expectations. Alongside this, I played a role in our policy review processes, ensuring alignment with governance standards and cultural responsiveness.

My professional background as a former Deputy Principal and classroom educator provides me with direct insight into teaching and learning environments. It has kept me grounded in the everyday experiences of both teachers and students, helping me to bridge the perspectives of governance and pedagogy.

Throughout the Board’s strategic planning and charter cycles our collective efforts helped embed te ao Māori, expand whānau engagement, and support quality outcomes for all students. Our property planning saw the successful delivery of additional play spaces, with plans in place to support the continued roll growth and environment of the school.

Looking ahead, I remain committed to support our principal and leadership team to continue to deliver a world class education to our children.

As well as being a trained teacher, I have a Law degree from the University of Waikato, and am actively involved with a number of local community and national organisations. Where I feel I will be able to add value to the Board will be through strengthening community relationships, being collaborative in our activities as a Board and ensuring that we continue to inspire our learners and prepare them for their futures.

My wife Gemma and I have 4 children; Keeley in Year 10 and Avery in Year 8 now both attending Rototuna Junior High School, and Miller in Year 5 and Marlow in Year 2 both at Te Ao Marama.

Michael Ross

Hello, I trust you are well!

My name is Michael Ross, and I am looking to connect more with my wider Hapori.

My Wife, Bronwyn, and I are proud to have three tamariki attending Te Ao Mārama Primary, so being considered as part of the board feels like an excellent and natural progression to strengthen our community ties and contribute to important kōrero when needed.

My background is in Technology and Finance; I am self-employed as a Mortgage advisor and have been for the past five years. I love my career choice because helping people achieve their goals is one of the most satisfying parts of my mahi and I feel that my skills with people are transferable and invaluable.

In my spare time, I enjoy nature walks, spending time with the family, and heading off camping in our old caravan to disconnect from the world from time to time.

I am committed to being available to attend meetings and understand that, in some cases, the board's privacy is essential, which aligns with my current employment and client confidentiality requirements.

My previous employment involved working as a team leader, so collaborating with various ideas and negotiating tasks to reach a positive outcome is one of my strengths.

As I am new to working with a school board, I will be inexperienced but also eager to learn and absorb knowledge from more experienced members. I have sat in on a meeting and hold a great deal of respect for the current board members. I hope to be considered as one of the next members to help Te Ao Marama continue to be the wonderful school it already is!

Anas Shatat

Kia ora koutou, my name is Anas Shatat.

My family and I have lived in Flagstaff for 11 years and have been part of the Te Ao Mārama School community since it opened. Two of our children currently attend the school, and our eldest is a graduate who successfully transitioned to Rototuna Junior High School. Witnessing her positive transition affirmed my confidence in the school's ability to prepare our children for their future.

Professionally, I’m a Chartered Engineer working in the energy sector, focused on strategic planning, risk management, and collaborative problem-solving. My role requires bringing together diverse perspectives and making informed decisions that serve the long term. I hold a master’s degree and am completing a second at the University of Auckland, driven by a commitment to lifelong learning.

In my own time, I enjoy some travel and hands-on projects like landscaping and design, approaching them with planning, creativity, and a focus on long-term impact.

I value Te Ao Mārama’s inclusive culture. As a multicultural family, we’ve always felt welcomed, and I’ve seen how our background adds to the richness of the school community. Our children have grown in confidence, proud of their heritage and secure in their sense of belonging.

I’m standing for the Board of Trustees because I care deeply about the school’s continued success. I bring practical experience in governance and planning, and a strong commitment to supporting a diverse, inclusive, and future-focused environment for every child and family.

Anita Sivakumar

As a parent of a student at this school and a passionate member of our community, I am committed to contributing meaningfully to its continued growth and success.

With a professional background in commercial finance and strategic leadership, I bring a practical, values driven approach to governance. I believe in transparent decision-making, inclusive education, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. Serving on the board is my way of giving back and helping shape a future-focused, supportive environment for all our tamariki.

I hope to be given the opportunity to serve, give back to the community, and be part of something greater and working together to create lasting, positive impact.

Jessica Smith

Kia ora Te Ao Mārama Whānau,
Ko Jessica toku ingoa. My husband Fraser and I have six daughters, Tahliah, Lexzi and Harver who attend Rototuna High School and Marni-Rose, Willow and Ruby who attend Te Ao Mārama kura.

I am a Kaiwhakaako (Centre Manager) at Central Kids Dinsdale and an Early Childhood Education trained kaiako. I have worked in education for the past ten years in a mix of services that give back to the community. This experience has developed and supports my passion for education, in particular advocating for tamariki, reducing barriers to education and being part of the education journey my own tamariki are on.

My own teaching philosophy aligns closely with Te Ao Mārama’s vision to inspire, challenge and empower tamariki as I believe tamariki should be in an environment that is physically safe, cognitively challenging and emotionally nurturing. When they feel a sense of mana whenua (belonging) they thrive to be confident, creative, curious, community-minded and collaborate in their learning and development.

I am standing for the board as I want to see the vision and values of Te Ao Mārama continue to thrive, ensuring that the team feel supported with the tools to continue the amazing mahi they do every day. Going through the transition into Kura process this year and the kōrero with Tony and kaiako leave me inspired and wanting to be a part of the future of Te Ao Mārama.
I have previous board experience on the Board for Deanwell School from 2022-2025, stepping into the Presiding member role in 2024. This was a really rewarding experience as my own tamariki attended the school until 2024 when we moved to Flagstaff and I have continued to support the community we were part of for the past 11 years.

Thank you for considering me and I look forward to what the future holds.

Ngā mihi nui
Jessica Smith

Tama Tawhai

Tēnā koutou ngā whānau whānui o Te Ao Mārama.

Ko Tama Tawhai tōku ingoa.
He uri ahau nō Ngāti Kahungnu ki Heretaunga, Ngāti Rangi, Ngāti Porou, me Rangitane.

It is with great excitement that I submit my interest for re-election to the Te Ao Mārama School Board.

I have absolutely enjoyed representing the school community as a Board member for the last 3 years and am proud of the mahi the Board has continued to do, acknowledging the foundation set by previous Boards. It’s been a privilege to provide governance support and guidance to help aid our Tumuaki (Principal) and Kaiako (Teachers) in providing the wonderful environment that allows our tamariki to thrive.

In my previous candidate statement I mentioned how excited and stimulated my kids were about the school which was one of the drivers in my desire to apply for the Board. That excitement has only grown and is something I see across the wider school community. It’s a delight to see our staff and tamariki living by our values - confident, creative, curious, collaborative and community minded. The whanaungatanga and manaakitanga which our school community embraces is something that aligns closely with my own values.

My wife, Natalie, and I have 2 children – Emilie-Cate, 11, a previous foundation student at Te Ao Mārama is now at Rototuna Junior High School. Blake, 8, is in the bilingual class – Te Puāwatanga o te Rito. The establishment of this class this year has been one of the major school achievements that I’ve been most excited about. I look forward to seeing this continue to grow and flourish.

I’ve spent the last 18 years working on national infrastructure delivery projects, in both private and public sectors, in various roles in programme and contract management, and stakeholder relationship management. I also sit on different Whānau Trusts.

I enjoy spending time with whānau and friends, staying active through regular exercise, and getting involved with my kids sports and activities. I’m also an avid Warriors fan – up the wahs!

It would therefore be my privilege to once again represent our Te Ao Mārama whānau and community as a member of the School Board.

He toa takitini taku toa, ehara i te toa takitahi
My strength is not the strength of one, but the strength of many.

Ngā mihi harikoa
Tama Tawhai