I started on the Te Puna School board back in 2013. One of the reasons that I decided to come onto the board was I felt this was one way that I could contribute in a small way to help the school with my experience and expertise with a background in Finance. At the time I was approached by the then chairman Grant Nordick. He was a very enthusiastic chair, which was infectious, and he ran excellent board meetings. The other Trustees were Sharon De Luca, Tommy Wilson, Jim Reihana and the staff rep was Hamish Wadsworth, with Neil as the Principal rep, and one of the teachers Mrs Riordan husband Mike.

In my time on the board, there's always been a lot going on, with the constant of change. If I recall correctly, back then Trustee Sharon De Luca had been instrumental in organising the new hockey courts and turf installed on the school courts. Between her and Neil they were masters at applying for charitable grants. The board were also just about to install a new school fence. The old school fence was a wire fence that was falling over by school hall. Neil had a good idea to also rip up the old fence along the back field to allow the kids to explore, climb trees, and build huts!

One of the things that I've greatly enjoyed on the board of trustees is just working with the board and the staff to help and improve student achievement and in reading, writing, mathematics, sports and arts. This is an ongoing project for any board and one which we continue to strive for the best. There are many challenges along the way, with funding and resources, Covid and so forth. However, there's nothing more rewarding than seeing students achievement levels move up and knowing that our tamariki will go on to better and brighter things in the future.

Of course there have been many other decisions made along the way that have helped improve the day to day life of our school. Everything from helping fundraising for buildings, new equipment, class fit-outs, playgrounds. Right through to heating, with new air conditioners across the school, as we made the strategic decision to move away from the old coal-fired boiler.

In the future, the school has plans to install solar power to further improve our footprint on the planet, right through to improving our school scape and gardens. This leads through to future teaching opportunities of the local curriculum, local knowledge which we can pass on to our children.

Looking forward I feel I leave the board knowing that the school is in fantastic hands with Neil and Karen Clarke as the current Board chair. Having served three terms it’s time to pass the baton. When our kids first started at school I joined the PTA and the project that we were working towards was fundraising to get the school hall repaired. This has been a long and arduous process for Neil and the board, but it's so great to see that this has now finally been completed and back to its former glory. What a fabulous facility the hall will be for future generations and our community.

You will see our school vision is “Every child valued, supported and inspired to reach their potential”. If you're thinking about joining the board, I would encourage you to give it a go.