The Marshland School - Te Rito Harakeke School Board is made up of a high-performing and collaborative team of individuals.

The Marshland Board consists of five elected parents and two staff members, Hayley Wright, Rochelle Foster, Demelza Pearey, Brad Hugo and James Dean, Sam Jones (Staff Representative), and Leigh Fowler (Principal).

Current Board members have diverse expertise and experience, and work well collaboratively in school governance matters related to the four domains of leadership, accountability, being a good employer and representation.  

Hayley Wright

Role: Presiding Member and Employment

Email: h.wright@marshland.school.nz 

As Chairperson of the Marshland School Board, I’m proud to support our mission of success for every child. I bring executive-level HR experience and a background in education, which help me contribute to effective recruitment practices, support strong leadership, and ensure our governance processes are both strategic and inclusive. 

I’m passionate about creating a positive school culture and ensuring our decisions support both kaimahi and ākonga to thrive. It’s a privilege to be part of a team working collaboratively to make a meaningful difference for our tamariki, whānau, and wider community.

Rochelle Foster

Role: Property and Deputy Presiding Member

Over the last 8 years, I have had the privilege of serving on the Te Rito Harakeke - Marshland School Board. 

I am a very proud Mum of 3 sons, I hold a Bachelor of Architectural Studies and am a Licensed Building Practitioner. I manage all aspects of running a small architectural studio, with a strong focus on delivering high-quality, functional, and enduring design solutions for my clients and personal property developments.

In addition to my Architectural Practice, my husband and I own Aquapro Group, a Canterbury-based company that has been operating for over 15 years and employs more than 40 staff. I particularly enjoy contributing to governance and strategic planning for Aquapro - experience that I value and apply within my role on the school board.

Within the Marshland School Board, I hold responsibility for the School Property Portfolio. This role involves overseeing school asset maintenance, and with this I have been fortunate to help deliver many various successful property projects. I also have had the privilege of overseeing the recruitment of our last two principals. 

I joined the Marshland School Board out of a genuine commitment to ensuring that all children, have access to the highest quality education within a safe and inspiring environment. I strongly believe in fostering success for every child and am proud to contribute to the continued growth and excellence of our school community. 

Demelza Pearey

Role: Finance

I have been a Chartered Accountant since 2007 and I’m proud to serve on the Marshland School Board of Trustees in the Finance Portfolio role. Our family has been part of the Marshland School community since 2017, and it’s a privilege to support the school that has given my children such a positive start to their education.

Wherever possible I am actively involved as parent help for school sports and class outings, and I previously served for three years on the Marshland School PCG. Earlier in my career I worked in audit at BDO, where I audited a range of schools across the South Island. This experience gave me a strong understanding of school governance, financial accountability, and the real-world challenges schools often face.

In my role on the Board, I’m committed to overseeing responsible and effective financial stewardship that supports the long-term success, wellbeing, and growth of Marshland School and its learners.

Brad Hugo

Role: Health and Safety

I have been part of the Te Rito Harakeke - Marshland School community for five years and currently have two children attending. I joined the Board to help ensure our school remains a safe, supportive environment for all students and staff. Outside of school, I’m actively involved in the community through various clubs and teams, which helps me stay connected and engaged with local families. I’m committed to supporting the school’s direction and ensuring decisions are made with the long-term success and wellbeing of our students and staff in mind.

James Dean

Role: Community Liaison

As a Marshland parent, I care deeply about the tamariki and kaiako who make our school so special. Being part of daily school life and local activities has shown me how much a strong, supportive community matters in helping our kids succeed.

In this role, I’m focused on building meaningful connections , and bringing energy, care, and a collaborative approach to every decision. I'm committed to considering the collective good of all learners, staff, and whānau, ensuring our school continues to be a place where everyone feels supported and valued.