The Board of Trustees is made up of parent representatives and staff members of the school (including the Principal). It is set up by the Government as a statutory body, meaning it has regulations to comply with and has the job of setting the strategic direction for the school and making sure its legal requirements are being met. This is what you call governance.

The Principal has the job of running the school on a day-to-day basis and this is called management.

The Board of Trustees, along with school staff, and in consultation with the community, develop policies and plans by which the school will be governed. It is important for you, as parents, to contribute to the development of these plans and policies so they reflect the wishes of the whole school community. Recent examples are the development of the Pukerua Bay School's vision, values and school charter. We all need to be pulling in the same direction.

In addition to the Board of Trustee members being a voice for Pukerua Bay school parents, they importantly bring a diverse mix of technical skills and life experience to the governing table. The board meets monthly and the focus is always on the current children and their learning.

Board minutes can be downloaded at the bottom of the page.

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Board of Trustees Members:

Presiding Officer: Helen Davidson

Treasurer: Daniel Wharakura

Principal: Chris Els

Parent Representatives:

Ben Christie - Communication

Jared Eagar - Property

Jessica Douglas - Policies

Staff Representative: Matt Johnston

Board Minute Secretary: Christine Burgess

Board of Trustee Members Profiles:

Jared Eagar - Parent Rep

My name is Jared. I am married to Nicolla and we have lived in Pukerua Bay for just under 10 years. We have three daughters at Pukerua Bay School, Lilah and Gretel, and Roselle.

This is my first term as a BOT member. I put my name in the hat as I felt my skill set could be of value to the Board and I was so impressed with the staff and what my daughters seemed to be learning and experiencing at the school. Pukerua Bay is so geographically unique with amazing people and I am excited to be part of the team helping to support the direction for the school, community, and our children's future.

I bring a keen interest in technology, entrepreneurship, and a passion for learning life lessons through sports and participation

I believe it is important our children thrive and enjoy school as this sets the foundation for a bright future where they can reach their goals, show kindness to others, feel fulfilled and happy, and make valuable contributions to their community and the environment.

I consider myself to be approachable, reliable, open-minded and good with people. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, fishing, exercising and exploring this amazing country we live in.

I work as an organising psychologist helping companies to select and develop their staff, and I previously served in the NZ Army providing support to deployed personnel and their families. I am fortunate to work from home so I can spend ample time with my children and be close to the school for any Board matters that arise.

Parent Representatives:

Ben Christie - Parent Rep

My name is Ben Christie and I have lived in Pukerua Bay since 2016 with my partner Pip and our two children. My son Walter started his first day at Pukerua Bay School in 2017 and my daughter Frida will go to the school in 2021. We have a great community of staff, parents and residents and an opportunity to create a nurturing and dynamic learning environment for our children. I love this community and it is great to live in a place where everyone looks out for and cares about each other.

As a board member, I want to support and challenge Principal Chris Els as we work together with the community to create the school we all want for our tamariki. One where everyone is cared for and valued but also challenged to become their best selves, and instilled with the confidence and character to meet the challenges of high school and beyond.

I am a great believer in the power of creativity. Give our children the tools to tap into their imaginations and the world becomes one of endless possibilities. From the Arts to Science and Sport and everything in between, creativity is what will help our kids imagine and build the world they want to live in.

I am a communicator with over 15 years experience first as a journalist across New Zealand’s major media organisations and more recently as the Senior Media and Communications Advisor for Water Safety New Zealand. Working in the water safety sector is all about collaboration and looking for ways to work together to achieve positive outcomes.

Daniel Wharakura - Treasurer

Jessica Douglas - Parent Rep

Helen Davidson - Presiding Officer

Helen Davidson - Board Parent Rep — Image by: Christine Burgess

Board Meeting Dates

Term 1 2024:

28 February
08 April

Term 2 2024:

23 May
27June

Term 3 2024:

29 August
26 September

Term 4 2024:

31 October
28 November

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Formal Complaints

If an informal meeting does not resolve your concern or complaint, you can make a formal complaint.

In the interests of fairness, any formal complaint or serious allegation must be made in writing and resolved in a timely fashion. All parties should respect confidentiality.

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Formal Complaints Process

Complainant:

1. Put your concerns in writing, either as a signed letter or an email. Give as many details as possible, including details of efforts that have been made to resolve the issue. Include names and contact phone numbers.

2. Send the letter marked Confidential to the school principal or, if the complaint is about the principal, to the chairperson of the board of trustees - board@pukeruabay.school.nz. The contact details are available from the school office.

Principal (if complaint is about a staff member)

Acknowledge receipt of the complaint in writing or by email to the complainant. Give a copy of the complaint to the staff member concerned. Inform the chairperson of the board of trustees.

Board chair (if complaint is about the principal)

Acknowledge receipt of the complaint in writing or by email to the complainant. Give a copy of the complaint to the principal.

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When a formal complaint is received, the school may choose to investigate it if it is deemed serious enough to warrant it after considering the initial response from the person the complaint is about. Not all complaints require an investigation but all written complaints should be disclosed to the staff concerned at the earliest opportunity.

Relevant collective employment agreement provisions for dealing with complaints and discipline must be observed including allowing representation of staff at any meeting to discuss a written complaint.