Omakere School Board

School boards are responsible for the school or kura’s performance and ensuring that all legal requirements are met.

Every state school in New Zealand has a board whose primary objectives are determined by the Education and Training Act 2020 to ensure:

every student at the school can reach their highest possible standard in educational achievement.
the school is a physically and emotionally safe place for all students and staff.
the school is inclusive of students of differing needs; and that.
the school gives effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

These primary objectives flow through all of the board’s work, starting with the strategic plan which is the board’s key guiding document.

The Board is responsible for strategic governance, whereas the Principal is the Board’s CEO and is responsible for the management of the school.

Rob Eagles

Finance

My name is Robert Eagle. I have served as a Trustee for the past five and half years and am currently the board of trustees treasurer.

During this time, I have gained a good understanding of the requirements and regulations regarding the operation of the school. Right from the start, my involvement with Omakere showed me how motivated and focused the staff are to improving the educational outcomes across all students. I am keen to see Omakere continue to develop and improve and believe that Education is a partnership between the school, the student and their family.

As well as being a local farmer and Board member, I am also a Trustee of the Aramoana Environmental and Educational Trust and on the Omakere Dog trail committee.

I have 2 great kids at the Omakere, Bonnie and Jack in the senior and middle rooms, so strongly invested in the success of the school now and in the future.

Sue Taylor

Principal

Kia Ora . My name is Sue Taylor, Principal at Omakere School.

Our Board of Trustees is a dedicated team of professional people - from accountants and farmers to environmentalists and educators. This range of skills and experiences provides our BOT with a wealth of knowledge, views, and visions, but, most importantly, a shared passion for Omakere School and Community.

We are dedicated to enabling exceptional experiences in learning and development for our students.

I have 4 children of my own - Sarah, Alyce, Callum, and Bailey and son -in-laws and 4 mokopuna - Ruby, Arthur, Scarlett, and Evelyn .

Mark Humphries

Presiding Member

I began my term on the Omakere School Board of Trustees in June 2016. I am currently the Presiding Member. I enjoy being on the BOT and learning about the Governance of a school. I appreciate the opportunity to apply my relevant skills and experience to contribute to the best outcomes for Omakere School, its students, staff and community. My wife Bec and I have three children Caitlyn, Toby and Millie. Caitlyn has begun her Year 10 journey at a local high school. Toby is in his last year at Omakere and Millie in Year 5. We love the opportunities our children have at Omakere and enjoy being part of the fantastic community Omakere is. I work alongside my family on our sheep and beef farm. I am a qualified heavy fabrication engineer by trade. I enjoy playing twilight tennis and love spending time with my family.

Lizzy Thomas

Parent Representative

Hello, my name is Lizzy Thomas. This is my first time as a Board Member, and I am acting as the Parent Representative. I look forward to learning about and contributing toward governing our school.

My husband Hamish and I live in Waipukurau with our three children. Hannah and Kate both attend Omakere School, and Callum will start next year. I am passionate about sports and exercise, cooking and gardening, which I am currently doing as part time work. My husband and I both attended country schools, and wanted the same for our children. We are proud to be apart of the Omakere community, and the opportunities our children are giving at Omakere School are outstanding.

Sam Bell

Staff Representative

Hello, my name is Samantha Bell. I have been teaching at Omakere School for the past 5 years and am currently the Staff Representative. I am elected to bring a staff perspective to the board in the same way that parent trustees bring a parent view. I enjoy being part of a proactive, dynamic and approachable BOT that always has the best interests of our kids at heart. I live in the Omakere Community with my husband Gus (who has grown up in Omakere) and our 3 children Monty, Fleur and Holly. I have had 20 years experience teaching different year groups ranging from new entrants - Year 10’s at primary and secondary schools in New Zealand and the UK. I am passionate about education and offering the best we can to our children.

Nikki Henderson

Documentation & Self-Review

I joined the Omakere School Board in 2023, this is my second term on a school board, the first being at another rural Hawkes Bay School. I enjoy contributing to school boards as believe in continuous improvement and ensuring the very best outcomes for all tamariki.

My husband Bryn and our awesome girls Libby & Molly are living and farming in Omakere. We moved here in 2023 and are proud to be part of the warm and welcoming Omakere community.

Outside of farming and parenting we all like to keep active with various activities, I work for Rural Support Trust.

I look forward to meeting more of the Omakere School community.

Charlie Harris

Parent Representative

I have very recently joined the Omakere School Board mid term due to a member leaving. This is my first experience on a school board and the timing was serendipitous as I have just left a 22 year rural finance career to focus on our family and business.

My wife (Mel) and I are farming in Pourerere, having moved here in 2020. We have two sons, Toby (7) and Colton (4). We have been made to feel very welcome in this community and the school is definitely the heart of the community.

I hope to bring a fresh perspective to the board and have no pre conceived ideas. I welcome any feedback from the school community and hope that my previous experiences will help continue to keep this the great country school that it is.

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