Current Board

The School Board normally consists of five elected parents, plus the Principal and a staff representative. There is provision to co-opt up to three people where necessary when specific skills are needed. If you wish to contact the Board you can email the presiding member Michaela Paterson on michaelap@kaharoa.school.nz

The Board meetings are held twice a term at 5.30pm in the Boardroom. Parents are welcome. Please check the website calendar for confirmed dates.

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Our Current Board:

Michaela Paterson - Presiding Member

Hey, I’m Michaela Paterson. Kaharoa School holds a special place in my heart. I’ve been part of this community for over 13 years, my husband Alan and I are share milking on a family-owed and operated farm and we have three children currently attending the school. Over this time, I’ve developed a strong connection to the school and a deep appreciation for the values, staff, and whānau that make it such a special place to learn and grow.

Serving on the board has given me valuable insight into how the school operates, the responsibilities of governance, and the importance of strategic planning to support student achievement. As Presiding Member, I’ve worked closely with the principal and fellow board members to ensure our school remains focused on providing a high-quality learning environment for all students.

Email: michaelap@kaharoa.school.nz

Ashley Crawford

Hello, my name is Ashley and I’m the proud mum of two amazing kids—Ollie, who is in Year 8 at Kaharoa School, and Tilly, who is in Year 6. I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Kaharoa School Board over the past few months and have found the experience incredibly rewarding and insightful. I’m excited about the opportunity to continue this journey and contribute even more to the school and community.

I was raised on a dairy farm and learned the value of hard work, resilience, and community from a young age. Today, our family has the privilege of living on a lifestyle block, continuing that connection with the land and rural life.

My husband Dan and I have built our lives in this community—he owns and runs a mowing contractor business, and I operate a beauty therapy clinic locally. Before starting my own business, I worked in and managed large beauty clinics and also taught in the tertiary education sector, which gave me strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.

Our family has been part of the local area for many years, and I’ve been lucky enough to be largely involved in my children’s schooling. I am a huge supporter of my kids and you’ll often see me at various school events – I love being able to help out and attend school trips and camps, gaining a good perspective on all dynamics and aspects of school life. I’m deeply committed to supporting our children to thrive—academically, emotionally, and socially.

I bring to the board a poised, practical approach, and I’m confident in asking the tough questions or constructively challenging decisions to ensure the values of our students, families, and staff are upheld. My background in education and business gives me a broad skill set in governance, compliance, budgeting, and strategic planning.

I believe in open and honest communication between the school, families, and the wider community. I want every family to feel welcomed, heard, and connected
to their child’s learning and development. As a parent representative, I continue to advocate strongly for the best outcomes for our children and ensure the school stays on a path that reflects our values and aspirations.

Katie Coles Brake

Hi, my name is Katie Coles Brake. I was born and raised in Ngongotaha. I have 3 children, Peyton is in year 13 at WHHS, Baz is year 8 at Kaharoa and Danni is year 6 at Ngongotaha Primary.

I have a Diploma of Teaching Early Childhood Education, and I have worked as an educator for 8 years. It is such an honour to be part of so many young children’s lives, to grow and learn alongside them on their journey through those precious first years of their lives.

For the past 5 years I have been working as an administrator alongside my husband Kenny in our electrical business. I love this role as it gives me the flexibility to be present for my own children while they are still young enough to want Mum around, supporting them at school events and with all of their extracurricular activities.

I am honest, reliable, open minded, organised, good at communicating and a great listener. I like to think before I speak and can look at things from all points of view, recognising and valuing the diversity amongst us all as human beings. I am a life long learner and see great value in self reflection for my own personal growth. I am a team player and will always advocate for fairness for all involved. I am enjoying the opportunity to make a positive, enthusiastic contribution to the Board.

Jessica Law

I am a proud parent of two children at Kaharoa School (years 3 and 5) and am passionate about ensuring that all tamariki have the opportunity to thrive in a safe, supportive, and inspiring school environment. Our school plays such an important role in the community, and I am committed to doing my part to help it flourish.

I grew up in Rotorua, and my background is in leadership, policy, programme management, and working with diverse groups to get things done. I am a practical, solutions-focused person who values collaboration and clear communication. I’m approachable and genuinely enjoy connecting with people, hearing their ideas, and finding ways to make a positive difference.

I believe strongly in the importance of fostering connection between school and home – when families feel engaged, children do better. I am committed to bringing the same energy and commitment I bring to my family life and career, to our Board:

• Ensuring all decisions support student wellbeing and learning.

• Being a voice for parents and whānau, making sure everyone feels heard.

• Helping plan for the future of our school so it continues to be a place we are proud of.

I care deeply about our children and the community they are growing up in. It is an honour to be on the Board and work with others to create the best possible environment for every student at Kaharoa School.

Olivia Holmes

Kia ora, my name is Olivia Holmes and my family has been part of the Kaharoa/Hamurana community for the past six years. Our two boys attend Kaharoa School, and we are proud to raise them in a place grounded in strong values and connection.

We own a dairy farm in Waikite Valley and run three lease blocks in the Hamurana area. This rural lifestyle gives me a deep understanding of the strengths, challenges, and needs of our local whānau.

Professionally, I am a secondary school English teacher with a strong background in both curriculum and pastoral leadership. I have a particular interest in inclusive education and the development of systems that support the wellbeing and success of all learners — academically, socially, and emotionally. My experience working with diverse students and families has reinforced my belief that every child deserves access to opportunities that reflect their identity, ignite their curiosity, and prepare them for the world beyond school.

I’m committed to student-centred decision-making and value the voices of whānau, kaiako, and ākonga in shaping a school culture where everyone feels they belong. I believe that good governance is grounded in honest collaboration, clarity of vision, and a genuine desire to serve the school community.

I look forward to bringing energy, empathy, and a clear sense of purpose to my role on the Board. It is a privilege to represent our community and support the continued growth and success of Kaharoa School.

Maria Shoebridge

Tēnā Koutou. My name is Maria Shoebridge. My husband (Vance) and I both work at Kaharoa School - I am a teacher (currently working with a year 5 & 6 class) and Vance is our caretaker. We have two boys (Joshua and Kieran) who attended Kaharoa School and are now young adults.

I began as a music teacher at Kaharoa when my boys were little, and have been teaching in a classroom since 2002, gradually moving from part-time roles to being the new entrant teacher and then moving up into the senior school in 2013. I love the friendly, family feel of the school. Over the years I have been a member of the PTA, part of the leadership team, and SENCo, supporting students with extra needs. This is my first experience being on the Board and I am enjoying working with our wonderful team of vibrant and supportive parents.

Susanne Irwin - Minutes Secretary

Lynden Cook - Principal

last edited: Tue, January 27, 2026