Current Board

The School Board normally consists of five elected parents, plus the Principal and Teacher 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 sarahpa@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.

​Our Current Board:

Sarah Paterson - Presiding Member

Tena Koutou,

Ko Mangatautari Te Maunga, Ko Waikato Te Awa, Ko Tainui Te Waka, Ko Ngati Huri Te Hapu, Ko Ngati Raukawa Te Iwi, Ko Pikitu Te Marae, Ko Sarah Taku Ingoa.

My name is Sarah Paterson. This is my second term as a board member for Kaharoa School and I now only have my youngest child at Kaharoa School. I am a Social Worker and in my current role with Barnardos I work with children, youth and their families. I see great value in having a strong partnership between whanau and school, I believe our tamariki will get the best outcomes when we work together. My desire is that Kaharoa School provides an education that equips our tamariki with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in our ever-changing world.

Nga Mihi

Caroline Back

I’m Caroline and I’ve been a parent at Kaharoa for 10 years and have been on the board for more than half of that.

My daughter is now in Y10 at high school, having started her school life at Kaharoa and my son is in Y8 at Kaharoa. Almost the end of an era!

I am originally from Scotland, have lived in London and Leeds in the UK, and made New Zealand home 17.5 years ago.

I have worked in hospitality, banking, and am now a registered clinical hypnotherapist.

Matt Noel

Hi, my name is Matt. My wife Sarah, works at Karahoa School and both of our two boys started as new entrants at Kaharoa, with one now in year 7 and the other at high school. We have lived on a lifestyle block in Hamurana for the past 8 years and have really appreciated living in such a great, well-connected community with Kaharoa School being a central part.

I am a qualified accountant. I have held various finance roles across different industries and am currently working in public health.

This is my first time on a school board and I’m enjoying the opportunity to support the leadership, teachers and staff as they continue to provide a quality education for our children.

Michaela Paterson

Hey, I’m Michaela Paterson. My husband, Alan and I currently have 3 boys at Kaharoa School. We are share milking on a family-owned and operated farm in Kaharoa and have been for over a decade.

Part of my role on the board is to jointly oversee the Policy portfolio. I feel very passionate about supporting my children’s education and ensuring that the legacy of Kaharoa School continues as well as ensuring our teachers, admin and support staff are continually supported.

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, June 25, 2024