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.

​Our Current Board:

Michaela Paterson - Presiding Member

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.

Email: michaelap@kaharoa.school.nz

Sarah Paterson

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 8 and the other at high school. We have lived on a lifestyle block in Hamurana for the past 9 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.

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.

Heelan Tompkins

Hey I’m Heelan, I have two children at Kaharoa School in years 3 and 4. I joined the Board in 2024. I’ve worked many years in Breakfast radio before changing and spending the last decade with the New Zealand Olympic Committee and High Performance Sport New Zealand.

Jessica Law

Kia ora, I’m Jessica Law. I am originally from Rotorua but spent most of my twenties and thirties living in Perth, Western Australia. My husband and I returned home six years ago and now live on a lifestyle block in Hamurana. We feel lucky to be raising our family in such a close-knit community, with our two children thriving at Kaharoa School in Years 2 and 4.

Professionally, I lead a government funding programme focused on growing New Zealand’s forestry and wood processing sector, with a background in governance, policy, and project leadership.

I joined the Kaharoa School Board in 2024 and am passionate about supporting our school to deliver a nurturing, high-quality education that prepares our tamariki for the future, while strengthening the strong sense of whānau and community that makes Kaharoa School so special.

Ngā mihi, Jess

Ashley Crawford

Hello - I’m Ashley and I’m excited to join the board as a new member at Kaharoa School.

I have 2 children - one in year 5 at Ngongotaha School and one in year 7 at Kaharoa School.

My family and I have been an active part of the Hamurana and Ngongotaha communities for many years - both owning businesses in the area - mine being beauty therapy.

Being involved in the school community is something I truly value. I’m passionate about advocating for our children and supporting them to thrive - both academically and emotionally.

I look forward to working alongside the dedicated staff, families and fellow board members to help create the best possible environment for our children to grow and succeed.

Susanne Irwin - Minutes Secretary

Lynden Cook - Principal

last edited: Thu, August 07, 2025