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. My husband Sam and I have two children enrolled in Kaharoa School. I identify as Pakeha with Ngati Raukawa ancestry. I am a Social Worker and in my current role with Barnardos I work with children, youth and their families. This is my second term as a Board Member.

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 am Caroline Back. I have 2 children at Kaharoa.

During my time on the board, I want to ensure that our school continues to grow from strength to strength with strong leadership from our wonderful principal, his amazing staff and our fantastic community.

Matt Noel

Hi, my name is Matt. My wife, Sarah, works at Karahoa School and our two boys are currently in year 6 & 8 both having started as new entrants at Kaharoa. We have lived on a lifestyle block in Hamurana for the past 7 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 looking forward to the opportunity of supporting 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 2 boys at Kaharoa with a third joining them in a couple of years. 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.

Julie Southall

Hello, my name is Julie Southall, my husband and I have a daughter enrolled at Kaharoa. Our family moved to Hamurana in 2020 when we were looking for a change (weren’t we all in 2020), and we certainly found a place we loved to call home. My career spans different industries, predominately in marketing strategy, with my current employment at the Rotorua Regional Airport as the Commercial Manager.

The opportunity to join the Board and give back to a community that welcomed my family in was important to me. There is much value to be gained through diversity in thought, robust discussions and respect, as we work together with our School Principal, dedicated staff and supportive community to deliver great outcomes for our children. I hope to see the community continue to grow and evolve as the needs of our children and community evolve, while still retaining what makes Kaharoa so special.

Maria Shoebridge

Kia ora

My name is Maria Shoebridge. My husband (Vance) and I both work at Kaharoa School - I am a teacher (currently working with a year 6 & 7 class) and he 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 look forward to working with our wonderful team of vibrant and supportive parents.

Nga Mihi

Susanne Irwin - Minutes Secretary

Lynden Cook - Principal

last edited: Tue, November 07, 2023