The Board of Trustees Election for Paraparaumu College will be held by postal ballot.
Voting papers have been sent out and Returning Officer Allison Basire
says she is expecting a solid return of voting forms.
“Voters can post votes in the envelopes provided or can drop them (in the envelope) into the College before noon on Friday May 7.”
Votes must be received by election day which is May 7. There are six candidates standing for five available positions.
The following statements – in alphabetical order – have been provided by the candidates:
Steve Botica:
I am a senior manager with considerable experience in the Australian and New Zealand public sector.
I understand what good governance is about because in my work I’ve had a track record of establishing appropriate governance and management structures for boards and committees to act effectively.
I love living on the Kāpiti Coast and I am involved in my community having been a member of the Rotary Club of Waikanae since 1994 and President of the club twice.
Both my sons attend Paraparaumu College and I want my children to get the best education we can provide.
In summary, I have the experience and desire to be a productive member of the Board of Trustees.
Rachel Bruce:
My name is Rachel Bruce. I have three children; my eldest is in Year 13 at Paraparaumu College and my younger two are in Years 6 and 8 at Waikanae Primary School. I have been a “college parent” for over 4 years and am looking forward to another 7 by the time my youngest graduates. The prospect of a 12 year investment in the College via my children has inspired me to wish to be more involved, and to offer my services as a member of the Board of Trustees.
I am currently employed as a Business Sustainability Director at the Ministry of Social Development. I am responsible for financial strategy, a business process improvement programme, and I provide input to cross Ministry strategic programmes in respect to business and financial sustainability. I have been a public servant for 16 years; I am well versed in translating policy changes into practical solutions and I am used to working collaboratively with a broad range of professionals.
On a personal note both my parents, and many of my family, are school teachers. I know the success that can ensue when parents and teachers work closely together. I would love to support the College more directly and believe the skills I employ on a daily basis will be of value to the College and contribute to its continued success. I look forward to representing you as an elected member of the Board of Trustees.
Sue Cotter:
It has been my pleasure to serve as a parent representative on the Paraparaumu College Board of Trustees for the last three years and I welcome the opportunity to re-stand for election for a further term of office.
I have nine years’ experience in school governance, having been a trustee at Paraparaumu College, Paraparaumu Beach Primary School (where I was board chairperson for three years) and Waikanae Montessori Pre-School. I worked for five years for Victoria University School Support Services as a School Board Training and Support Facilitator and am currently contracted to the Ministry of Education to provide a similar service, delivering generic and specific support to school boards around the Wellington and Wairarapa region. To enhance this experience I am working on my final diploma papers, studying Governance and Management in the Not for Profit Sector.
I have two children, both of whom are current students at Paraparaumu College. My husband and I run our electrical contracting company from a home office which allows me the flexibility required to carry out trustee duties.
In the past three years the Board of Trustees has seen the revision of the New Zealand Curriculum as a catalyst for exciting development in the way that teaching and learning happens at Paraparaumu College. It has been a focus in both our strategic planning and our approach to professional development. Some innovative and inspiring programmes are being introduced and I would very much like to be part of the continuation of this progress.
As my own children get nearer to the age of tertiary study or moving on to the workforce, I am increasingly aware of the importance of educational achievement for all of our students; not only in the realms of academia, but also in the practical, work-focused options we have made available at Paraparaumu College. Should I be re-elected to the Board of Trustees, I would strive to ensure that we best prepare our students for the exciting world they are about to move into.
Peter Foster:
I am a criminal barrister. Bridie (my wife) and I have three children (Jack in Year 12 and Harriet and Tom at Waikanae School in Years 8 and 6). My favourite activity is spending time with my family on the beach or walking by the river. I keep active and like to cycle when time permits.
I value education highly. I was educated in South Auckland in decile one schools and the educational success I have achieved has had a significant impact on my life. My philosophy as a board member is that the governance structures should ensure that each student is given the opportunity to achieve the very best that he or she is capable of.
Currently held positions:
Criminal barrister
Board Chair of Waikanae School (Chair since May 2007, board member since August 2005)
Board Member of Whitireia Community Law Centre (which provides free legal advice to those unable to afford it).
Previously held positions:Over the years I have been involved and actively supported many many organizations. Listed below are just a few that I have been involved with:
Waikanae junior rugby coach and administrator of long standing
Waikanae Beach tennis team manager
Waikanae scouts committee member
Trustee of a large corporate superannuation fund with assets under management in excess of $NZ90 million.
Member of the NZCTU National Affiliates Council
Former Deputy President and current life member of FinSec (the Finance Sector union).
Qualifications:I have a law degree from Victoria University and a science degree (majoring in applied and pure mathematics) from Auckland University.
Les McCarthy:
My name is Les McCarthy. My wife, Sharon, and I have 5 children, 4 of whom have passed through Paraparaumu College.
I have been a member of the Board for 8 years and I am proud to have been a part of the College’s progress over that period.
A former journalist, police officer and lawyer, I recently led a central government department dedicated to raising the capacity of Pacific peoples in New Zealand to participate more fully in the country’s social and economic life. Much of my work then was about encouraging youth to see their potential, not their limitations and encouraging them to believe in their right to their dreams through hard work and responsibility. In particular, heavy emphasis was given to encouraging pacific youth to consider careers in technology, the sciences, business, information industry and the skilled trades, all areas where New Zealand’s greatest economic growth prospects lie. These encouragements apply to all of our young people at Paraparaumu College.
In December 2009 I left my position as chief executive of the Independent Police Conduct Authority and joined family members in the construction business.
I would be honoured to continue to serve our local community as a member of the Board.
Sue Ordish:
I have been a resident on the Kāpiti Coast most of my life and am happily married with 3 children.
I have been involved with Paraparaumu College for many years. My experience has been as President of the Parents Association, Secretary, Committee Member, Coach of College Netball ,Board Member and currently Board Chairperson.
I am a netball umpire for the Kāpiti Netball Club.
Currently I am employed at Team Medical in Paraparaumu. I have experience in Office Management in a school & business environment, a Talent Management Agent in the Television and Film industry, and an Enrolled Nurse.
I have enjoyed being part of a team here at the college that has the courage to try new initiatives & manage the school well. For the last 3 years we have made significant progress in bringing changes to our school into the 21st century of learning and have made positive differences to the students’ education & learning environment.
I would like the opportunity to continue as member on the school board, so that I can continue to make a difference in our children’s future. I strongly believe in striving for excellence in a positive and safe learning environment, and maintaining a strong cultural, sporting & performing arts culture.
I would be committed to further develop programmes that challenge students so they can reach their potential, so that our children grow into successful life long learners.
