The Board of Trustees

The current members of the Awatapu College Board of Trustees are: 

Liz Ward
Board Chair 

Tēnā koutou katoa. This is my second term on the Awatapu College Board of Trustees and I am excited to continue my role as Parent Representative. I believe that it is important to have a servant heart and have found being on the Board a great way to serve this community, which I am privileged to be a part of. My daughters attended Awatapu and I strongly believe that the schools philosophies helped them achieve their best. My decision to stand for the Board was influenced by a desire to ensure that other students continue to have the same opportunities they did. I am passionate about every student achieving a secondary education that will give them the skills they need for their future and firmly believe that everyone has their own special talent. I think the Awatapu model of seeing each student as an individual is a great way of achieving this. As a Board member, I hope to enable the College staff to continue and improve the positive teaching culture in our school.

Vili Igatia
Parent Representative

Fakalofa lahi atu, Tena koutou katoa, Talofa lava, Kia Orana, Malo e lelei, Taloha ni, Ni sa Bula vinaka! As a parent of the school, I have a strong connection to Awatapu College and I am proud of the successes the College has made. My current career as Team Leader working with at-risk youth and children means I am passionate about our children succeeding and appreciate the inclusive, community-orientated environment that exists at the College. My roles as a parent, social worker, minister and community leader have adequately prepared me for serving on the Board of Trustees and I look forward to supporting the leadership team in advancing the educational goals and needs of our children.

Kerry Rickard
Deputy Chair

As a parent of two children at the College, I am impressed with the culture, spirit and opportunities offered at the school and appreciate the school’s commitment to providing the right environment for our young people to strive. My working life has been previously as a Primary School Teacher and Principal for 22 years. I am currently serving as a Pastor in a local Church. With these experiences, I understand the dynamics of community and of the education system, and I am excited to be part of the College’s continued growth and development in our ever changing and challenging community. 

Jonathan Spencer
Parent Representative

Having worked in the education sector in the UK and later as Board Chair at Aokautere School, I understand firsthand the barriers to education and am passionate about supporting students succeed in their educational goals. As a father of three, my life is centred around family - a ethos shared by the College. I am currently the Chair of the charity MentorEd which supports children who are having difficulties at home or school by providing support, activities and resources, aiming to raise their self esteem, resilience, perseverance and promote the benefits of education. Through these roles, I have gained a great insight into the inner workings of the education system and I am excited to use these experiences to make a positive difference at our school.

Heather Todd
Parent Representative 

I have a strong understanding of how school governance works, I’ve been on the West End School Board for the past 6 years, including being the co-Chair, taking care of their finance portfolio and have supported policy development and property projects. I have found being part of the board very rewarding and an excellent way to give back to the school community.  A board requires people with a mix of talents and skills, and I believe I have knowledge and skills to make a valuable contribution. I work as an IT consultant and have a background in strategic planning, process improvement, people leadership and technology. I also have useful experience as a member of the Institute of Directors and working with the Springboard Trust, which runs training, mentoring and support for principals and school leadership teams to help them be successful in leading their schools.

Gary Yeatman
Principal

I have 20 years teaching experience (History and Economics) and have taught in the Wellington and Hawkes Bay regions. Before starting at Awatapu College as Principal, I was the Associate Principal at Feilding High School. I really enjoy the way staff at the College work to ensure that the needs of individual students are met. Our focus is on success for the individual; whatever form that takes.

Bruce Reiche
Staff Representative

I am proud to represent and serve the staff on the Board of Trustees. I have been involved with the school for a number of years, both as a member of staff and as a parent of the school. During this time I have worked as a senior manager, dean, academic dean and specialist classroom teacher. Having worked in these roles, I understand the challenges which occur within the school community and will bring insight and perspective to the table at Board meetings. I am invested in the school and its ethos, but, more importantly, in ensuring the Board leads in such a way as to create a great working environment and positive learning space for our students.
 

Sophie Dobson
Student Representative