Check your email inbox for communications from Election Pilot, the School Board appointed Returning Officer. If there is nothing in your inbox, check your spam/junk folder. It should be coming from : Election Pilot Mission Control <noreply@electionpilot.nz>
If you didn't have an email address registered with Te Kōwhai School, you will receive postal voting papers in the mail. Please check your mailbox.
Cast your vote from 13th August on, as per the directions contained in the pack sent from Election Pilot.  You can vote for up to 5 Parent Representatives.

Thank you to the 10 people who have put themselves forward be voted for.
The following candidate statements are as supplied to Election Pilot and communicated out in the voting pack. They are provided in this format so that you have the chance to read in a format that you are familiar with and can then cast your vote via the voting portal you were emailed on 13th August.
The candidates' are listed alphabetically, by surname, here.

 Hello, my name is Steve Carpenter, and I am standing for election to the Te Kowhai School Board. I have lived in Te Kowhai for over 4 years now, and our family is passionate about  its future. 
We have one child currently attending Te Kowhai School (year one) with another to follow in the coming years. 
My career background is in marketing and business ownership, owning an marketing agency based in Hamilton and I believe the skills I've gained in the business world strategic planning, leadership, financial oversight, and effective communication would be a valuable asset to our school's board.  I am passionate about our school's success and ensuring all our students have the best possible environment to learn, grow, and thrive. My goal is to support our dedicated staff and work collaboratively with parents and the wider community to ensure our school continues to be a safe, positive, and high-achieving place for all our tamariki. I love getting stuck in, being involved and getting things done.  
Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am committed to bringing a fresh perspective and a strong focus on community engagement to the board. Steve Carpenter 

Kia Ora, My name is Darryl Casley, and I’m putting myself forward for the Te Kowhai School Board of Trustees.
A bit about me — I grew up in Whitianga, where I spent much of my time enjoying the outdoors: surfing, wakeboarding, fishing, and mountain biking. In 2000, I moved to Hamilton to begin my working career — a move that not only opened the door to great professional opportunities but also led to meeting my partner Clare, when we were flatting together. I began my career as a refrigeration service engineer, which gave me a solid grounding in practical, mechanical thinking and problem-solving. Over time, I moved into leadership and am now Regional Manager for a large national company. My current role has strengthened my skills in business strategy, people management, and decision-making — all of which I believe are valuable in a governance role like this. 
After a four-year stint in Tauranga, Clare and I moved back to the Waikato and settled in Te Kowhai in 2012 — a decision we’ve never looked back on. We’re now proud parents to two boys, Fletcher and Parker, who are both making their way through Te Kowhai School. 
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed being involved in the community, particularly through coaching junior football since Fletcher was four. Supporting local kids and watching them grow in skill and confidence has been a real highlight for me. 
I’m standing for the Board because I want to give back to a school and a community that we feel lucky to be part of. I bring a practical, levelheaded approach to decision-making and a genuine commitment to supporting the success of all students and whānau. I see this role as an opportunity to be a voice not just for my own children, but for the wider Te Kowhai School community. 
Thank you for your time, and I would be honoured to serve on the Board of Trustees.
Regards, Darryl Casley 

 Kia ora e te whānau, I have been a parent representative on the board for two terms now, approximately 6.5 years, and if I am lucky enough to be elected again this would be my third term. 
I feel I bring a range of skills to the board with experience as a Mum, an HR professional and a business owner. I love to sew (cool stuff for my kids), photography, tramping and I see myself as someone who is organised, results driven, honest and people focused. 
In terms of my background, after graduating from The University of Waikato, Steve and I headed off on our OE, living in London for 3.5 years. On our return I joined Fonterra for eight years as a Business Partner in the recruitment team. I then moved to an HR consulting firm for a year before Steve and I decided we wanted a change of direction. With a young family we were looking for more balance and the flexibility to spend more time with our children. In September 2018 Steve and I opened Gumboots and Grasshoppers Childcare and Early Learning Centre in Te Kowhai. This was a huge achievement for us and is a business that we are hugely proud of. I have four children and have been a parent at Te Kowhai school since 2014. My oldest two (Keeley and Oscar) are now at high school in years 11 and 9, while my youngest two (Libby and Tessa) are in years 7 and 5 at Te Kowhai School.
Having my children at the school, and a local business with a focus on children’s learning, means I am heavily invested in seeing Te Kowhai school thrive and provide excellent learning outcomes for the children.
Ngā mihi nui, Catherine 

 I am putting myself forward for election to the board because I am deeply committed to the future of our children—my daughter Etta, my son Hadli, and every child in our community. This is my first time seeking a board position, but it reflects a growing passion I have for supporting our school, strengthening our community, and playing an active role in shaping the environment where our children grow, learn, and thrive.
As a parent, I see firsthand the importance of a supportive, inclusive, and forward-thinking school. I believe strong governance plays a vital role in making that happen. I care deeply about ensuring our school remains a place where every child feels safe, valued, and has the opportunity to reach their full potential—both academically and personally. I bring a fresh perspective, a willingness to learn, and a strong sense of responsibility. Currently, I’m actively developing my own skills and leadership through the Fonterra Governance Development Programme. This course has opened my eyes to how effective governance underpins success in any organisation, and I’m excited to bring that learning into a school setting. 
I also believe that community and school success are deeply linked, and I want to be part of building stronger relationships between families, staff, and the wider community. I am in a personal and professional growth phase, focused on becoming a more capable leader, listener, and contributor. I bring with me real-life experience of raising young children, managing challenges, and keeping long-term wellbeing in mind—qualities I believe are highly relevant on a board that supports a school community. 
In my day to day life as a dairy farmer I have developed many skills ranging from leadership, people management and financial literacy to ensure we run an efficient and profitable business where all the boats rise together and I feel these skills are adaptable to the board position. I'm also a keen rugby supporter ( being Welsh) I won’t claim to know everything, but I bring enthusiasm, integrity, and a strong desire to contribute. I’m ready to ask questions, work collaboratively, and keep the best interests of the students at the heart of every decision. I want to help ensure that the school Etta and Hadli are growing up in continues to be one where all children are inspired, challenged, and supported to become confident, kind, and capable people. 

 As a parent, I have had children at Te Kowhai school for the past 9 years, and will have children there for another 8, with my youngest starting soon. 
I am passionate about the future and the future of our children, and I want to be a part of shaping this by working with the school and the community to ensure our children have the best start possible. I am a lifelong learner, having completed two trade certificates, a Master's in Business Administration (MBA), and currently a member of the Institute of Directors (IOD). 
Through this journey, I have discovered a love for governance, and the positive impact it can have for organisations, because of this, I am currently a board member/trustee for the Hamilton Migrant Settlement Centre Trust (HMS Trust). I want to be able to bring the learnings from the IOD and HMS Trust to the school board. I hope to enrich the conversations, add knowledge, passion, and consistency to the board team, but most of all, I hope to offer my expertise so that our children will continue to receive the top-quality education Te Kowhai school is known for! 
When looking at the board profile and the portfolios held, I believe I would fit well into the property segment. Throughout my time in the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and in my trade roles, I have completed, designed, organised, and signed off on various types of preventative maintenance programs aimed at prolonging the life expectancy of our assets. This, in my mind, is a key balance for any organisation: how much to spend on maintaining assets vs new ones, and which of these gives better outcomes, in this case, to our children and the school.
If elected and given the opportunity to sit on the School board, I will apply the same effort, professionalism, and knowledge as I do in every other area of my life! Our children are our future, and it's a future I want to be part of shaping 

I’m standing for the Board because I’m interested in contributing to the direction and ongoing development of our school. 
I like to stay involved in the school community—whether through the PTA, volunteering at events, or coaching various sports teams. Being active around the school gives me a good understanding of what’s happening day to day, and I enjoy supporting both students and staff in a hands-on way. 
Outside of school, I’m involved in business, and I bring a practical, strategic mindset to any team I’m part of. I see joining the Board as an opportunity to combine my governance experience, community involvement, and business skills to help support good decision-making and positive outcomes for our school. 

 My name is Tim Perrin, I live locally in Te Kowhai with my partner Anna and two sons Fergus (LC3) and Lachie (LC2).  Over the past three years, I have been actively involved with Te Kowhai School, having coached both of my sons in their respective soccer teams while concurrently serving on the school board, managing the finance portfolio. 
I have really enjoyed the hands-on nature of this role and believe the experience I’ve gained will be a strong asset to the incoming board, helping ensure a smooth transition and continuity. 
Professionally, I’m a physiotherapist and business owner with clinics in Huntly and Ngaruawahia, serving the wider Waikato region. Through business ownership in smaller semi-rural settings, I understand and appreciate the absolute importance of community relationships and see Te Kowhai school as forming the centre of our fantastic local community. I’m excited about the opportunity to continue contributing to the board and supporting the ongoing growth and excellence of our students and staff.
Thank you for your consideration. 

Nathan Spitzer – Board of Trustees Candidate
I enjoy being part of the Te Kōwhai community, where my wife and I have lived for the past 11 years. We have two children currently attending Te Kōwhai School, one in Year 4 and one in Year 2. 
The school has given our kids a great start in learning and has connected our whole family with the wider community. Professionally, I’ve spent over 20 years in the building industry and have been running my own businesses for most of that time. That experience has given me solid skills in budgeting, negotiating, problem solving and managing people; all things I believe are valuable when it comes to school governance. I’m someone who likes to get things done and I’m not afraid to ask questions or offer a different perspective when needed.
Outside of work, I’ve always enjoyed being involved in the community. I’ve been a volunteer firefighter in Ngāruawāhia for the past 10 years and previously spent four years as part of the Te Kōwhai Community Group. These roles have taught me the importance of teamwork, communication, and thinking about what is best for people.
I’m putting my name forward for the board because I care about the future of our school. I want to support our families, teachers and staff, help manage the growth of the school in a sustainable way, and make sure we’re getting good value for every dollar spent. 
If elected, I’ll bring a practical mindset, a collaborative approach, and a willingness to listen. I’ll work hard to represent the voices of our school community and help shape a school that continues to be a safe, positive, and welcoming space for children and their families. 
Thanks for taking the time to read a bit about me. I’d be honoured to contribute to the future of Te Kōwhai School and I appreciate your consideration.
Nathan Spitzer. 

 Kia ora whānau, My name is Nicole Watkins and I’m currently serving on the Te Kōwhai School Board and am putting myself forward for reelection.  My current role on the Board is supporting with communications as well as the school strategy.  
My husband and I have two children; one who is attending the kura – Thomas in LC5 – and our daughter Isla who attended in 2024 and is now at high school.
I am currently the General Manager, People and Capability at Tatua with Board and Committee responsibilities, and have over 15 years of senior leadership experience, including key roles at Fonterra such as their General Manager, People and Capability for New Zealand Manufacturing and a strategic commercial role working across their divestments, mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures.  My experience in both corporate leadership and growing up around education—thanks to my parents’ work in academia and with the Education Review Office—has shown me how important good governance is in helping tamariki thrive. 
I’m excited for another opportunity to provide further Governance to the kura, that prioritises wellbeing and learning for both tamariki and their teachers. 

 Kia ora e te whānau, I’m Kate – a Te Kōwhai School parent, communications and marketing leader, and a firm believer in the power of education to set our kids up for happy, meaningful lives.
If you know me, you might know that I have three kids (aged 6, 4, and 1), that I can rap all the words to Lose Yourself by Eminem, that I once competed at Horse of the Year, and that I’m surprisingly good at juggling (literally, and in life!). What you might not know is why I’d make a strong representative for you on the Te Kōwhai School Board. I’m a thoughtful problem-solver, and someone who values clarity and inclusion. I care about the role our school plays in raising confident, curious, and capable kids, and believe parents should feel informed and connected to their child’s learning - especially now, in a time of change across the education sector with government reforms and rapid shifts in technology. Professionally, I’ve spent my career in communications and strategy, building brands, and advising leadership teams and boards – from global companies to some of New Zealand’s most successful tech start-ups – helping teams grow their impact, communicate clearly and navigate change, while staying grounded in their values. 
Through my career I’ve learned how to ask the right questions to support good decision-making, bring together diverse perspectives, and build effective long-term strategies.  From a governance perspective, I believe a great board leads with insight, efficiency, empathy, and strong community connection – and is committed to ensuring our hardworking principal and staff have what they need to help every child succeed. 
Te Kōwhai School is such a special place for our kids and the wider community. I’d be proud to help protect and strengthen what makes it so unique, and I look forward to taking that on for you.
Thank you so much for your consideration.
Ngā mihi nui, Kate Webby 

As there was one candidate, Amy Benton is duly declared the Staff Representative seat.

Juliet Dickinson, as Principal, is automatically a Te Kōwhai School Board Member.

Here is the link to the current Te Kōwhai School Board as per the School Website.

Should you need to communicate regarding the elections, you are welcome to email the Te Kōwhai  School Board Minute Secretary, Lee Slomp lee@tekowhai.school.nz