New Windsor School Board

The New Windsor School Board is comprised of 7 elected members, a staff representative, and the Principal.

The Board’s purpose is to “ensure every student at the school is able to attain their highest possible standard in education achievement”. This is achieved by setting good policies for the school, monitoring student achievement, and ensuring the school complies with legal and policy objectives. The Principal is the Board’s ‘CEO’, and is responsible for delivering on the strategic vision and policies set by the Board, who are intended to be a representative stakeholder group.

The Board operates as one but often forms smaller committee’s for different projects and pieces of work. The committee’s then reports back to the Board.

Board meetings are held twice a term on a Monday evening in the school office or staffroom. Dates and times for meetings are advised in the school newsletter. Board meetings are not public meetings, but meetings held in public which all New Windsor School parents are welcome to attend.

The Board, as representatives of the parents, welcome comments and suggestions which will make us a more effective school. Please contact our Board Secretary via email at botsec@newwindsor.school.nz with your feedback, or if would like to discuss Board related school matters.

Board Meeting Dates for 2025

Meeting 7 – November 3, 2025

Meeting 8 – December 8, 2025

Members

Presiding Member – Leah Ropati

Deputy Presiding Member – Anna Gilbert

Board Member – Altamash Mulla

Board Member – Akbar Hossain

Board Member – Nikita Thakkar

Kia ora, my name is Nikita.

As a proud parent of two children, one currently attending New Windsor School and the other soon to follow, I have a deep connection to the school and its community. I am incredibly grateful for the role the staff, teachers, and fellow parents have played in shaping my children’s growth and development. It is because of this positive experience that I am committed to supporting the school in any way I can.

For the almost past two years, I have had the privilege of serving on the school’s Board, working alongside a dedicated group of individuals who share a common goal: to provide the best possible learning environment for our students. During my time on the board, I have worked to ensure that every decision we make is centered around the students’ education, well-being, and success. Together, we’ve focused on strengthening academic outcomes, fostering a culture of inclusion, and supporting the mental and emotional health of our students.

One of my core beliefs is that every child deserves access to a high-quality education, one that not only nurtures their academic potential but also helps them develop into well-rounded, resilient individuals. As we look to the future, I am dedicated to continuing this work by focusing on three key areas:

Student Achievement: Ensuring that every child has the support, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed academically.

Safety and Wellbeing: Creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where all students feel valued and able to thrive.

Strategic Vision and Policy: Working within the framework of education laws and regulations to manage resources efficiently and set policies that align with the long-term goals of the school.

Beyond my work on the board, I am passionate about being actively involved in my family’s life. When I’m not immersed in school activities, I enjoy cooking meals for my loved ones and spending time with them. I also love exploring libraries across Tāmaki Makaurau.

I believe in the power of community and collaboration, and I am deeply committed to ensuring that New Windsor School remains a place where every student feels supported, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. Together, we can continue to create a learning environment where excellence is the standard, and every child is given the chance to succeed.

Board Member – David Emery

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Board Member – Selah Hart – Te Whānau Puawaitanga Representative

Ko Selah Hart tōku ingoa. He uri ahau nō Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Apa ki Te Rā Tō, Ngāti Koata, Rangitāne o Wairau, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Whakaue, me Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa.

I am a proud mother of tamariki who have been part of New Windsor Primary School’s bilingual unit, Te Whānau Puawaitanga, since 2016. In 2020, I was honoured to be invited to join the New Windsor School Board as a representative for Te Whānau Puawaitanga, and I am grateful for the continued support in the 2025 election that keeps me here for another term.

Originally from Wairau (Blenheim) in Te Tau Ihu, I have dedicated my career to Māori Health, beginning immediately after graduating from high school, where I worked in Non-Government organisations in Māori Health and Māori Public Health for 17 years, and over the past 3 years I now work in a National Leadership role in Hauora Māori for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.

I have held several governance roles across a range of NGO organisations, and am currently a Board member for one of my local iwi trusts, which ensures I tangiably contribute back to my iwi from afar.

Outside of my professional life, I cherish time with my children — sons Sione, Siuta, Sekope, and daughters Jordan and Jericho (twins), as well as Judea. I enjoy playing team sports, travelling, and spending time with friends and whānau.

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Board Member – Phonderly Siohane – Staff Representative

Faakalofa lahi atu,

I am of Niuean nationality and love engaging in any matters relating to Pasifika and all Pasifika Nations. I love learning about other countries languages and culture. I am able to speak 3 languages fluently. I am the Deputy Principal of New Windsor School and have been here for 10+ years. One of the important roles that I have is to work closely with the Principal supporting her in the day to day running of the school, and deputising for the Principal whenever the need arises. This is a role I absolutely love! My responsibility for the junior school (in both student well-being and academic progress) enables me to be in and out of classrooms on a daily basis which is another reason I love working at New Windsor School. Our children are just amazing, as are our parents and

community. My experience in being a School Board Member as the Staff Representative, is that I have been on 2 other School Boards in the same role over my 30+ years of teaching. New Windsor School is a great school where the people and children are its greatest asset!

Monu Tagaloa!

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Board Secretary – TBC

New Windsor School Board

New Windsor School Board

Members

New Windsor School

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