New Windsor School Board
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
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
