Our School Board

All of New Zealand's state schools have a School Board. The School Board is the Crown entity responsible for the governance and the control of the management of the school, and are accountable for the school’s performance.

The school board is responsible for determining the strategic direction in which the school is heading (in consultation with parents, staff and students). The board must also ensure that its school provides a safe environment and quality education for all its students. Boards are also responsible for overseeing the management of personnel, curriculum, property, finance and administration.

The Principal is the board's chief executive in relation to the school's control and management. The Principal is required to comply with the board's general policy directions; but has complete discretion to manage the school on a day to day basis.

What does the School Board do?

Every Board must prepare and maintain a School Charter. The purpose of a School Charter is to establish the mission, aims, objectives, directions, and targets of the Board in relation to the Government’s national education guidelines (NEGs), national administration guidelines (NAGs) and the Board’s local priorities.

The school board has the overall responsibility for the school, including meeting certain legal obligations, responsibility for property, personnel, financial management, reporting to the Ministry and school community, and meeting national requirements set by the Ministry of Education. It must also monitor and report annually on its progress towards those goals.

Meet our current Board Members

Parent Rep: Sarah Christie

Hi, my name is Sarah Christie, I have three kids, all at Waiau Pa School, Jack, Benjamin & Danielle. Together with my husband Brett we live in Waiau Pa & have done since 2016.

I work part time as a design consultant for David Reid Homes & the rest of the time I can be found coming & going from school & other local places, as I shuttle the kids around & generally navigate busy family life.

In my spare time I enjoy playing netball for the local club, go the Waiau Pa Rebelz! Reading, catching up with friends & family & just generally soaking up the lifestyle we enjoy out here.

I grew up in Christchurch, which is where I received all my education, I never attended a rural school & got to participate in calf club or anything like that. I think our kids are so lucky to have the rural school experience here. I love loving here in Waiau Pa & enjoy the close-knit community we have, the relaxed lifestyle & country feel.

As a parent representative on the board, please feel free to approach me formally or informally at any time. I believe every child deserves a quality education & as part of the board I will support the school to deliver this to all our children.

Parent Rep: Ruth Durno

Kia ora, ko Ruthie tōku ingoa.

I’m originally from Scotland, born and raised in rural Aberdeenshire—an area very similar to Clarks Beach, but with much more rain and snow!

I’m a proud mum to three amazing little humans, two of which are at the school and one still to join. Beyond raising my crew, I’ve spent over 20 years working in the People and Culture space, where I’m passionate about driving operational transformation and cultural change.

Diversity and inclusion are close to my heart. As a parent to Māori children, I’m committed to normalising tikanga Māori and Te Reo in everyday life.

I love connecting with the local community and enjoy to working alongside the school and parents to create an amazing learning environment for our tamariki and kaiako. I aim to represent our wider community as best I can.

Kōrero mai if you see me around the school herding my kids!

Parent Rep: Grant White

My name is Grant White, and I am a parent to two children—Evelyn, who is in year three, and Harvey, who will be starting in 2026. We have been part of this wonderful community for several years and appreciate the supportive atmosphere it provides.

I am committed to ensuring our primary school plays a positive role in shaping the future of all the children, helping them become the best they can be. I firmly believe that primary schools lay the foundation for our kids' lifelong learning and success. I am committed to supporting not only the children but also the dedicated teachers and support staff, ensuring they have the resources and encouragement they need to provide the highest standard of education.

I am excited to be involved in supporting the school and contributing to its ongoing success. As a parent, I enjoy discussing what’s happening around the school, so feel free to stop me for a chat anytime!

Staff Rep: Monique Fausett

Hello, I'm Monique Fausett and I have the honour of representing the staff on the school board. As the leader of Rimu Syndicate, I've been teaching at Waiau Pa School for seven years.

My family and I are proud to call ourselves members of the school community, as both of our children attend here - Miela in Year 6 and Molly in Year 4. We also enjoy living on our small lifestyle block in Franklin where we've been residents for eleven years. Being a part of a small country school allows me the wonderful opportunity to see my children every day, while knowing that they are in the exceptional care of experienced and skilled teachers. I feel blessed to have the ability to support them throughout their educational journey, such as during school trips, sports events and learning celebrations.

I gladly serve on the School Board because I am passionate about helping our school shape students into well-rounded individuals who can overcome any obstacle and make positive contributions to the world. It brings me great joy to know that the school provides so many opportunities and experiences that enable our students to achieve just that.

Principal: Lori Mravicich

Tēnā koutou katoa. As the principal of Waiau Pā School, I consider it is my honour and privilege to serve on the school board. My passion lies in creating an educational landscape that is both inclusive and innovative, ensuring that every ākonga has the opportunity to thrive. I am dedicated to fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated, and creativity is encouraged.

I look forward to working collaboratively with this board to continue advancing our mission of excellence in education, and to support our hard working kaiako and tamariki in reaching their fullest potential. Kia ora!

Our School Board typically meets on Thursdays, on Week 3 and Week 8 of each term at 5:30pm.
Meetings are open to the public, however, they are not public meetings where everyone has the right to speak.
Speaking rights can be granted in advance by the Board Presiding Member.
Sometimes parts of Board meetings are closed to the public when the board is discussing confidential matters.

To contact our Board Chairperson - please email: bot@waiaupa.school.nz

Annual reports are required to be submitted to the Ministry of Education by 31 May.

A board must ensure that its annual report is available to the public on an internet site maintained by or on behalf of the board.
You can find our Annual Report here

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