Every 3 years Ōtaki College runs its Board of Trustees elections, and the next one is coming up this September. I’ve been lucky to serve two-terms on the Board and wanted to share some reflections that might inspire you or members of your whānau or community to consider standing for election in September.

I’m a busy working Mum who loves to give back to the community BUT, work, the commute and associated travel around the country make it hard for me to commit to regular weekly, after school, weekend, or evening stuff like sport (I’m also not very good at sport!). Being on the Board has been an amazing way to contribute, in a small way, to the future of our community. The students and staff at our college constantly re-affirm hope for me in a world that’s often dominated by some horrific headlines and issues. Every day the staff and students are doing amazing stuff and growing a community of resilient, thoughtful, practical, and kind people.

Serving on the Board of Trustees has opened many opportunities for me to grow and thrive as an individual and as part of a school community. Our job as Board of Trustees is to provide governance that ensures students receive a quality education within a safe and supportive environment. The Board is the employer of all staff in the school, and we set the school's strategic direction in consultation with Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki, parents, staff and students. We are also responsible for overseeing the management of personnel, curriculum, property, finance, and administration and, we are made up of elected members, including student, staff and Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki representatives.

As a Board member you get exposed to lots of things, training in governance, local kawa, tikanga, history and culture, future education, and curriculum development. Through Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa – New Zealand School Boards Association (formerly NZSTA) the professional body for school boards - members can access tailored training resources, events and courses that cover topics such as legal responsibilities, financial management, and strategic planning, equipping you with the tools to help make effective decisions.

I have found this training often extends beyond the school setting and has helped me develop skills that have been valuable in my personal and professional life. It’s kept me grounded and connected to what’s happening in our community and allowed me to be involved and helpful in ways that work with my home situation. It’s very rewarding when you get to observe first-hand positive changes resulting from your collective efforts, for example supporting Andy and the Senior Leadership Team with the strategic move to Deep Learning and this weekend Matariki Night Market.

So, come September the school will be calling for support for the next 3-years with its Board of Trustees.  If you’re interested, on the fence or have any questions I, or any of the other current Board members Ōtaki College |Te Kāreti o Ōtaki - Board of Trustees, would be happy to take questions or have a chat. Honestly, it’s such a good experience,  you’ll have fun be helpful and get so much out of it – please consider and go for it!!

Sarah Ropata, Deputy Chair, Ōtaki College Board of Trustees