All of New Zealand’s state and state-integrated schools have a school board which is the Crown entity responsible for the governance of the school. The board:

• ensures every student can reach their highest possible standard in student achievement
• is the employer of all staff in the school
• sets the school’s strategic direction in consultation with parents, whānau, staff, students and the wider school community
• is responsible for overseeing the management of personnel, curriculum, property, finance and administration

School board members are active leaders in our schools. They have an important role of supporting strong professional leadership and ensuring effective teaching for all students through informed governance.

Parents/caregivers and people in the wider community can be parent representatives. School boards need to represent the diversity of their school communities to ensure a bright future for all our children.

The school board elections are the opportunity to vote for candidates who will make a positive difference for children’s education. We need more people willing to use their skills and experiences for the benefit of students!

The board has overall responsibility and accountability for the school/kura. School board’s legal responsibilities are determined by the Education and Training Act 2020. The Act sets out boards’ four primary objectives. These are ensuring student achievement for all of its students, including for those of differing needs, making sure the school is a safe place for all, and giving effect to the Treaty of Waitangi.

As part of its focus on these four objectives, boards’ responsibilities include:

• Setting the strategic direction for the school
• Protecting the school’s values
• Monitoring and evaluating student learning outcomes
• Approving policies
• Financial stewardship
• Building community engagement and support

It’s important to note that the board does NOT get involved in the day-to-day running of the school.

Every board member brings their own unique set of skills and experiences to the board.

As a member of our school board, you will need to work well in a team and have good communication skills. It can help to have an understanding of the education sector. You may have financial skills and experience in managing people, knowledge and understanding of particular communities within our school, or experience working within our school and wider community.

Every school board member is well-supported by NZSBA’s range of learning and development opportunities, their Advisory and Support Centre and their regionally based team of advisors.

Read more about NZSBA here

Before anyone becomes a school board member they must confirm they are eligible to be a board member. You can view the main reasons someone cannot be on a board here.

Our board meetings are held monthly between 5:30pm – 8:00pm.