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Kevin Snowdon – Chairman
I am committed to healthy communities; effective work places, and have a passion for sustainable, wealth creating and just outcomes. Having worked for several years towards protecting Lake Taupo, I have a proven record for seeking the long term best for Taupo.
With many years forest management and planning, I am now excited by the opportunities for rural development via green chemicals and bio-energy, a sector that NZ will depend on as we move from a fossil-fuel driven economy. It is my goal to ensure that Taupo and NZ engage and maximize the opportunities apparent via this transition.
Part of my appreciation of Taupo is the hinterland, including our great Lake, the mountains and scenery that we could so easily take for granted. Somewhat more slowly than I used to, I enjoy tramping the region.
Undoubtedly, my understanding of education is enriched through being married to Bronwyn, an experienced and passionate teacher. I look forward to contributing my talents and experience to the BOT at Tauhara College as it moves towards being a provider of excellent education for our children.
Mich’eal Downard – Deputy Chairman
Hi, my name is Mich’eal Downard. I have lived in Taupo for the past 20 years, but originally come from the small town of Taihape. Having arrived in Taupo with nothing, I started work in the menswear store, Village Squire. Today I am a successful business owner and an active community leader.
I have been married to my beautiful wife Tania for 17 years and we have five children. Our eldest, Mikaela, is in her second year at Tauhara College and the other four children attend Hilltop School. All of our children will attend Tauhara College, with our second daughter Taylor starting in 2011.
I am involved in many community organizations covering a range of areas. I am currently serving as or a member of:
· Taupo District Councillor
· Chairman of the Board of Trustees Hilltop School
· Taupo Youth Council
· Police Blue Light Committee
· Search and Rescue Taupo
· St Johns Area Committee
· Jeet Ku Do Karate Committee
· Nuki Boxing Club Committee
· King Country Rugby Disciplinary Board
· Sports Advisory Council
· Citizens Advice Bureau
· Taupo Dog Obedience Club
I am very passionate about our youth and giving them the best possible start in life. I am a down to earth person who makes decisions based on common sense and fairness. I have a ‘roll up my sleeves and get stuck in’ attitude, and rather than sitting around moaning. I like to get involved and get the job done.
It is because of these attributes that I feel I will be an asset on the Board of Trustees at Tauhara College.
Brenda Pilkinton – Teacher Representative
Marika Allen-Jennings – Student Representative
Paul Dawson – Board Member
I feel it’s an exciting time to be part of the Tauhara College community. The school has been through some dramatic changes in the past few years but has come out of them well and through good leadership, structure and management is now a school students, parents, staff and the greater Taupo Community can be proud of.
I am proud to be a member of the current Board of Trustees and am looking forward to the challenges ahead. I have two children; my oldest son George is a Year 10 student at Tauhara and I have a younger son James who is currently at Hilltop but will start at Tauhara in 2011.
Although this is my first board appointment I have had considerable experience with a variety of projects at other schools over the past 7 years, I am on the committee of Taupo Cricket, have a role within the Lake Taupo Yacht Club’s Junior Development Programme and have involvement with many other local and community projects and events. I have worked as a pilot for Air New Zealand Link subsidiary Eagle Air since the airline opened a base in Taupo in January 2001, although I have lived locally since 1993. In the spare time I do have I enjoy mountain biking and skiing and get a great thrill watching my children and the teams they represent play sport.
I look forward to working with the greater school community and hope that we are able to provide our Tauhara students with a fantastic learning and social environment in which they will grow and develop into positive and successful young adults and become future leaders within our community.
Please feel comfortable about talking to me at any time with suggestions, thoughts or enquires you may have about the school and its future direction.
Allan Moss – Board member
I am a second term parent representative with a Year 10 student (Jamen) at the College. My principle areas of work focus include consultation; property matters including new projects, resource management issues and promotions/marketing. I promote transparent and practical governance and am particularly concerned for the well being of underachieving and special needs students. I am accessible and freely available to discuss any issues of concern with any parents or caregivers and am committed to ensuring that the students at Tauhara College are given every opportunity to excel and flourish.
Linda Duncan – Board member
I have recently been co-opted onto the Board due to the resignation of Rose Stevens. I was born in Taupo so I consider myself a “true” local of this beautiful town. I am married to Wayne and have three children, Adam who left school last year and Mark and Olivia who currently attend Tauhara College. I bring to the board 15 years experience in school finances and the administering of such. I have a clear understanding of MOE funding, staffing, property, budgets, accounting requirements and reporting . Sound management of the school’s finances is crucial in ensuring our children get the best education possible through wise spending of resources, property and support. I am honored to be part of the school’s governance team and look forward to offering my support to children, staff and parents alike.
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