16 nominations for Raetihi BOT

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 441, 23 June 1992, Page 11

16 nominations for Raetihi BOT

Raetihi School has received 16 nominations for the election of members of its board of trustees. Following are the names, with a brief outline on each person. (Editor's note: For reasons of space many of the profiles, submitted by candidates, have been heavily edited). Peter Anderson has lived in Raetihi most of his life, the past 14 years farming in the Mangaeturoa Valley. He is married and has two daughters, one at school and one soon to start. "As a parent I feel that quality education is very important for all children. If elected I would strive to give all children equal education." Hemi Biddle works at Winstone Pulp Mill. He qualified with the New Zealand Army in the warehousing and purchasing fields. He is married with one child. and has supported school galas, sports days, and has been involved with the bilingual unit. "My reasons for standing are simply to ensure that my child and others are carefully but surely brought through the education system to be able to support themselves toward their adult lives." Peter Barnes is a 41-year old married father of two primary school age children. "We have lived in Raetihi for three years since becoming the minister at the RaetihiOhakune Baptist Church. "I enjoy the strong sense of community identity and participation that we have experienced in living here. I have been involved with the school as a parent representative on the PTA helping with sports coaching (rugby and softball and teaching Bible-in-schools). I am still a keen (though slowing) basketball and squash player and enjoy doing up old bicycles. "I would like to be a member of the Board ofTrustees in order to have a voice in the direction of my children's education and to represent the wishes of parents in the community," he said. Ethne Carmichael was born and bred in Raetihi. "I have been a Board of Trustee member at Ruapehu College for the past two and a half years, being chairperson of the Property subcommittee and have associated with both Liaison and more recently Finance sub-commit-tees. Over the past 5 years I have been on the College PTA of which I am presently chairperson. "As I have children attending both College and Primary my main concern is that the'y receive the best education available to them and all children through the implementation of Tomor-

row's Schools'. Jim Corbett, local doctor, has four children - one at school and three 'approaching'. "I have a keen interest in the future of my children 's education and in our local school in particular, wishing to see education and behavioural standards maintained." "I have worked with people and have been involved in groups previously where decisions have had to be worked at. I am readily approachable and consider myself fair in dealing with anyone's particular concerns and background." Lorna Haomi is Raetihi born and raised and is a former pupil of Raetihi Primary School. She has taught as a Junior Assistant in Maori Schools and, as a reliever in Public Schools from 19791989, was employed at Carrington Polytechnic as: ACCESS Liaison Tutor, Counsellor, Learning Assistance Tutor, Administrator, Classroom Tutor. In 1982 she became an Associate Member of the Institute of Training and Development (AMITD) London. Her involvement with Raetihi School is as a member of the Special Needs Committee. "I have a whangai, mokopuna and whanau attending the School. I was also the school's unofficial truant officer. I am currently employed by Tamaupoko as a Maori Community Health Worker. "If elected I will ensure that the School upholds its commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunities abound for all children." Stuart Haitana is standing because he is "deeply concerned with the cultural, educational

and physical welfare of our children and wishes to help create an atmosphere where (all) can work in harmony and give our children the education they deserve." He has served on the school committee and has been involved in school activities often, organising youth activities. He said he has managerial skills. Rick Harding, local pilot, with two daughters, one at Raetihi School and one soon to start. Reason for standing: "I believe children nowadays must have the best education possible to have a chance of a reasonable way of life in the future." This includes a good basic primary education. He has worked in New Zealand and overseas as a fixed wing and helicopter pilot; has a farming background; and was educated at Ruapehu College. Gall Imhoff was born and initially schooled in Raetihi. She has been involved in community work for 11 years, first as a volunteer and now as an early childhood community worker for Ruapehu REAP. She has two children at Raetihi School. She is on the PTA and bilingual unit committees. "Recently I have been extremely concerned about proposed changes to special education services in our schools and am involved in getting the best we can for our children." "I have a strong commitment to biculturalism and equity for all children." Graham Keith is 45, has two children currently at Raetihi School and has two older children who also went there. His interests in Raetihi School are: policy mak-

ing, curriculum, continuing education for teachers, financial management, special needs and remedial education. "I believe the purpose of a primary school is, in co-operation with parents, to help children to become healthy, self sufficient, well balanced and resourceful people." Keith Leary has been a co-opted member on the Board of Trustees for the last three months. "I am interested in my children's education and I feel that being involved as a member of the board is a way that I can contribute and voice my concerns on educational matters. I have also been involved on other committees over previous years and I feel I can put my experiences in handling financial matters and dealing with people and their concerns to advantage on the Board of Trustees." Mark McCarthy, 32, operates McCarthy's Transport, employing 83 people. He has lived in Raetihi 28 years, attending Raetihi Primary School. He has two children at the school. and two to follow. Reasons for standing: To ensure obtaining and use of every available resource for the betterment of each child. and "to encourage the continuing development of school policy to ensure the children of Raetihi are as well prepared as any New Zealand child." He promises fair consideration of every BOT item. Michael Maxwell, a Waiouru army soldier, who has been in the Army for 16 years, 13 in the logistics trade. He has been an instructor with the School of Administration and has for the last four years held a

managerial role in stores accounting, responsible for 59 staff. He has lived in Raetihi for six years and has two daughters at Raetihi School. He said he wishes to take a more active interest in his children's education , and feels his practical experience will be of benefit to the Board of Trustees. Catherine McLean, a mother with three children, one at Raetihi School. She has lived in the Waimarino 18 years; has been a member of the Raetihi School Committee serving on the caretaker, cleaners, grounds and maintenance subcommittees; she has been a member of the PTA and was employed as a teacher's aide in 1990. She runs the school canteen on Fridays and helped with school uniform organisation. R Voon served 20 years in the Malaysian Defence Forces. Returned early, leaving at rank of major. Attended Defence Forces Staff College. Last three years being an elected trustee of Ruapehu College. His partner's family has 40 years association with the school. He believes he has something to contribute to the future direction and well being of the school. Outdoor education is a special interest and

"proper propagation and enhancement of education in general is of particular concern." Annette Winter has been a co-opted board member, and believes that she has been effective in voicing to the board, concerns of many parents. "I am a mokopuna (grandchild) of Samuel and Julia (nee Bird) Araitanga, a third generation child, who like many of my whanau (family) have had the privilege of attending Raetihi Primary School.

She is administrator for the Life/workskills Access Module in Raetihi; is an insurance agent, and a part-time distributor for Herbalife products. "My reasons for seeking election are: a deep concern for the future of our children's education; to see that equity prevails throughout our School; to see the voice of parents heard and responded to. "I am privileged to be able to move and converse in both cultures comfortably".