2019 Common Election results
For 5 parent representatives
info Alphabetical order
We therefore declare the following duly elected:
Mrs Rachel Louise Griffiths, Mr Mark Clayton Guscott, Mr John Kirkup, Mr Grant Plumbley and Kirsty Shepherd.
Meet your representatives
Kia ora Martinborough School whanau and community - I am standing for the Board of Trustees because I would like to give back to this wonderful school and community. We moved to Martinborough in January 2018, and over this relatively short time we have felt truly welcomed and feel a real part of this humming community. My husband Pete and I have a 5yo daughter in the amazing Rewa Hub, and a 9mo son who will one day go to this school. I would love to be able to support Martinborough School to continue to work towards producing healthy, holistic thinking, environmentally and socially responsible children (and members of our community). Having worked in council roles for a large part of my career, I can offer skills in communication, community engagement, environmental sustainability and collaboration - all with a good dash of fun and humour. I am a self-confessed science (biodiversity) nerd and love geeking out about the amazing and unique environment and the raft of talented people that we are blessed to have in our midst here in the Wairarapa. What a place to bring up kids (even if one thinks sleep is for the weak at the moment)! We feel very lucky to be here and to have this opportunity to contribute to our school and wider community.
Hi, my name is Mark Guscott and I’m a 40-year-old sheep, beef and cropping farmer, married to Susannah. We have 3 children currently at Martinborough School; Olivia is year 8, Annabelle is in year 6 and Benjamin is in year 3. I wish to put my name forward for the Martinborough School Board of Trustees. As an employer, business owner and food producer, I believe I have a skillset that will aid the BOT. To run a growing and diversified farming business you need to be flexible, resilient, resourceful and courageous. I’m a fan of old sayings. Two that spring to mind are; “it takes a village to raise a child” and “the school is the heart of the community”. I feel the success of Martinborough School is reflective of the success of our community and I’ve enjoyed watching our community, local businesses and the school grow & develop over the last 10 years. Our children are the future of our community and country. They will be the leaders, thinkers and innovators of the future. If I’m elected, I’ll be looking to continue doing the great job that the out-going BOT has done, improving where possible, and helping the school to grow great young people.
Kia ora, I'm John Kirkup. My wife Penny and I moved to Martinborough 15 years ago and have brought up our 4 daughters here. Our twins Olivia and Christina had 8 great years at Martinborough school, and we still have Ella there in her last year and Sarah in her third. I work in Wellington at NZ Rugby, in the Participation and Development team. My role involves financial support, governance advice and relationship management with the Provincial Unions. I've been on the committees of both the Martinborough Squash and Tennis clubs, and I'm the current Chair of Wairarapa Tennis. Our family love living in Martinborough and the school has been a big part of that. We've seen the school grow through the direction shown by previous Boards, and the staff delivering a school environment which enhances our community. I'd like the opportunity to contribute to this great work, to ensure all our kids have the skills, values and confidence to prepare them for the opportunities ahead.
Kia Ora Martinborough School parents. Thank you for your time considering and voting in this election, and to those who voted me on to the current Board of Trustees. Over the 3 years I have held the role of the Health & Safety representative on the Board. Expanding this role from one focussed on physical health and safety of the environment, to one encompassing the Māori view of Te Whare Tapa Whā, the four key elements of Māori health and wellness; Taha Tinana (physical health), Taha Wairua (spiritual health), Taha Whānau (family health), and Taha Hinengaro (mental health). It is satisfying to see the influence of this view. As one of two new faces on the existing Board, I have enjoyed challenging the status quo, bringing a new perspective to Board discussions. The Ministry of Education provides opportunities for trustees to upskill and become familiar with the specific policies and procedures that are required. I have taken these opportunities and will continue if re-elected. The school is still, and should always be, in need of strong voices. Voices which are not afraid to ask tough questions from within a trusting, respectful, and collaborative environment. We are fortunate to have quality stakeholders that have been, and remain invested in Martinborough School. I hope to continue to resolve current, and identify further, challenges that the school faces. Working from a governance perspective to influence management within the scope imposed by the Ministry of Education. We have lived in Martinborough since 2013. My eldest son enjoyed his time at Martinborough School and began at Kuranui College this year. I have 3 other boys who also attend Martinborough School. Since returning from the UK in 2007 I have co-owned Willis Street Physiotherapy. I am a physiotherapist, but also work as our clinical governance manager, part of a management team that oversees 19 physiotherapists and supporting administration services. In the UK, I was fortunate to work alongside many talented colleagues within a variety of settings; gaining invaluable experience in the sports, performance, and corporate health sectors. I am passionate about the availability of local community health and wellness services, and also advocate for more public health utilisation of the private allied health sector. Over the past 3 years I have also sat on the Clinical Council at Capital & Coast District Health Board, representing the community allied health sector. Ngā manaakitanga Grant
My name is Kirsty Shepherd, I am delighted to be standing for my third term on the Martinborough School Board of Trustees. I was elected to the Board in 2013 and became Chairperson in 2014. I have significant governance experience and welcome the opportunity to continue to serve the school community on the Board. I have lived in Martinborough for 18 years. My husband Dave is the Viticulturist at both Te Kairanga and Martinborough Vineyard. Our children Thora and Jock attend Martinborough School. I have recently returned to part time work as a Senior Solicitor contracting to government legal teams. I have ten years’ experience as a government lawyer and have a strong interest in governance and accountability. This experience, and my excellent communication and interpersonal skills, have been useful in my work for the Board. I believe the school is a vital part of our community. It is essential that Martinborough School is strong and future focused. I bring practical, sound judgment and governance experience to the Board table. I look forward to continuing to work with the amazing team of staff, the Principal, and parents in the school community to ensure that we achieve the school’s vision for our children.
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