Board Members

My name is Stephen Tansey and I came here from England in 2005 to teach and be Head of Technology at the Kura. I was staff representative on the board for three years before I retired in 2014.  I see representation on the board as an opportunity to use the knowledge and understanding gained during 40 years of teaching to support the Kura and the Doubtless Bay community. I am currently privileged to be the Board Chair.

In retirement I enjoy sailing, golf, fishing and looking after my new home in Cooper’s Beach. I am also Treasurer at Mangonui Cruising Club and a member of local environmental groups.

Tēnā koutou katou

I am very fortunate to sit on the Board as the Tumuaki of Taipa Area School.  I arrived at Doubtless Bay on 28th January 2014.  I was appointed at Taipa Area School as the Physical Education teacher.  Term 1 2016 I was employed as the Deputy Principal and was appointed as Principal May 2021.

Living in Doubtless Bay means many of our students (and staff), enjoy the environment and lifestyle that the Far North has to offer.  (My down time is often spent on the water fishing from my kayak.)

At the heart of how we function, are our school values of, Manaakitanga, Painga and Mahitahi. We are a restorative community and are blessed with a rich history from our Ngati kahu iwi. Our school is proud to offer an education to all our tamariki that draws on and links them to our local community and environment.

Kia Ora
 
I am the proud father of 5 children with Richelle. We live in Taipa. Three of our children attend Taipa Area School with our two other children to follow.
 
I joined the Board to help ensure the school runs at its maximum potential so we can serve Far North Tamariki and prepare them for their future.
 
I am a local businessman and have been self-employed in Doubtless Bay for the past 7 years. I bring to the table the following:
– a readiness to ask relevant and challenging questions
– a qualified Finance professional
– a network of contacts
– a part time junior soccer coach/ref
– life experience (farming/hospitality/military/accounting/real estate)
 
Taipa Area School is an amazing school with HUGE potential and I am grateful for the opportunity to support the Principal, Teachers and the Board in their efforts.

Kia Ora

My name is Michael Erihe and I am in my second term as a Parent Representative on the Board of Trustees at Taipa Area School.

I currently have a granddaughter (mokopuna) in year five at Taipa. I reside in Oruaiti and our whanau marae is Aputerewa. My parents and grandparents are in the Wahitapu there. I whakapapa back to Ngati Kahu and Ngati Kahu Ki Whangaroaa through both my parents. I retired from Airways thirteen years ago and now supposedly have spare time on my hands.

Nga Mihi, Mike Erihe

Ko Māmaru te waka
Te Maire te awa
Tuanaki te maunga
Te Ahua te whenua
Ko Te Ahua te marae
Te Paatu te hapū
Ko Ngāti Kahu te iwi
Ko Pikaahu, ko Simeon, ko Himiona toku whānau tūpuna
No Whatuwhiwhi ahau
No Toatoa tōku kainga whenua
Ko Christian McDonald tōku ingoa

Mā tātau e mahitahi – mahi ko tahi – me te whakaaro hauora, mo te angitu ō to tātou taitamariki – ka oti te mahi. As we work together, with hauora in mind, for the success of our rangatahi – the work will be done. Mahia te mahi, hei painga mo te iwi. The success of our tamariki are not that of an individual, but that of our kaiako, our whanau, your whanau, our community, our hapū, your hapū, our iwi, your iwi.

Ko te piko te māhuri, Koia te tipu o te rākau. He rito tangata, he mauri reo, he mauri oro, he mauri ora. Mahi tu, mahi ora, mahi oro. To nurture, to grow, to stand strong and work together.

As the staff representative I look forward to working together with the hauora of our students at the centre.

Hi, I’m Regulus Simons, a Year 12 student at Taipa Area School. As one of the head students and Board representative, I’m committed to making positive changes that will help all students feel comfortable and safe. I’ve been attending Taipa since Year 7, and I’ve always aimed for this role. Recently, I had the privilege of attending Outward Bound, where I honed my leadership skills. Now, I’m working with Lexi Bradbury, our Environmental Leader, to help the local environment thrive.

The Secretary role is strictly administrative, Zinnia takes no part in discussions or decision making, unless it is to clarify or explain paperwork if specifically asked.

If you wish to make a submission to the board, or have questions regarding anything to do with the Board please contact Zinnia Smith on 4060159 ext 202 or email zinnias@taipa.school.nz