What is the role of the Board?
Every state and state-integrated school and kura in New Zealand has a Board that governs it.
The Board is a Crown entity. A Crown entity is an organisation that is part of New Zealand’s public sector.
The Board’s job is to see that everything that needs to be done gets done – legally, ethically, and as well as possible in the best interests of its students.
It is also the employer of all staff, including the principal, and sets the overall strategic direction for the school or kura. The principal is the Board’s ‘chief executive’ and manages the school or kura in line with the Board’s direction and policies.
What does the Board do?
First and foremost a Board is accountable for student progress and achievement to its parents, community and the Crown. The Board has the overall responsibility and accountability for the school or kura. The legal responsibilities of the Board are determined by the Education Act of 1989. Section 75 of the Act outlines the functions and powers of Boards:
The Board is elected every three years by parents and staff. It is comprised of five parent trustees elected by the parent community, the principal and one staff trustee elected by the school staff.
Here are some of the specific things Boards do:
- Set the strategic direction and long-term plans for the school or kura in consultation with the school or kura’s community.
- Monitor the Board’s progress against the charter goals and targets. Monitor and evaluate student progress and achievement.
- Oversee the management of staff, property, finances, curriculum and administration.
- A school’s Board must perform its functions and exercise its powers in such a way as to ensure that every student at the school is able to attain his or her highest possible standard in educational achievement
- Except to the extent that any enactment or the general law of New Zealand provides otherwise, a school’s Board has complete discretion to control the management of the school as it thinks fit. Ensure that government priorities are met. Fulfil the intent of the Treaty of Waitangi by valuing and reflecting New Zealand’s dual cultural heritage. Appoint and support the principal and assess their performance. Act as good employers to all staff at the school or kura.
For more information go to:
At Tirimoana School
The Board usually meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm in the school staffroom. Parents are welcome to attend.
Below are the current members of the Board and the Executive Officer who serves as the Board secretary.
School Parent Board Election Results September 2025
Our new Board will take office on the 17 September
Peter Kaiser
Principal
Mr Kaiser began his teaching career in 1975 training at Auckland Secondary Teachers College and the University of Auckland. He graduated with a BA in History, and post graduate studies in Education, Psychology and Anthropology. He has taught in a number of schools in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, at Secondary, Intermediate and Primary levels. As well, Mr Kaiser taught in Special Education for 5 years and completed a Diploma in Special Education. Mr Kaiser completed his Master of Education in Professional Studies with 1st class Honours at Auckland University. He has been Principal at Tirimoana School for over 25 years. He established and led the Te Atatu Community of Learning with 8 other West Auckland Schools.
Megan Connolly
Year 6 Teacher
Miss Connolly holds a Bachelor of Teaching and in 2020 completed a Master of Education Practice from the University of Auckland. She has been teaching in West Auckland for 8 years, including some time specialising in ICT and gifted and talented programmes. In the curriculum she is passionate about music, digital technologies and mathematics. Miss Connolly enjoys spending time with friends and family, volunteering at youth camps and working on craft projects."
Shirley Wensor
Executive Officer
Hi, my name is Shirley and I have been part of the Administration Team here at Tirimoana School since 1994. Over the years as well as working in the office in accounts I was able to garden 1 day a week with the Enviro Group for several Years. I am also the secretary for the Board of Trustees.
Anna Lemalu
Board Member
Kia Ora,
my name is Anna Lemalu and I’m looking forward to serving on the School Board and representing you and your children.
My husband and I have three children; one attends Tirimoana, one at University and our
youngest attends a local daycare.
I know that Tirimoana is a fantastic place for our children to be attending and I am genuinely excited
about contributing to the continuation of quality education, and ensuring that participation and
opportunities are available to all students, as well as making sure that staff have the right tools,
resources and support to accomplish this.
Professionally, I work as a Senior Forensic Scientist at ESR, a role I am very passionate about. Making
a contribution to, and building relationships within the local community is also very important to me.
Our family plays and coaches softball, attend swimming lessons and participate in Scouts.
Ben Wood
Board Member
Ko Mauao tōku maunga
Ko Tauranga tōku moana
Ko Huria tōku marae
Ko Ngāti Ranginui tōku iwi
Ko Ben Wood tōku ingoa.
Aleem Shah
Board Member
Kia ora and Bula!
My name is Aleem Shah. Rose and I are parents to Ayaan who attends Tirimoana School. Primary school is a foundation of a child’s education and the process of learning through which we acquire knowledge is gained through these years which will enlighten, empower, and creates a positive development. It also gives the all-round mental, physical, and intellectual growth and development of a child.
I was born and raised in Fiji, I relocated to New Zealand in 2002 after finishing my tertiary education and having worked for 2 years at Ministry of Health Fiji as Medical Imaging Technologist.
In New Zealand I have worked at Wanganui District Health and Wellington District Health Board before settling in Auckland where I took a clinical management role for 12 years with a private specialist cardiac facility.
My current passion, project and focus is on a Healthcare sustainability project through our recently established company called WE Square. The project aims to reduce the single use plastics generated by the medical system in New Zealand and ending up in the landfills. I am also the Managing Director of Heart International which is based in Fiji, and I also sit on the Board of trustees for Friends of Fiji Heart Foundation, a New Zealand registered charity Foundation, which provides lifesaving Heart surgeries for poor and needy people of Fiji.
I am honoured to be given the opportunity to work alongside staff and the students at Tirimoana and the wider community. I strongly believe that our Tamariki are our future. They need a solid education that gives them the skills they need to keep on learning throughout their lives. Their educational setting should mirror the racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity that makes up our wonderful land of the long white cloud - Aotearoa.
Its a privilege to be your voice and represent your Tamariki as a Board member at Tirimoana school.
Thank you
Kim Dolman
Board Member
Ko Kurahaupō tōku waka
Ko Maungapiko tōku maunga
Ko Pārengarenga tōku wahapū
Ko Ngāti Kurī tōku iwi
Ko Te Hiku o te Ika tōku marae
Ko Te Reo Mihi tōku whare
Ko Kim Dolman tōku ingoa.
My husband Sam and I are parents to Cameron, who is now in his second year and thriving in this incredible school environment.
It is my privilege to join the Tirimoana Board of Trustees and be part of a great team and I’m looking forward to working alongside staff members and yourselves to ensure the best outcomes for our tamariki.
Ngā mihi,
Kim
