Board of Trustees

Guiding Whitiora with Purpose and Care

At Whitiora School, our Board of Trustees (BoT) plays a vital role in the life of our kura. The board is responsible for the overall performance of the school and ensuring that we meet all our legal and policy obligations. But more than that, our board is deeply committed to the wellbeing and success of our tamariki, staff, and whānau.

Working closely with our school leaders, staff, and community, the board helps to set the long-term vision for Whitiora and supports the planning and decision-making that leads to positive outcomes for our learners. Their mahi is grounded in our school values of whanaungatanga (building strong relationships), manaakitanga (care and respect), and kaitiakitanga (guardianship of our people, place, and future).

If you’re curious about the role of the Board of Trustees or would like to learn more about how governance supports our school community, we welcome you to get in touch with our Board Chair, Annika Going, through the school office.

  • Board Of Trustees Parent Representative

  • Board Chairperson

    agoing@whitiora.school.nz

    Kia Ora

    I was born and raised in South Auckland, Otara and came to the Waikato in 2011. I have worked in education, becoming qualified in Early Childhood, soon after leaving school. I then became a Tertiary Educator and a National NZQA Moderator.

    I was elected onto the Board in 2012 when my son, who whakapapa back to Ngati Pakau was a student at Whitiora.

    I am looking forward to being a part of the next phase of the Whitiora School journey and working alongside my awesome fellow board members.

  • Board Of Trustees Staff Representative

    bwatene-elsbury@whitiora.school.nz

    Teenaa koutou katoa,

    Ko Pirongia me Moehau nga Maunga

    Ko Waipa me Waihau nga Awa

    Ko Tainui te Waka

    Ko Waikato me Hauraki me Maniapoto nga Iwi

    Ko Ngaati Maahanga me Ngaati Maru nga Hapu

    Ko Te Kaharoa me Matai whetu nga Marae

    Noo Waikato ahau

    Ko Brianna tooku ingoa

    Kei Taupiri tooku kainga

    No reira teenaa koutou, teena koutou, teenaa koutou katoa

    Kia Ora Whaanau, I’m Whaaea Brianna also known as Whaaea Bri. I joined Whitora Primary school in Jan 2023. Children are my passion and I love to see them thrive within the learning environment. In Koowhai Kaakano we love Learning Through Play and Art. But we know that our mahi always comes first. In my spare time I am a mumma to 2 who are growing up way too fast! I also love Camping, playing Indoor Netball and Fishing with my whaanau and friends. 

    I have an open door policy to whaanau in my class and welcome any koorero about their tamaiti’s learning. 

    Ngaa mihi nui

    Whaaea Bri

  • Tumuaki - Principal

    rbiddle@whitiora.school.nz

    Kapu-te-rangi me Tirotirowhetu ngā maunga
    Ohinemataroa me Te Kakaho ngā awa
    Ngāti Hokopū me Ngāi Tūranga ngā hapu
    Ngāti Awa me Ngāi Tūhoe ngā iwi
    Mataatua te waka
    Ko au tenei

    What a great opportunity it is to be a leader of Whitiora School. We are in an exciting time of change where we are focusing on a curriculum based on hauora/ wellbeing and strength based learning.

    I am originally from the beautiful Whakatāne and connect to the local iwi Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Te Whakatōhea and Te Whānau a Apanui.

    It is a privilege and honour to be working amongst a talented and skilled staff and connecting with our tamariki, their whānau and the wider Whitiora School community.

  • Board Of Trustees Parent Representative

  • Board Of Trustees Parent Representative

    Kia ora,

    My name is Harmanjot Kaur and I am a proud mum of two tamariki. One of my children has recently started at Whitiora School, and he is absolutely loving it. I am truly amazed by the school’s warm environment and the strong sense of kinship. At Whitiora, we celebrate cultural diversity and the strong bonds within our community, something I deeply value as a person.

    I work in healthcare at Te Whatu Ora and I am training to become a physiotherapist. My professional background has strengthened my belief in a “healthy bodies, healthy minds” approach for our tamariki, which I see as just as important as their academic success. I bring with me an understanding of how wellbeing, balance, and support can help children thrive not only in their learning, but also in life. These values guide me in everything I do and are what I hope to contribute in this role.

    Ngā mihi,

    Harmanjot Kaur

  • Board Of Trustees Secretary

    Faatalofa atu i lo outou paia,Malo le soifua manuia 

    I have been privileged to have the opportunity to return to Whitiora School after being away for two years and I am so grateful to be able to return back to our beautiful kura. I was born and raised in tamaki makaurau and moved to kirikiriroa with my husband and three boys seven years ago.  My spare time is spent with my family, following my boys' sports events and spending time with our three gorgeous granddaughters.

    My heart is happiest when I'm with my family. 

    Faamanuia tele le Atua.

  • Board Of Trustees Parent Representative