School Board

Guiding Whitiora with Purpose and Care

At Whitiora School, our School Board (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 legal and policy obligations. 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 lead 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 School Board or would like to learn more about how governance supports our school community, we welcome you to get in touch with our Board Chair, Tania Cooper, through the school office.

  • Board Chair

    Tēnā koutou katoa,

    Ko Karioi te maunga
    Ko Wainui te awa
    Ko Whaingaroa te moana
    Ko Poihakena te marae
    Ko Ngāti Tahinga te hapū
    He uri ahau nō Waikato-Tainui
    Ko Tania Cooper ahau

    He uri tēnei nō ngā kaupapa hauora me ngā mahi tautoko whānau. I bring over 20 years’ experience in the social services sector, working alongside people, whānau and communities to support meaningful outcomes. My approach is grounded in strong relationships, a deep sense of connection to people, and a belief in backing whānau to realise their own potential.

    I currently work within the iwi space, delivering housing outcomes for uri and supporting pathways that help whānau build stability and wellbeing. I am strategically focused, while staying closely connected to the realities and needs of our communities.

    I am a tauira currently undertaking my Master’s. I am deeply committed to supporting the wellbeing of our communities and am privileged to contribute as an advisor to several not-for-profit and community organisations in Kirikiriroa.

    Hauora has always been a big part of my life, and it’s where you’ll often find me when I’m not at mahi or spending time with my whānau.

    Above all, I am a māmā to three tamariki, my most important, challenging, and rewarding role.

    Ngā mihi nui,
    Tania Cooper

  • Board Of Trustees Parent Representative

    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 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 Parent Representative