Courtney Shipp, Parent Trustee and Board Chair
Kia ora, I am a parent of a year 2 student at Ao Tawhiti. We chose Ao Tawhiti for our son as we strongly believe in the special charter, philosophy, and values which are the core of our kura. We truly value the unique and supportive environment Ao Tawhiti provides for our children. I am a family law practitioner who predominantly provides legal aid. Through my work I encounter a wide range of people and cultures, often in the most stressful time in their lives. A significant part of my job is working with families to find solutions which promote the welfare and best interests of children. Regardless of which parent or family member I act for, my focus is always what is best for the child or children at the centre of the dispute. I am objective, honest, reliable, a problem solver, child focused, and an effective communicator, qualities which I believe will enable me to be an effective and valuable Board member.
Leroy Coleman, Parent Representative
Kia Ora,
My name is Leroy (Leigh) Coleman. I’m dad to Zanzi who is in Year 11 this year, having started at Ao Tawhiti towards the start of 2024. The school’s special character and the way it is implemented in practice really resonates with us as a family, and as a board member I’m hoping to help sustain that uniqueness while we are part of the school community and into the future.
I work for a large energy company in risk and audit. I haven’t been in a governence role previously, however I have some work experience that should help me contribute effectively as a board member, including having a basic health and safety qualification and a good understanding of the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Outside of work I enjoy staying fit and healthy through outdoor sports, and I enjoy supporting Zanzi’s pursuits in performing arts. As a new board member I am committed to learning as much as I can to be able to provide a meaningful contribution and help Ao Tawhiti continue to provide the amazing student-centric education that it does.
Mark Walters , Whanau Representative
Tena Koutou katoa e te hapori o Ao Tawhiti.
Tomo mai, piki mai ki a koutou.
Ko Te Maaka (Mark) Walters taku ingoa.
Ko te Mangai O Te Iwi Maori ki tena poari o kaitiaki
Ko Ngai Tahu, Kati Mamoe me Waitaha taku iwi
Ko Kuri, Tuhaitara, Irakehu, Uri a Paatu Ariki oku hapu
Ko Wairewa, Onuku me Hokonui aku Marae
No Otautahi au.
Ko Bradshaw me Weir ki Murihiku oku whanau
Ko Walters ki Kawatiri oku whangai whanau
Ko Donna Bailey aku Wahine
Ko Mahala aku whangai matamua kotiro
Ko Flynn aku tama
Ko Pippa aku kotiro potiki
Ko Arlo, Daisy me Delilah aku mokopuna
No reira,
Tena Koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa.
Tihei Mauri Ora!
Greetings to the community of Ao Tawhiti. Welcome to you all.
My name is Mark Walters. I am currently the Iwi Maori representative for our Board of Trustees.I am humbled to have been asked to be our community representative. I intend to serve our community with wisdom and compassion. Iwi Maori whanau & iwi Moana Nui a Kiwa whanau. I am your voice on the BoT. Nau mai, korero mai koutou ki ahau. Please communicate your specific needs, wants & aspirations with me.
I can advise or action as required. My iwi affiliations are Ngai Tahu, Ngati Mamoe & Waitaha.My hapu & whanau affiliations connect my family over all the ancestral lands of Ngai Tahu. My family connects to, and is involved with the Marae at Wairewa (Little River), Onuku (Akaroa) and Hokonui (Gore).Fun fact – I have over 85,000 cousins in my iwi!
I am a husband for Donna, and father for Mahala, Flynn &Pippa. I am a Poua (Grandfather) for Arlo, Daisy & Delilah.I am also a Son, Uncle, Brother, Cousin and Friend.Our eldest Mahala, is an alumni of the original Discovery School.She is now a busy Mum of 3; married to Matt and a business owner & apparel designer.Our twins Flynn & Pippa are in the senior school. They are involved in Ao Tawhiti Kapa Haka and many other passions & interests amongst their academic studies. Ao Tawhiti is our High School of choice for our twins. This is due to our previous experiences with Mahala & Discovery during 2008 & 2009. The holistic learning & growth she had then were the “right fit” for her.
So we again considered Ao Tawhiti the “right fit” for Flynn & Pippa, who were infants when Mahala attended. I have been diagnosed as an adult, with ADHD and Autism. I see it as both a gift and at times, a challenge that I need to resolve. Resultantly, I have a personal interest, a constantly developing understanding and curiosity about neurodivergence.The diagnosis for me after so long, has been both enlightening and empowering. My family and I live, learn, understand & grow with the knowledge and wisdom these gifts bring to us all.
Professionally, I’ve been in the Architecture & Construction sector for 30 years. I have qualifications in Architecture and Quantity Surveying. I am a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) for building design. I work in building design & management roles, on industrial, commercial & residential developments.
Culturally, I am involved with our Irakehu hapu on Development Committees, Paepae Team, Kapa Haka and various other activities as they arise, which I am able to commit to. I also involve myself in other Maori kaupapa within the community when I am available. Hobbies & Interests, I have many. Woodwork/ Wood Carving, Music (Brass/ Guitar/ Kapa Haka), Mahika kai (Food & Natural Resource Gathering) are dominant examples.
I welcome and invite any suggestions or questions from our community. Please reach out to me if you wish to discuss anything.
Ka mihi ana ki a koutou.
Rachel Cummins, Staff Representative
Anita Yarwood, Director
I started at this kura in 2021 and feel privileged to work with the students, staff and whānau within this community. I am committed to upholding the special character of Ao Tawhiti to ensure that all students are able to be central in directing their own learning.
I have worked in education for twenty one years teaching at a range of schools in New Zealand and in the United Kingdom. My experience has taught me that education is most effective when learners and whānau work together with schools to develop programmes that are personalised so children and young adults are achieving success that is relevant and important to their lives. I believe that Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery is a school that creates exciting opportunities for learners and I am honoured to be a part of this community.
Danella Stewart, Parent Trustee
Kia Ora,
My family and I joined the Ao Tawhiti community in 2018 whilst on the Halswell site. I have four children, three of which attend Ao Tawhiti, with the fourth to start in 2023. I enjoy being able to be involved and supporting my children’s learning on a day-to-day basis. I feel very blessed to see our school’s special character in action. Children are excited to learn, are autonomous in their decisions and happy to go to school! As an active member of our community and a member of the board of trustees, I am committed to openness, and upholding the schools guiding principles and core values – whanaungatanga, Whakatane, Kaha, Tiakitanga and Aroha.
Ian McAdam, Parent Representative
Kia Ora, choosing the right school for my daughter, was a significant decision for our whānau. After careful consideration of other options, we decided that Ao Tawhiti was the best fit for her educational journey, due to focusing on the unique aspects of her personal growth, interests and strengths, these options set it apart from other schools.
The flexible curriculum encourages students to explore a wide range of subjects and interests,beyond the traditional classroom setting, while still covering core subjects. This flexibility is ideal for fostering creativity and adaptability, which are essential skills for her future.
I look forward to sharing my skill sets in management, logistics and Health and Safety to ensure all
students have the ability and tools to be the best they can be.
Katrina Lilly, Parent Representative
Nei te mihi maioha ki a koutou katoa
Ko Tarahaoa te maunga
Ko Te Umu Kaha te awa
Ko Tāki timu te waka
Nō Ngāi Tahu ahau
Ko Ngati Huirapa te hapū
Ko Arowhenua te marae
Ko Te Hapa o Niu Tireni tōku whare
Ko Ōtautahi te hau kainga
Ko Jesse raua ko Boh ōku tamariki
Ko Katrina Lilly tōku ingoa
Kia ora,
I am a local secondary school teacher and a parent of two children at Ao Tawhiti. I am
passionate about supporting our diverse learners and am always open to exploring new and
exciting ways to engage our rangatahi.
I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning, and a Master of
Contemporary Education. I currently serve on the executive committees of both the Canterbury
Art Teachers Association (CATA) and the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Art Educators
(ANZAAE).
In my spare time, I enjoy practicing a wide range of arts and crafts, including ceramics, raranga
(Māori weaving), and pounamu carving. As a family, we love outdoor adventures and spending
time in nature.