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
Hannah Martin, Student Representative
‘Hi, my name is Hannah, and I am the Student Rep for 2025! This year, I am really looking forward to running more events to foster our sense of community throughout the school and support students’ passions through my access to the student initiative fund.
I am always keen for a chat about your ideas on ways to improve the school and would love your input on what you want to see more of throughout our Kura.’
Thanks,
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
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.