Ararira Springs - Te Puna o Ararira School Board
Our Board is currently made up of 5 parent representatives, a staff trustee and our Principal, Claire Howison.
2025 Elected Representatives:
KINGI, Che
FITCHETT, David
VALERIO-MEEK, Mia
BELL, George
JONES, Oana
A full Declaration of Results is available in the office

Che KINGI
Che, is a soldier in the NZ Army with 23 years experience to date, working within NZ and internationally. Ararira Primary is a special part of his three children’s lives and it’s a community that he feels passionately about. He is excited to be co-opted onto the Board, working alongside a professional and enthusiastic team that place tamariki and the wider community at the forefront. As a voice for tangata whenua, he is passionate about looking for ways to enhance the mana of our future generation.
Outside of work you will find Che spending time with family, coaching sport and hiking.

David FITCHETT
David is a property and commercial lawyer with over 16 years of experience who is currently serving his second term on the Board. David and his wife Fran have three children at the school. David is proud of how Ararira Springs continues to be a safe, innovative, well-resourced, caring and happy environment for our tamariki to thrive in and achieve their best. David is our Presiding Member in 2025.

Mia VALERIO-MEEK
Mia, a finance professional with over 14 years of experience, is excited to have been appointed to the Board. Mia believes in having a strong vision and executing details while fostering community collaboration towards achieving school goals. Additionally, she volunteers for the THT, focusing on marketing and serving as the THT Secretary. Mia is very proud of the Ararira spirit and would like to ensure it continues to be a well-resourced school full of happy and thriving children.

Claire HOWISON (Principal)
Claire takes a role on the Board as Principal. She has loved being part of the establishment board and looks forward to working with the elected board. Claire is very proud of the work in getting Ararira Springs Primary to this point of their journey. She is excited to be working with parents who are so keen to be part of the school’s learning journey.

Shelley Smith (Staff Rep)
Shelley is excited to serve as a staff representative on the Board of Trustees. She enjoys being part of our wonderful school community as both a teacher and a parent. Shelley looks forward to working collaboratively alongside dedicated and enthusiastic board members in this role. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with whānau, staying active through sports and running, and getting lost in a good book.
Board Business
Two core responsibilities of the Board are the management of school finances and resources and the strategic direction of the school. Here are links to the documentation around these important roles.
The Board is responsible for maintaining policy and reviewing procedures. To do this we use the SchoolDocs site. You are welcome to view these at any time.
Board Minutes are available on request from the office
Strategic and Annual Implementation Plan 2024- 2025
ERO – New School Assurance Review Report
Board Roles
Portfolio responsibilities to be determined at the first Board Meeting.
Election of Presiding Member
Portfolios:
Communication
SchoolDocs
Property
Hall Hire
Finance
Cultural Responsivenesss
Health & Safety
Claire Howison: All areas
Trine Spence: Minute Secretary