Ararira Springs - Te Puna o Ararira School Board

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 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.

George has a PhD in mechanical engineering and is the co-owner of a consulting business. He and his family moved to Lincoln from Christchurch and have loved the strong sense of community at Ararira Springs. George and his wife have two young sons, one already at the school and the other eager to join. His motivation for being on the Board is to give back to the school, with his experience well suited to supporting its strategic direction. Outside of work, he enjoys running, reading, and spending time with his family.

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 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 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.