Arowhenua Māori School, in line with Matariki is dawning a new governance journey with the appointment of The Board of Trustees (Kaitiaki Kura). This means, after two years under Commissioner Andrew Murray we are now able to hand the Kura back to the community.

The Kura has made significant progress in the last two years, with a longer-term strategy put in place for its future, a new physical establishment and long-term connections that will help the Kura to grow into its new identity and provide well for the community.

The belief, support and work of Andrew has been something above and beyond that which can be considered the role of commissioner. Simply seen by the transition back to the community, it is obvious that Andrew has cared deeply about the success of this community and for our tāmariki. The new Board of Trustees (Kaitiaki Kura) host a great deal of gratitude for Andrew and his work in returning the Kura to the community. “It has been an absolute privilege to support the Kura as Commissioner and I am hugely encouraged by the calibre of the new community board trustees, in their hands the positive successful future of the Kura is assured, kia kaha” comments Andrew.

The Board (Kaitiaki Kura) are delighted to be appointed. Each have different connections to the school and a shared vision along with our Tūmuaki to grow the school into a prosperous future. The Kaitiaki who represent this board combined have an intergenerational strategic skill set incredibly unique to the community and Board of Trustees across the country. We encourage you to whanaunga with who the Kaitiaki are below.

We very much hope to connect with you all soon.

Tori grew up in Temuka and remained there for her schooling until 2016 and has a whānau connection to Arowhenua Māori School. Tori has been part of the Kaitiaki group supporting the Principal and Commissioner. An impressionable young Māori leader, she always looks to broaden her horizons. She holds a Bachelor of Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts (Sociology & Psychology). 

Tori currently works as Poutaki Hononga – Commercialisation Development Lead at UniServices where she looks to indigenise the Research and Commercialisation spaces of Aotearoa and has extensive governance experience. Tori is passionate about how young people fit into the innovation ecosystem, with experience bringing rangatahi to this space. She serves on MBIE’s Canterbury Regional Skills Leadership Group, was the first Wahine Māori Chair/President of the University of Canterbury Students’ Association, Chairs the Canterbury Momentum Investment Committee, was the COO of Entre at the University of Canterbury, and helps to create pathways for youth in STEM as a Trustee of the Science Alive! Board.

Tori has been named on the founding ‘Top Diverse Directors List’ established by the Ministry for Ethnic Communities and Superdiversity Institute and was a finalist in the Women of Influence Awards – Young Leader in 2020. Through everything she does, and with her whānau and whakapapa in mind, she aims to serve her vested interest in rangatahi, governance, and how the two spaces merge in the innovation ecosystem intergenerationally. Her connection and passion for Arowhenua Māori school is through her whānau who attended and her niece, Aroha.

I grew up in Dunedin and left there when I was 18 moving to Australia. I remained in Australia until I was 26 then moved back to Dunedin with my 11 month old daughter to reunite with my mother and sister

I moved to Timaru when my daughter was 3 years old and gained training as a Play Centre teacher. When my daughter was 10, I did my Bachelor of Comprehensive Nursing degree in 2003. I had been working in SCDHB as a nurse, clinical Leader and then moved into manager of Mental Health and Addictions and Older Persons Health for 4 years. 

I have been  the Kaiwhakahaere for Arowhenua Whanau Services for the last 5 years and enjoy this role.  My passion is people ensuring that they are heard, respected and have a voice. I have grown the service to the current 45 staff.

I was awarded the Toanga Award 2021 at last year’s South Canterbury Health Awards for consistently demonstrating a commitment to hauora health and wellbeing Māori and achieving Pae Ora healthy futures.

I feel I will give my all to the Board of Arowhenua Māori School and community as I give to Arowhenua Whanau Services 

I look forward to meeting all.

Kia Ora, My name is Lisa Cormie and I am joining the Board as staff representative. I have been involved at Arowhenua Maori School for five and a half years working first as an RTLB within the school and then going on to be employed as a Kaiako.

We have a very dedicated and passionate teaching team who are committed to meeting the needs of our students and I am very excited to be able to provide a staff perspective as a board member. I am looking forward to working with our new school Board.

For the past six years I have had the privilege of being Tumuaki of our kura. Before this I have worked in education for a further twenty six years, sixteen of which have been in Māori education.

I am thrilled to continue this journey with our new Poari and are humbled by the skills, commitment and passion they bring to the table. The past two years have been tough for us all and building a new kura in the middle of a pandemic was no mean feat however under the guidance of Commissioner Andrew Murray as well as each of the now elected members of our board, it was made somewhat easier.

We are in good hands koutou.