Westland High School Board Parent By-Election 2024 results

Rae Smith
Elected

Kia ora,

My name is Rae Smith, I am married to Brett and have 2 boys Jack and Luke who both attend Westland High School.

I work as a Clinical Nurse Specialist / Clinical Lead in Endoscopy and National Bowel Screening, in my role I have experience with policies, procedures, quality plans and audits at a national level.

I am involved in the community as a Justice of the peace, Junior Rugby and this season as a swim coach for the Vipers for the Hokitika Swim club.

My interest in being on the Board of Trustees is Equity in education for all in our rural location especially with our priority and vulnerable populations and that the school has robust consultation with the community.

I look forward to utilizing my skills and knowledge for Westland High School and the community.

Emma Thomas
Elected

Kia Ora. Thankyou for taking the time to read my submission. I believe I can make a positive contribution to the Westland High Board. With a background in assessing and developing training programs at Westland Milk, I bring experience and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Outside of my day job I have been involved in community initiatives, including leading a COVID-19 support group for high-risk individuals and participating in the Let's Play Hokitika group, which brings positive change to our community. Additionally, I serve as one of the South Island DWU women's representatives, demonstrating my dedication to empowering others and fostering inclusivity.

Given my skill set, particularly in training, policy development, and procedure creation, I am eager to contribute to the continued success of Westland High by serving on the board. My experience in assessing for the Primary ITO and creating training programs has equipped me with valuable insights into education needs and challenges, and fostered my belief in life long learning.

My academic background in Science and Technology, combined with my diploma equivalent in Project Management, provides a solid foundation for understanding complex issues and implementing effective solutions.

As a member of the South Island DWU women's representatives, I am accustomed to advocating for diverse perspectives and facilitating constructive dialogue. I believe these skills will be invaluable in fostering collaboration and driving positive change within the board.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and exploring a beautiful backyard, cycling, mountain biking and hiking.

In conclusion, I am excited about the opportunity to serve on the Westland High Board and believe that my diverse experience, coupled with my passion for lifelong learning and community engagement, make me a suitable candidate for this role.