Board Parent Mid-Term Election 2023 - 3 Vacancies results

Steven Benney
Elected

My name is Steven Benney and I am re-standing for the Ashgrove School board. I have been a board member since November 2020 and Chairperson since September 2022.

I am extremely excited about where Ashgrove School is at the moment. The School has evolved so much since I attended but still manages to maintain that amazing community feel.

My wife Karlie and I have been privileged to have both our children attend Ashgrove, Kayden currently in year 7 and Alana is now year 10 at high school. I believe I can continue to help the great work that our Board has already done while also contributing a successful future as we continue to make the most of the opportunities in front of us to grow and develop.

I have strong community ties, having lived in Rangiora all of my life as well as being involved in coaching local rugby and cricket teams at the junior level.

Outside of the school, I love family time and I enjoy all sports especially when my kids are involved playing, but rugby is my main passion. I take great pride in the achievements of my children, my colleagues and the organisations I represent.

I have enjoyed my time on the Board and I would love the opportunity to continue to contribute to the school's directions and values that ensure success for all our current and future students by providing them with the best environment possible.

This foundation helps children to learn in a safe and fun place and allows them to leave Ashgrove with the knowledge and social skills to help enable them to a successful transition to secondary school and their future encounters.

Christopher David Hawes
Elected

My name is Chris Hawes and I am standing for the Ashgrove School Board. As a parent, a professional, and a community member, I believe in the importance of giving back to our school and ensuring its continued growth.

My daughters Quincey and Charlotte both attend the school in Years 7 and 5. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to appreciate the values and sense of community that make Ashgrove School special. Now, I want to contribute my skills and experience to further enhance our school.

Professionally, I am a Registered Professional Surveyor with over 25 years of experience, and I hold the position of Principal in a Christchurch-based firm specializing in Land Development. This role has provided me with valuable expertise in various aspects of management, including staff management, finance, collaboration with Local Authorities and community organizations, and conflict resolution.

In addition to my professional background, I have been part of the local branch executive of the Surveying and Spatial Institute and selected to be part of several working groups working with Central and Local Government on new legislation and regulations.

Outside of my work I have also been involved in the local community, I have coached junior girls cricket for the Rangiora Cricket Club for the past four seasons and coaching girls basketball at Ashgrove for the past 3 years. I enjoy helping kids learn and enjoy sport and seeing them grow and succeed is incredibly rewarding.

My parents were both primary school teachers and remained teaching or involved in teaching until they retired. As a result, I've gained a unique insight into the challenges and rewards of the teaching profession. This perspective helps me appreciate the needs of our dedicated teachers and school staff.

I believe my background gives me the skills and knowledge needed to support Ashgrove School's growth and ensure a safe and happy learning environment for all students. Thank you for considering me as your candidate for the Ashgrove School Board of Trustees.

David Hopkins
Elected

I currently have four children at Ashgrove school, one in each of the year groupings, so feel I have a good understanding of the school, its processes and approach, from the junior to senior groups. Having experience (8 years) as a parent at the school, I feel now is the time to step up and provide my time to commit to the Board and 'give back' to the school community. My youngest child has another 6 years at the school so I believe I am fully invested in working to ensure the school functions as best as it can. I have experience of interacting with Boards in my job (reporting to Boards, dealing with Board members), and in particular have good experience with property related matters, working with MoE on school build projects. This variety of experience I believe will provide the school / Board with a holistic approach to contributing to the Board and working with the school community to achieve its goals and ambitions.