BOT Profiles

ALAN DAVIS (Chairperson)

I have 2 children, both of which until recently, attended Whangarei Heads School.  I have been impressed with the environment and staff of the school.

My background is in health care.  I am a specialist physician and for most of the last 20 years have also been involved in health administration and service development.  My current role is with Northland Health as Clinical Director of Chronic and Complex Care.  I also serve on community organisations including Trustee for the Gisborne-East Coast Cancer Society, President of Tairawhiti Age Concern, committee member of Whangarei Age Concern and Medical Advisor for the Northland Stroke Foundation.  I bring a strong background in management and service development, but also knowledge of delivering services at the coal face within public sector constraints.  For me, it is now time to put something back into the local community and be involved with the direction of the school.

DAVID CAPEY

I live in Urquharts Bay and have been a resident of Whangarei Heads since birth.  I'm married to Cherie and we have 2 boys.  I am currently a self-employed electrician.

I have a strong family history with Whangarei Heads and the school, a descendent of the early settlers of the Heads.  Attending the school myself as a fourth generation pupil, and further community involvement with the Whangarei Heads Volunteer Fire Brigade, Urquhart Bay Association and Whangarei Heads Citizens Association.

As part of the Board of Trustees, I want to see continuing growth and preservation of this wonderful school for the families and for many more generations of the area.

ANNETTE FOWLER

A school is as good as the teachers standing in front of your children.  Those teachers need the support of a very able principal who in turn is strengthened by a Board of Trustees committed to sound governance.

After a career of thirty four years in education, as a teacher and a principal in Canterbury, I moved to Whangarei Heads to join an organic dairy farm.  Now that I have five years removed from the 'chalkface' or 'whiteboard' of schools, I am very keen to return in a community capacity.

I have significant experience of the complex nature of schools.  Financial management is a particular strength while I am also a good team person, capable of a leadership role.

A solid grounding numeracy and literacy, healthy schools and environmental awareness are cornerstones of education for me.

My partner's 4 grandchildren give me a vested interest in the school.  It is a priviledge to live in this beautiful place and amongst people who care for one another.  I welcome the opportunity to support Whangarei Heads School as a Board of Trustee member.

DANNY TUATO'O

I am married to Cathy and have 4 daughters, 2 of which attend Whangarei Heads School.  Cathy lectures part-time at North Tec, is an artist and full time mother.

I graduated with a Master in Arts, and Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Maori from the University of Otago and began employment at Northland Polytechnic in 1999 as a tutor at Te Puna O Te Matauranga.  I taught Maori language and culture and was later employed in management positions.  I have studied and taught Maori language, history and culture for over fifteen years.

I completed a Law degree in 2004 and returned to the North and employment as a solicitor.  Last year I took up a new position as .........

ELANIT VALENT (Treasurer)

My husband and I have lived in Taurikura for 7 years, in which time we have had 3 children.  I am a self employed accountant , lucky enough to work from home and feel that my background in finance and accounting, among other personal attributes is of value to the school. 

I have come to appreciate how lucky we are to be part of a very special school with such fantastic teachers and look forward to doing what I can to contribute.