I am married with three sons; the oldest is working and the other two are at Kelston Boys High School.  The middle son, Andrew, is Deaf and has Aspergers Syndrome and is in the Deaf Unit at Kelston Boys High School.  Andrew started his education with KDEC from preschool since he was diagnosed at 18 months, he is no 17 years old and in Year 13 and will move to transition next year at KDEC.

I have served on the KDEC Board of Trustees for two consecutive terms.  During various workshops, I have learned about the process from the school mission statement, leading through governance down to curriculum delivery and the financial aspects of school administration.  I have worked on the staff and property committees, also giving input into the establishment of disabled parking spaces for the base school, school computer and internet policy, and the happiness fund application proves.  I am looking forward to working with the team on the Board towards the creation and maintenance of a centre of excellence.

I believe in holding staff accountable based on observable behaviours, having performance based assessments inclusive of positive and corrective aspects, with a focus on getting the best possible outcomes from the best possible team.  Also central is that KDEC must become client focused – internally and externally, in order to deliver on its promise of excellence.

Serving on the Auckland Parents of Deaf Children Incorporated in both committee, secretarial roles and as President has been a privilege and a valuable experience.  I believe the philosophy of Parents as first educators, success of the child being reflected by the parents’ involvement.

I have worked in the Printing industry all my life, with a focus on prepress and logistics in production and management roles.

I believe in being open to new ideas, while using critical thinking and analysis prior to acting on those ideas.

If elected, throughout my term, I will be available for feedback and information from individuals and groups to put forward and advocate on their behalf.