Candidate Statement: Sarah Luckin
My name is Sarah Luckin and I am standing for election for the Ngaere School Board of Trustees.
I am self-employed, and alongside my husband we run a small agricultural hedge mulching business. We have two children. Pippa is in year one at Ngaere school and Sophie who will attend in 2027. As a family we enjoy being outdoors camping, jet boating and gardening.
I have been on the committee for the Hawera Water Ski Club for the past 12 years and currently for the past 2 years held the role as president.
While I have no previous experience being on a Board of Trustees, I am excited at the prospect of being able to make a contribution not only to Ngaere school but the wider community.
I think it’s vitally important as parents that we are able to support our children through their education journeys by ensuring the environment they are within on a daily basis is positive and beneficial for all.
Thank you
Sarah Luckin
Candidate Statement: Bryce Savage
Hi, my name is Bryce and along with my wife Amanda, we are local dairy farmers with four children. Our 3 youngest Harry, Tessa and Jack are all proud Ngaere School kids.
I have spent the last 4 years on another school board and have gained good knowledge and understanding of school governance. I work well in a team and have good communication skills. I’m open minded and not afraid to ask questions or share ideas.
I am passionate about our school and community and would love the opportunity to join the Board of Trustees and help shape the future of Ngaere School for the next 3 years.
Thank you
Bryce Savage
Candidate Statement: Dorelle Sturmer
Kia ora koutou,
I’m Dorelle Sturmer, standing again for our School Board because I care deeply about the direction of our kura and the future we’re shaping for our tamariki.
I bring practical experience, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to equity. As a registered nurse with a background in clinical auditing, I value accountability and detail — which is why I’ve taken on the policy review role this term. I ask the hard questions and read the fine print.
I’m passionate about creating meaningful space for Te Ao Māori at Ngaere School and ensuring all learners — including those with additional needs — have fair access to education. I believe in individualising learning to support diverse learners, so every child feels seen, valued, and able to thrive.
I’ve coached netball for seven years, helped out at Jones and Stanley Cup, and know what it means to show up and get stuck in.
Small communities need strong voices — ones that listen, act with integrity, and get things done. If that’s what you’re looking for, I’d love your vote.
Mauri ora/Be well
Dorelle Sturmer
Candidate Statement: Kim Manukonga
Tēnā koutou katoa,
My name is Kim Manukonga and I have been a parent of Ngaere School for five years now. I am running for Board of Trustees election to support Ngaere School to continue to thrive and provide a great education for the students and positive outcomes for its community. I come with long standing experience in education as a teacher, school leader and currently as a Practice Leader in the Resource Teacher for Learning and Behaviour service. This role is centred on supporting schools to strengthen inclusive practices for students, teachers and staff around learning and behaviour. The skills I can bring if elected include being well organised, strong commitment, good communication and willingness to work within a team for the best outcomes for our school. I am passionate about listening to perspectives and opinions when making important decisions and finding ways to govern and guide the school. While I can bring my professional skills and experiences to this role, first and foremost, I am a parent who cares deeply about the education for all our children and if chosen, will work closely with the school and community to find pathways to achieve this. Thank you for your support.
Ngā mihi nui,
Kim Manukonga
Candidate Statement: Monica McMahon
Kia ora, my name is Monica McMahon and I would like to put my name forward for the Ngaere School Board of Trustees. I am a committed member of the school community, with three children currently attending: Connor (Year 8), Oliver (Year 6) and Clara (Year 3). I have been actively involved in school life since Connor started in new entrants, and I have loved being part of the Ngaere community ever since.My involvement has included many years with the PTA, where I served as Secretary and later as Chairperson, stepping down from this role in 2024. Prior to my children starting school, I was also an active member of Kaponga Playcentre. These roles have deepened my appreciation for the value of community in supporting children’s development and have inspired me to seek a position on the Board.I am a strong advocate for community engagement in education.
Growing up in rural Canterbury, I was raised with a strong sense of belonging to local groups and organisations, something I continue to value today. After finishing school, I lived and worked in the USA and UK before returning to New Zealand to complete a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. I have dairy farmed and now work as an Occupational Therapist in a leadership role at Hawera Hospital (Health NZ), supporting people to re-engage with the things in life that matter to them.It elected, I will work to ensure Ngaere School maintains a high standard of education and that our teachers and support staff have the resources and support they need to succeed. I believe that a well- supported school leads to great educational outcomes and happy, well-rounded children. With a broad range of life experiences, leadership skills and a passion for equitable services, I would be honored to contribute to the continued success of Ngaere School as a Trustee.
Ngā mihi
Monica McMahon
Candidate Statement: Mathew Hayman
Hi, I’m Mathew Hayman, married to Sarah, and we have two kids — Izack, who is 19, and Georgia, who attends Ngaere School.
We are contract milkers on a 440-cow farm. I have been on the board at Ngaere for the previous term and would like to continue with this.
Regards
Mathew Hayman
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