Our Board of Trustees
All of New Zealand's state schools have a School Board of Governors. The Board is the Crown entity responsible for the governance of the school, and are accountable for the school’s performance.
The Board is responsible for determining the strategic direction in which the school is heading (in consultation with parents, staff and students). The Board must also ensure that its school provides a safe environment and quality education for all its students. Boards are also responsible for overseeing the management of personnel, curriculum, property, finance and administration.
The Principal is the board's chief executive in relation to the school's control and management. The Principal is required to comply with the board's general policy directions; but has complete discretion to manage the school on a day to day basis.
Who is on the Board?
At Hillsborough Primary School, our Board is made up of:
- The Principal of the school
- One elected staff representative
- Five parent elected trustees
- Co-opted trustees (as needed)
The Board is elected by the parent community and staff members. Elections for new Board members are held every three years. A by-election can occur at any stage in the 3 year election cycle if an elected trustee resigns from the Board and thereby creates a casual vacancy.
Who is on our Board ?
Board Chair - Bobby Bennett
- Elected: October 2025
- Connection: One son attending HPS and one enrolled to start in 2024
- Key expertise and experience: Bobby’s key expertise is around people and relationship management. In his role as a Regional Head of Client Success, it is his primary responsibility to be the conduit voice between various key stakeholders, while providing relevant advice and guidance.
Treasurer - Teina Clarke
Elected: October 2025
Property - Armit Abhyankar
Elected: October 2025
Communications / Community - Kalala Bowden
Elected: October 2025
Health and Safety - Petrina Seinafo
Elected: October 2025
Staff Representative - Jewels Kim
Elected: October 2025
To contact the Board Chair please email: boardoftrustees@hillsborough.school.nz
