Board of Trustees
The Board’s role is strategic and focused on the big picture. We employ the principal who manages the school in-line with the Board’s strategic direction and policies.
The BOT is made up of the principal, a staff-elected representative, several whānau representatives who are elected by the whānau of HVS tamariki, and co-opted members appointed by the BOT.
The BOT’s role is set by the Education and Training Act 2020, which outlines four primary objectives:
ensuring student achievement for all students;
making sure the school is a safe place for all;
ensuring the school is inclusive and caters for students with differing needs; and
gives effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
The BOT is also required to ensure the school meets the government’s National Education and Learning Priorities.
Our three strategic goals are:
Kaitiakitanga
Our tamariki are engaged learnersHauora
Inclusive hauora-centred kura that supports positive behaviour, recognises identity and celebratesAko
Teaching and learning practices at HVS are collaborative, environmentally focussed and agency driven
View our school Charter and Strategic Plan here
Sebastian Bishop
PRESIDING MEMBER OF THE BOARD, PARENT REPRESENTATIVE
Seb and partner Jo have two kids at HVS and have lived in the valley for almost 10 years. Seb’s background is in central and local government with a focus on Treaty of Waitangi issues, building partnerships with mana whenua, community engagement, and sustainable transport.
Seb loves the ocean and feels very lucky to live on Wellington’s beautiful South Coast. You may see Seb dropping off his kids on a big cargo bike (wearing a bright yellow helmet), catching the local cricket team at the Basin Reserve or very occasionally playing music at some of the more obscure venues around Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
Claire and her partner Russell have three children. Eli is now at Wellington High, Lola is at SWIS and their youngest Luca has several more years at HVS. We feel privileged to be part of the Houghton Valley School whānau.
Professionally, Claire is an Architect with experience in Passivhaus and energy efficient design. She is passionate about ensuring the school remains a functional, inspiring and safe place for all tamariki to thrive.
You might spot Claire commuting over the hill on her bike, or knitting around school. She's alway keen to stop and chat.
Cameron lives in Island Bay with his wife Kalpana and their two children Charlie in Year 3, and Liam in Year 1.
He is an accountant, working across central government, and brings experience in finance and strategic planning. Cameron is passionate about supporting a school community where kids feel encouraged, supported, and challenged.
Outside of work, you’ll likely find him helping out at school events, navigating the morning school rush, or packing up the caravan for the next family adventure.
Ana, partner Paul and HVS kids Iris and Clementine moved home to Aotearoa five years ago, after living in London and outback Australia. Ana is a visual and digital journalist/producer currently working at 1News, with a background in documentary production and community media. She has public sector arts funding management, partnership and policy experience.
Luana has been the Tumuaki at Houghton Valley School since 2018. This is her first principalship. She is a descendant of Ngaāti kahungunu ki Wairarapa and Te Atiawa.
Luana has worked in education for over 25 years and is now working with the children of children she taught when she first started teaching.
When Luana was 10 she wanted to be a school teacher and a silver fern. At least one came true!
Charlotte has been teaching at Houghton Valley School for the past 4 years with a break for a year in 2024. She is currently teaching in Kowha/Room 2 - Years 2/3
Whānau are very welcome to attend board meetings. Meeting dates are published in the school newsletter, but don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Board’s Presiding Member if you would like more information.
View the Board’s meeting minutes here
If whānau have a question or an issue to raise with the board you are encouraged to speak with your child’s teacher in the first instance. If any doubts remain, our principal makes a point of being highly available. Please do not hesitate to make contact.
Any issues that remain to be escalated to the board should be brought to the attention of the Board’s Presiding Member: botsebastian@houghton.school.nz