Our Board of Governance

Kindergarten is a vital part of the education system in Aotearoa, providing quality, teacher led early childhood learning and care for tamariki aged 2 to 5 years old.

The local board of governance model plays a key role in the sustainability and success of Heretaunga Kindergartens Te-Matau-a-Māui allowing parents and community members to take an active role in the strategic direction of our kindergartens; providing significant benefits for tamariki, whanau, and the wider community.

There are several key benefits and reasons why local governance is so important to our association:

• No one understands the needs of the community like those within it. Local board members have a deep understanding of the community, helping to ensure the associations strategy, policies, and tikanga, are aligned with the specific needs of our tamariki and whanau.
• Local board members often have, or know, tamariki attending our kindergartens. This creates a vested interest in the provision of high-quality early childhood education and in holding the association accountable for providing a safe and supportive environment for tamariki to learn and grow.
• Being governed by locals, for locals, helps build community engagement. As a not for profit the support of the community is critical, the sense of ownership created by local governance is invaluable.

Becoming a board member is a rewarding experience that can benefit both you and your tamariki. As a board member you will have the opportunity to contribute towards the development of your tamariki's education and play a key role in shaping the direction of the Association. It allows you to get to know the kaiako and staff, better understand your child's learning and development, and gain valuable insights into the broader education sector within Aotearoa.

While joining a board for the first time can be daunting, training and support are available, including information on governance best practices, education policies and regulations, financial management, and strategic planning. These training opportunities will help build your knowledge and ensure that you are equipped to contribute effectively to the governance of Heretaunga Kindergartens.

If you are interested in joining the board, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our current board members, our kaiako, or support staff to find out more. It is a highly rewarding way to give back to the community and make a positive impact on not only your local kindergarten, but the lives of all tamariki within Heretaunga Kindergartens Te-Matau-a-Māui.

Member Application

In order to become a board member, you first must complete an application form to become an ‘Ordinary member’ for one of the Association’s Kindergartens. This process is outlined in detail within our constitution.

An ordinary member can be a parent, legal guardian or caregiver of a child attending or on the waitlist of one our Kindergartens, or any person aged eighteen years or older that as an interest in Early Childhood Education.

If you are interested in becoming an ‘Ordinary Member’ then please talk with the Head Teacher of the Kindergarten that you affiliate with and contact us.

Board Member Nomination

For any member wishing to put them name forward for consideration as a Board Member, please contact us.