The Board
Governance of our school
The current members of The Board were elected to serve for a period of 3 years.
They were elected in August 2022.
Meetings are open to members of the school community. Board meeting dates for the current year are listed below. Please note, dates may change. For confirmation please phone the school office.
Board Meeting Dates for 2024:
All meetings are on a Tuesday at 7.00pm in the Board Room.
Term 1
20 February
19 March
Term 2
14 May
18 June
Term 3
30 July
10 September
Term 4
22 October
3 December
Our Board 2022 -2025
Ed Cook
Ed lives within walking distance of Mellons Bay School with his wife Jacky and two children - both of whom attend the school. Ed is a Director of Rider Levett Bucknall providing commercial management for many of New Zealand's largest construction projects. Ed is keen to help the school maintain its deserved reputation delivering high quality education in an inclusive environment, while continuing to develop opportunities for the future.
April Fang
April currently has one child at Mellons Bay School. Born and raised in Mainland China, lived in Hong Kong for over 10 years, and now settled in New Zealand since 2014, I understand and respect the cultural differences between people from various backgrounds. I joined the school’s PTA 6 years ago when my daughter started her learning Journey at Mellons Bay School. Through these years, I have helped PTA organise multiple fund raising events. At the same time, I am the Chinese community’s liaison and I have contributed in creating a platform for the school to know more about the Asian community, and provide a good service for the parents to get better understanding of school’s policies and local culture. I received my Masters of Philosophy degree in Communications in Hong Kong Baptist University, and I have a decade's worth of working experience in Advertising and Marketing, I am prepared to contribute to the board. I am determined to actively get involved in the board management, and focus to help Mellons Bay School achieve a continued success.
David Hulley
David is a father of three children, one currently at Mellons Bay School, and the two eldest ex-students of the school. David is proud to be part of the Mellons Bay School family and has a strong desire to support the board, teachers and parents, and play an active role in shaping the education of the students.
David is a Manufacturing Manager at Frucor Suntory, with 15 years’ experience in management and leadership.
Mark Steele
Mark lives in Mellons Bay with his wife Renee and their three children, one of whom currently attend Mellons Bay School. Mark is an Authorised Financial Adviser who provides investment advice and portfolio management services to individuals, trusts and companies.
He has a proud interest in the school as a past pupil himself and like all parents would like to see the school being the best it can be for benefit of the children, parents and staff.
Rita Williamson - Presiding Member
Rita is married with four children, three of whom are currently at Mellons Bay School. Rita is a local who grew up in the Howick Pakuranga area and loves the area and the community
Rita has a Bachelor of Laws degree and Bachelor of Arts degree and is currently a Solicitor at Wells & Co, located in Howick village. Rita is passionate about good quality education and ensuring that students are able to make the most of their educational opportunities.
Terina Jacob
Terina moved from South Africa to New Zealand when she was young. She is a Howick Pakuranga local who has been in the area for over 20 years.
Terina is currently a Year 1 teacher. She started at Mellons Bay School as a student teacher in 2016. It was here where she experienced the warm and friendly staff, community and students. After completing a Bachelor of Education in 2016, Terina was hired as a full time teacher at Mellons Bay School in 2017. She has enjoyed every moment of teaching and has guided many classes through their learning journeys.
Terina had a year of teaching experience in Sydney. During her time in Sydney, Terina taught in a variety of Special Education schools, public schools and Independent schools across Sydney. Terina has a strong belief in and passion for inclusive education and incorporating culture within the classroom.
Colleen Margison
Colleen joined Mellons Bay school in 2017. She feels it is her pleasure and privilege to be the Principal /Tumuaki of our school and the wonderful community we have here.
Colleen has 5 children so can relate to the many challenges and joys parents face. She is also blessed with being a grandparent, having 6 grand-daughters and this year has welcomed her first grandson. She feels this is a rewarding role and loves being part of their learning and activities (and then giving them back to her own children!)
After Teachers Training College (as it was known in those days) Colleen started her teaching career as an intermediate teacher. After working in primary Colleen started at Somerville Intermediate in 2001.. She was the Associate Principal and used to visit Mellons Bay to talk with the year 6’s about intermediate life. Even at that time she used to think what a great community school Mellons Bay is. While her own children were little, Colleen spent 5 years teaching at the Early Childhood level. She learnt a lot at this level and it gave her a real insight into the growth and development of young people.
No matter what role you are in, Colleen feels you are always learning, from and with each other.