“Kia ora tatou! I’ve been a part of Greerton Village School/ Te Kura O Maarawaewae for nearly five years, and my connection to this community runs deep. My eldest daughter,Willow, joined as a new entrant in 2020, following in the footsteps of my two beautiful nieces who were also akonga here. I was born just down the road at Tauranga hospital, and spent most of my childhood here. I truly feel blessed to have such a strong sense of belonging here. It’s an honour to serve as the chairperson of our kura, where I am passionate about community and inclusion—values we all strive to uphold. If you see me around the school, please don’t hesitate to say hi!”

Tēnā koutou katoaHe uri ahau nō Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāi Tai me Tainui. I tipu ake ahau i Tauranga Moana. Ko Watene Moon ahau.My name is Watene Moon and I am a pāpā to three children and a partner to Kalleisha. I lived in Canada for many years before returning home 10 years ago to eventually train as a teacher. I currently teach Māori education (reo me ōna tikanga) at the University of Waikato initial teacher education programme at the Tauranga campus. As a new board member, I am excited to bring my passion and experience in education to this role and to work as a collective for the benefit of our tamariki and the wider Greerton community. It is my honour to sit on the school Board of Trustees for Te Kura o Maarawaewae.Ngā mihi maioha,

I’m Peke, mum to Aliyah (year 1)and Tiāre, who will enroll at the start of 2026. I have worked within the educational sector for the past 6 years, teaching ECE at Merivale Whānau Aroha Centre.In addition to teaching, I am also completing my Bachelor of Bi-cultural Social Work, leading to aMaster of Laws. My husband (Ty),and I, have been fortunate enough to engage in many relationships with whānau from all walks of life within this community. These have been cultivated by the heart we have for others and thebeliefs, principles, and expectations we uphold as a whānau. Recently we have relocated to a lifestyle block in rural Maketu and are enjoying raising our children in an environment that supports their hobbies and interests to flourish, as well as our own. During our spare time, we enjoy rugby, fishing, hunting, motorbike riding, and taking our puppy (bear) for walks along our local beach. It is an absolute privilege to sit on the school board and advocate for the voices of whānau to be at the forefront of decision-making processes. I am excited to acknowledge the depth of value you all hold within our Kura and intend to highlight your successes as kaitiaki and leaders of your Tamariki. If you see me around the school, feel free to say hello! It is always nice to connect with whanau and meet fresh faces!Ngā mihi,Peke Amohau

Ko Matawhaura toku maungaKo Rotoiti, ko Rotoma, ko Rotoehu ngā moanaKo Te Arawa toku wakaKo Ngāti Pikiao toku iwiKo Ngāti Kawiti nge Ngāti Tamateatutahi ngā hapuKo Melissa Osmond tōku ingoa.Kia ora, my name is Melissa Osmond and I am honoured to sit as a represent on Te Kura o Maarawaewae/ Greerton Village School Board of Trustees. I work as a kaiako at Greerton Early Learning Centre three days a week, and as an Across School Lead for Tauranga Peninsula Kāhui two days a week. My husband Gareth is a kaiako at Tauranga Boys College, our son Zavier is studying Digital Technology at Te Pūkenga in Hamilton, and our daughters Peyton and Eva are both in Whakatō te Kākano.I’m excited to support our kura in making wise, sustainable decisions that will benefit mokopuna and our community well into the future.Ngā mihi nui,Melissa

Ki te taha o tōku pāpā:Ko Taupiri te maungaKo Waikato te awaKo Tainui te wakaKo Waikato-Tainui te iwiKo Ngāti Whawhākia te hapūKo Kaimutumutu te maraeKo Pōtatau Te Wherowhero Te TangataHe piko he taniwha, he piko he taniwha!Ki te taha o tōku māmā:Ko Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa te moanaKo Ngāti Hāmoa te iwiKo Moata'a me Fogasava'i ōku hapūKia ora e te whānau,Firstly, thank you for votes to allow me to be part of the representation of whānau and family voices at the Board of Trustees table. I'm excited to begin my term serving school and community outcomes!My name is Dan, born and raised in Te Awakairangi (Lower Hutt). After working in trades and as a Teacher Aide in a special needs high school unit, I completed a degree in Linguistics and Māori Studies at Victoria University.My whānau and I recently moved to Pyes Pa. We have strong ties to GVS—Laura (my partner) and Sunny are former students, Mahina is currently at Whakato Kākano, and Ala and Kaahui will join GVS soon.I bring governance experience from kōhanga reo and community organisations, alongside an Executive MBA and roles in government and Māori/Pasifika agencies. As a Māori and Samoan who faced educational challenges, I'm passionate about supporting tamariki and whānau to thrive.During my term as a GVS Board member I would like to ensure our whānau and family voices are heard, understood, kept central to future growth opportunities.Mauri ora!