Niamh Shaw to lead MAC board

Former Queenstown Lakes District councillor Niamh Shaw has been elected chair of the Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College School Board.

Ms Shaw takes the reins from Dr Ian Hall’s tenure, who was a co-opted member of the governance group.

Dr Hall joined the board in 2020, after a critical Education Review Office report a year earlier had lead to a limited statutory manager being appointed to help the school work through challenges.

Dr Ian Hall, co-opted to the board in 2020, will stand down as chair (Image: Supplied).

Ms Shaw was first elected to the board in 2022, and brings governance experience with her, having served a three-year term as a councillor for the district's Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward from 2019 to 2022 and currently chairing Path Wānaka/Ara ki Wānaka.

In a statement from the school announcing the decision, reached at a meeting of the board last night, Ms Shaw praised the work of the outgoing chair, and expressed her desire to continue his legacy.

“Ian has been an exemplary board chair and provided outstanding governance and guidance of the board members and the senior leadership of the college. Like Ian, I am committed to ensuring excellent governance of the college with a focus on wellbeing and communication.”

Ms Shaw says supporting programmes and policies for students and staff that build resilience around risks facing young people was a focus for her.

“I believe the most healthy and positive outcomes for our young people are achieved when we have open engagement among students, teachers, staff, parents, caregivers, whānau, and the wider community.

“As a board, we recognise parents and caregivers and the broader community as our partners in supporting our young people to strive for success and achieve their personal goals.

“The current leadership of the college is working hard to ensure an inclusive and sustainable learning environment supported by wide-ranging pastoral care.

“It’s wonderful to see students engaging in the many facets of college life and reflecting the school’s values in the way they support each other.

“Our aim is to provide a place for every student to grow and be proud of who they are.”

Dr Hall, who has served as chair for four years, says he has enjoyed his involvement with the college and is proud of the gains the school had made in recent times.

“A strong board is now in place and I feel confident that the college will continue to offer an excellent education for all students.

"It’s been a special pleasure to spend time with such wonderful students and to see their success in so many fields.”

The other members of the board are parent representatives Mark Sinclair, who was re-elected as deputy chair at last night’s meeting, Ben Taylor, who is also the chair of the finance committee, Ruth Heath, and Shona Brown, principal Nicola Jacobsen, staff representative Emma Smith, and student representative Zoe Laws.

Ms Shaw will occupy the role of chair for one year, up until the next school board elections. 

Main image (Supplied): Niamh Shaw is the new chair of the Wānaka's high school.