Our School Board

My commitment is rooted in a deep desire to guide our tamariki’s education through effective governance and to ensure optimal resources for both students and staff. My 18 years of professional experience in Media and Advertising, encompassing roles in digital media at Trade Me and print advertising at REACH, have equipped me with valuable skills in stakeholder relationships, communication strategy, and time management. Additionally, my strong interest in education is demonstrated by my previous service on the boards of AMASA (Advertising Media Association of South Africa) and Lady Buxton Pre-primary. 

I am passionate about cultivating an inclusive and diverse educational environment where every child feels safe, healthy, and happy, thereby optimizing their educational and social development. I champion open communication between the school, whānau, and the wider community, and will actively advocate for policies that empower our children to confidently face the future. Furthermore, I am dedicated to ensuring teachers receive the necessary support and resources to continue their vital work. I look forward to continuing my involvement with Stanmore Bay School, supporting and challenging decisions to nurture our children's growth and aspirations, and collaborating with the dedicated team to achieve our shared goals.

I am deeply committed to the ongoing success of Stanmore Bay School and remain enthusiastic about contributing to its future. My connection to the school spans decades. I attended as a student myself, my wife works at the school, my daughter previously attended and my two sons are currently in year 4. My mother also served the school for eight years as both a teacher-aide and librarian, making Stanmore Bay School a cornerstone of my family’s life.

Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of serving my second term on the school board, working alongside staff, whānau, and the wider community to support quality teaching and learning. I bring to this role a strong academic background, having completed a PhD in Biology at Massey University, followed by research and lecturing roles at university level. I now work as a Senior Ecologist for an ecological consultancy, where I combine scientific expertise with practical problem-solving skills that are equally valuable in governance.

I am passionate about ensuring Stanmore Bay School students have every opportunity to achieve academically and to develop the skills they need for lifelong success. My focus is on fostering an environment where high expectations, strong support, and community involvement work together to give our tamariki the very best start in their educational journey.

Tēnā koutou katoa,

My wife and I moved up from the South Island in 2014 and have truly found our new home in Stanmore Bay.  This place is very special and we recognise the important place Stanmore Bay School has at the heart of our community. We have two boys who attend the school and who enjoy all the opportunities available to achieve in a safe and supportive environment.

I've spent fifteen years working in sports administration at regional and national level and am currently the Head of Commercial & Marketing at Tennis NZ. My role focuses on areas such as finance, asset management, communications and stakeholder engagement and I will bring these skills and experiences to the board.

I'm excited by the opportunity to work with the Board and Senior Leadership to help our school achieve its mission and key goals.

Kia ora e te whānau. Ko Estelle Clifford ahau.

I’m a radio announcer and new kaiako at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, teaching on the Broadcasting Diploma programme. Communication, both talking and truly listening, is at the heart of everything I do.

As a busy, active mum who loves our community, beaches and environment, I’m passionate about creating spaces where our tamariki feel supported, engaged and excited about their school years and learning.

I have huge appreciation for the ongoing mahi of our teachers. The dedication, care and learning they deliver (and need themselves) every day. I’m excited and grateful to represent our parent community on the Board and always open for a good kōrero or ka pai yarn.

Kia ora, hello, and namaste. My name is Bhavya Raghavan, and I’m the proud parent of a student at Stanmore Bay School. 

I have had the privilege of having served one term as a parent representative on the school board, and I remain passionate about education and the lasting impact it has on our children’s development and confidence. As a parent and Board member, I care deeply about creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for all our tamariki. I believe in open, two-way communication between the school and families and the importance of recognising and respecting the diverse social, cultural, and learning needs within our community. I endeavour to continue to advocate for meaningful representation, inclusion, and support—ensuring every child feels seen and valued. 

Professionally, I work in the insurance industry and bring with me strong skills in communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement. My personal varied experiences with education have shaped my understanding of how important early support systems and positive school environments are in shaping our children’s confidence and success. Since moving to Stanmore Bay with my family, I’ve felt a strong sense of belonging within the school community. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the growth and success of Stanmore Bay School. 

Kia ora! I was born in Brazil, and have taken a circuitous route to Aotearoa New Zealand, via the US, Switzerland, and then Singapore. My wife (who is from Wellington) and I moved to Stanmore Bay in 2014, and we’ve been so happy here on the Coast.

I love our school. Our son went to school here from new entrants through to year 6, and our daughter is now ending year 4. When I am not driving the kids around for after-school activities, I enjoy being outdoors, and at the library, where I run an after-school Minecraft club for kids. I speak Portuguese and Spanish, and I am enjoying learning te reo Maori, often through my children!

As a member of the Board, I aim to support Matt and our fantastic teachers, as they go about their important work of teaching our tamariki. Our role as board members is about effective governance and ensuring we have the best resources possible for students and staff. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with such a dedicated team, great kids and awesome community.

In my professional life I work as a cybersecurity incident response manager. I help people and companies to recover from online scams, for example, and help make the internet safer for everyone. I am an experienced project manager and enjoy working with people; I will draw on these skills within my role on the Board of Trustees.

You can see me at school every day, often with my daughter on my shoulders as we walk home. Feel free to say hello!

I am thrilled to be elected as a parent representative on the Stanmore Bay School board of trustees, and have the opportunity to contribute toward an inclusive and safe learning environment for our tamariki. Primary schooling is not only vital to preparing our young people for future educational achievement, but also in shaping their values and character. I also believe in the role that sports, culture, music and arts play in developing well-rounded individuals. I am committed to our school's long-term success and assisting tamariki on their learning journey. 

I am a proud parent of 2 children (soon to be 3) attending Stanmore Bay School. Our whānau have been part of the Hibiscus Coast community for over 5 years and love to be outdoors. Some of our favourite places to be include Shakespeare and Wenderholm Regional Parks, and Stanmore Bay beach. I am a qualified accountant holding bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Auckland. I currently work for a large multinational charity overseeing financial planning and budgeting, risk management and governance, and treasury operations across the Pacific region.