Andrew Corkill

Board Chairperson

Ko Andrew Corkill toku ingoa.

My name is Andrew Corkill and I have been Chairperson of the Te Ao Mārama School Board of Trustees for the last three years. Prior to that, I served on our initial Establishment Board as Deputy Chairperson while the school was being built and had a hand in designing the concepts which underpin our kura.

It was an honour to continue on from the Establishment Board through to the newly elected Parent Board to maintain and strengthen previous connections and enhance discussions and decisions going forward. Having an ability to bring the forethought and planning across from the Establishment Board to the Parent Board is important to continue in these early years of Te Ao Mārama.

I stood for the board because I am passionate about our place and I am inspired by the way our school has been developed through strategy and vision and how this has translated into the operation of the school.

Alongside this I place high emphasis on the fantastic culture that you can feel in every part of the school. Each time I visit, I see kids who are happy, energised and fulfilled by their learning environment and a team of highly dedicated professionals who educate them.

My wife Sarah is a foundation 'Day 1' teacher of Te Ao Mārama School and my two eldest children, Blake (7) and Taylor (5) both attend school. Our youngest Ashley-Rose, a future Te Ao Mārama alumnus is only 1 year old! We are all active users and initiators of the successful Roy Hilton Drive Walking School Bus which has been a great initiative for getting to know other families in our neighbourhood and creating a warm and positive community feel.

I have previous governance experience having been part of numerous Boards of Trustees and a member of the Institute of Directors. I am Chair of the Board of Progress to Health – a not-for-profit mental health and disability organisation whose vision is ‘communities without barriers’. For my day job I am National Partnership Manager at Sport NZ, the government agency for sport, active recreation and play. I have previously worked as General Manager for Sport Waikato.

I’m excited about the bright future of our incredible school and its inclusive culture. I am committed to drawing upon my professional experience from the journey thus far to continue and better contribute to the positive momentum of our School.