Board of Trustees
BOT Nominated Candidates
DE LUEN’ NIKORA, Summar
Kia Ora, my name is Summar De Luen’ Nikora and I wish to be considered once more for the Glen Eden Primary Board of Trustees. I have had the privilege of being an existing member and have enjoyed each term.A little of what I bring with me, I have been a Social Worker for 8 years, currently delivering the contract SWIS, Social Workers in Schools here at GEPS. My role as SWIS allows me to always explore the possibility of rebuilding, connecting and being able to work in difficult or challenging spaces. I have a passion for advocacy work, and pride myself on being a critical thinker. I work from a strengths base lens and have empathy and kindness as my foundation.Another quality I bring to this role, is my understanding and knowledge of raising a family, my children 20 & 15 years old now, all had the pleasure of being GEPS children. We have been a Glen Eden Family since 2003 and wouldn’t have it any other way. I am especially proud of our school community & what we have achieved.Thank you GEPS whanau for once again considering me for the role.
EDMONDS, Kahu
It would be a privilege to listen in on what our tamariki of the future and the decision making from the board will do to help our children all ethnicities. Funding and where it goes etc, making collaborate decisions so that the tamariki excel.
FRANCE, Chris
Kia ora, Malo a lelei, talofa, namaste, nǐ hǎo, and a very New Zealand, gidday! I have been a School board member for 25 plus years because it provides a wonderful opportunity for parents and community to have a very local, and direct, voice in the education of our children. I was a trustee (board member) when my daughters went through school and found it so empowering to work collaboratively with the principal and staffroom that I have continued to try to use my experience to help boards to govern as my regular day job! I am a Glen Eden resident and would love to support the school and the learning of our children in the town. My value to the Glen Eden School board will be to use my years of assisting and supporting school boards across Auckland, to sit with and be a part of a group of parents who have their tamariki at Glen Eden Primary School. They are giving their time and energy to support the school and ensure that the board reflects and acts as the voice of community. I would love to be part of that. If elected I hope my experience combined with committed parents will give us an even better board. There are large changes sweeping through the school sector and boards will need to support their schools through these. Some of these changes may possibly put boards at odds with their community and we will work hard to communicate openly and effectively with you. The race is now on to improve attendance, raise educational outcomes for our children, and help prepare them for a wonderful and fulfilling life using all their potential. The other big change sweeping the area looks to be the intensification of housing which will no doubt broaden the diversity of the students at our school and which will bring challenges and opportunities to the school for board and staff to manage. If you give me your vote, I promise you that we will continue to do our best for all the children who come to our school. Chris France
IQBAL, Shoaib
I am standing for the Glen Eden School Parent Board because I believe every child thrives when their school is an inclusive, imaginative and responsive community. For more than fifteen years, I have worked at the crossroads of arts and education, designing learning programmes with schools across Aotearoa, Australia and South Asia. In my current roles—Education Manager at Red Leap Theatre and consultant to the National Youth Theatre—I collaborate daily with principals, teachers and whānau to embed creativity into curricula, secure funding for
student initiatives and champion wellbeing. That frontline experience has given me a clear understanding of the sector’s opportunities and the practical issues parents raise, from resourcing to cultural inclusion. Prior to relocating to New Zealand, I served for five years on the governing body of my children’s school in Lahore, Pakistan. There, I helped steer policy on teacher professional development, budget oversight and community outreach. That experience taught me the real responsibilities of a trustee—scrutinising data, setting strategic goals and, above all, listening to families—and it showed me how constructive governance can lift student achievement. I will bring the same diligence and collaborative spirit to Glen Eden, ensuring decisions are transparent and evidence-based.I also offer perspectives that reflect our changing community. As a Pakistani New Zealander, I can strengthen connections with Glen Eden's growing South Asian population and advocate for the needs of migrant and refugee families. Fluency in Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi and English allows me to communicate directly with parents who might otherwise feel excluded from board discussions or school events, helping the board meet its obligation to engage all voices.Finally, my practice as a cultural producer has given me a deep understanding of how schools can
celebrate diversity and creativity in ways that meet the aspirations of parents. I have led festivals, residency programmes and arts-in schools projects where tamariki from many backgrounds discover shared stories and new confidence. I would love to help Glen Eden School expand its own cultural and arts initiatives, enrich student wellbeing and prepare our children to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. With your support, I will commit my time, energy and professional networks to champion creative, equitable and high-quality education for all our tamariki.
LAM, Luisa
Talofa lava, malō le soifua. My name is Luisa Lam, a wife and a mother of five, with three of them currently attending Glen Eden Primary School. I moved here when I was a teenager, and I have called Aotearoa home for 16 years now. For the past six years, we have been a part of the GEPS whanau and the support we receive is immense. We truly value the supportive environment and teamwork that define our involvement. I am a tutor for the Pasifika group in our school, and I am passionate about what I do. I'm a second-year Bachelor of Education student at Auckland University of Technology, aiming to incorporate Samoan language and culture into my teaching. My dedication to my children motivates my career choice and my active support of school activities, highlighting the importance of fostering a positive educational environment. I love involving myself in my children’s educational life so that I can help them in any way I can. In my spare time, I spend time with my family and camping when we have time. I am also an involved member of my church because it is another important aspect of my life. Fa’afetai lava.
MCEWING, Victoria
My name is Victoria McEwing, and I’m a proud parent to five children, four of whom have attended Glen Eden Primary School. Over the past ten years, I’ve been fortunate to play an active role in the school community—supporting Breakfast Club, helping with the “Drop In for a Cuppa” initiative, and contributing to keeping the school tidy.I’m deeply passionate about fostering connection, uplifting others, and helping
people reach their full potential. It would be a privilege to represent our parent community on the Board. With previous experience as Co Chair of the Glen Eden Kindergarten Committee, membership on the Whānau Committee, and volunteering for the West Auckland Football Club, I bring hands-on governance experience and a practical understanding of leadership.I’m confident that my skills and background will be a valuable asset to the Board, and I’m excited about the opportunity to continue serving Glen Eden Primary School in this capacity. Thank you for your consideration.
NAIDU, Komal
Bula everyone. I am a mum to two wonderful children who are both students in GEPS. We are a family of four. My husband and I are from Fiji and have been living in NZ for a while and are now proud citizens. Both our children are born westies. I am looking forward to contribute towards our little community in all ways possible. Thank you.
WATT, Brooke
Tēnā koutou e te whānau
Ko Brooke Watt tokū ingoa.
My son is currently a student at Glen Eden Primary School and I've had the privilege of serving on the Glen Eden Primary Board of Trustees since February. I'm now putting my name forward to continue as a parent representative.
For the past seven years I've worked as an early childhood kaiako in Kelston, where my youngest son also attends. I've recently taken on a new role as a Sports Coordinator at Avondale College. Supporting our tamariki and rangatahi as they grow into confident, capable young people is what drives me.
I'm passionate about our Glen Eden and wider West Auckland community and would love the opportunity to continue contributing in this space.
Ngā mihi nui
WHITFIELD, Kim
Kia ora, my name is Kim Whitfield. I’m a local parent and the current Presiding Member on the Glen Eden Primary School Board of Trustees.Our whānau has been part of Glen Eden Primary for over 10 years. My two older daughters are past students, and my youngest daughter, Indy, is currently attending the school. I’m proud to be part of a school that reflects so many cultures, languages, and backgrounds, and where every child and family is welcomed and respected.
In my professional role in the banking sector, I work closely with people and businesses from all walks of life. I bring strengths in communication, financial literacy, and collaborative problem-solving - skills I apply on the board. I value inclusion, practical thinking, and listening to what matters most to our whānau and staff. As Presiding Member, I’ve supported the board to make decisions that put students’ wellbeing and learning at the centre. I believe in strong partnerships between school and community and would be honored to continue contributing to the success of our kura.
Ngā mihi nui,Kim Whitfield
BOARD ELECTION NEWS
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS OPENS Friday 18 July
CLOSE SUPPLEMENTARY ROLL Monday 4 August
NOMINATIONS CLOSE 12 noon Wednesday 6 August
VOTING PAPERS ISSUED Wednesday 13 August
ELECTION DAY Wednesday 10 September
CLOSE POLL 4pm on Wednesday 10 September
COUNT VOTES & DECLARE RESULTS Tuesday 16 September
BOARD TAKES OFFICE Wednesday 17 September
Introduction
The Board of Trustees is elected by the school community to govern the school. The dates of its monthly meetings, which are open to parents, are notified through school newsletters and are also posted on the office window or notice board. Minutes of Board of Trustees meetings, and copies of the School Charter are available at the School Office.
Board of Trustees Members:
Miss Kim Whitfield - Chairperson
Ms Donna Soljan – Principal
Mrs Salomè Bergs – Staff Rep
Mr Alex Burton
Ms Summar De Luen
Mrs Aimèe Clunie
Miss Brooke Watt
