Trustee, Chair
After a year at university and disillusioned with conventional education, I decided to start my own business. Macpac grew to be a substantial and successful business, employing up to 250 people. We cared a lot about environment, product performance and an open, friendly, egalitarian culture. The original vision for Seven Oaks grew out of that inspiring environment.I bring 50 years of innovation, leadership and a wide range of business experience to my role on the Board.
I have 4 children and 7 grandchildren. My youngest son was a foundation student when Seven Oaks opened in 2009.
Parent, Campus
Returning from the UK in 2007, I switched from working in contract management to a procurement role with City Care. After seven years growing procurement at City Care, I created a residential property management company and now work from home. The work flexibility I now have has given me the opportunity to join the school board.
I am married to Jo and we have three children, Cooper (9), Tait (7) and Miri (5). The school has been a great choice for our family with the tailor-made education for each individual child, holistic curriculum and ethos a match to our parenting style at home.
I look to bring commercial business experience and support to the finance committee.
Parent, HR/Processes
I am passionate about providing businesses with bespoke People Solutions from supporting development of you people strategy, to Team and Leadership Development to ensure you are fully enabled to build and lead a successful, thriving and positive business. I am an experienced consultant and facilitator with a passion for enabling businesses to grow and a knack for thinking outside the box and providing strategic people advice to businesses.
My son Noah joined Seven Oaks this year and I am excites to be able to support the school to develop and grow so that it can continue to support children to develop their sense of self.
Parent, Treasurer
I have been a qualified Chartered Accountant since 2007. I have worked in a variety of different sectors, including an accounting firm, a large registered charity and CFO for our own high growth business. At the start of 2020, I finished working in the family business to focus on our family. This has given me time to help at Seven Oaks. I am excited about being on the Board of Seven Oaks School. I use my accounting knowledge and business experience to help with treasurer duties and advice.
Kurt Janssen and I are parents to Theo and Harvey. Our boys absolutely love Seven Oaks as it allows them to develop at their own pace in a peaceful, caring, and supportive environment. The school has given them a positive disposition towards learning and they are moving ahead in leaps and bounds.”
Parent, Deputy Chair
Originally from the UK I moved to NZ in 2013 to work as an event director for Wellington and Napier venues for Cricket World Cup 2015. During this time I met my now husband Matt and we moved down to Lincoln from Wellington in 2019 before the birth of our second daughter.
My background is working in marketing, communications, and major events both here and in the UK. I decided after having children that I wanted a change of career and I am now a certified life coach who supports women to access their inner wisdom to be the person they want to be for themselves and for the people important to them.
Our eldest daughter Emily started at Seven Oaks at the start of 2022 and our youngest, Phoebe, is at the Seven Oaks Preschool. We chose the school because of the values and principles it stands for and with the work that I do, I think it’s important we teach our children how to be confident in who they are and what they stand for, Seven Oaks seems to be a place that encourages and inspires children to do just this.
I have joined the board as it’s important to me to give back to my community and I want to be able to support the vision of the school to a wider audience so that we can continue to grow.
77 Murphys Road
Halswell, Christchurch
8025, New Zealand
OPEN DAY
Thursday 2 November
10.30am-12pm
Join us to discover how our small classes and inspiring educators empower students to become engaged learners and amazing individuals. If you can't wait until November, simply request a private tour at another time. We'd love to meet you.
