Board Elections 2025

Kia ora,

Originally co-opted onto the Board in October 2018, I have had the privilege to serve consecutive terms since and seeking re-election as a parent representative.

Being on the Board has been an enriching experience; I’ve gained a more in depth understanding of the education system and its permutations as well as governance practice over a commodity that isn’t a financial outcome, but learner outcome focused.

Whilst on the Board, my primary portfolio is Property. This has involved some exciting, albeit challenging projects, both school led and Ministry led, with highlights including the Roll Growth buildings, exterior reclad project, and currently the roofing rehab project. Often these projects require involvement from the concept phase through to delivery, with special attention to how the school can operate during the project. Patience, tenacity and strategic negotiation are core requisites when working with the Ministry in order to get the best outcome for school community.

Fortunately I live and work locally as a project manager for an international engineering consultancy and as part of that, have delivered a number of school projects for the Ministry around the Central Otago and Southland regions. These projects have given me valuable insights into the constraints delivery teams for the Ministry face and what levers are pulled to progress. I continue to apply these learnings to guide the Board and school to further successful project outcomes whether school or Ministry led.

This does take time, more than just a 90 minute meeting every month or so. However I willingly expend the effort as the school has always supported our family since moving to Queenstown in late 2015. My wife Sarah taught at the school as the technology teacher for four years and was supported to receive the Prime Minister’s Science Teacher award. Both of my sons attended/attending since they were 5 years old and thrived at Remarkables in their respective ways.

I’m seeking to stand again as there’s more work to be done and I’d happily get stuck in for another Board term.

My name is Kelly McAteer and I am seeking re-election to the Remarkables Primary School Board of Trustees.

As a current board member, I have had the privilege of contributing to the strategic direction and governance of our school, always with the goal of ensuring every child thrives in a safe, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment. I am passionate about education and deeply committed to supporting our teachers, staff, and leadership team in delivering the best possible outcomes for our students.

Professionally, I am the Membership and Development Manager at the Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce, where I work closely with local organisations to foster growth, collaboration, and community engagement. This role has strengthened my understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges facing our region, and I bring this perspective to my work on the board.

I am also a qualified teacher with experience in both the New Zealand and UK secondary education systems. This background gives me a strong appreciation for curriculum development, student wellbeing, and the responsibilities that are placed on our teachers. It also helps to break through the acronym jungle that is the education sector.

As a mum of two girls in Year 3 and Year 5, I’m closely connected to our school - not just as a board member, but as a parent who sees the impact of great teaching every day. We live in a special place, and I believe our kids deserve an education that reflects that - creative, inclusive, and future-focused. I’ll keep advocating for the support and resources our teachers and students need to thrive.

I’m a parent of two children at Remarkables Primary and a senior commercial manager with close to 20 years’ experience in the construction industry. My expertise includes commercial strategy, procurement, property, contract management, and financial governance on complex, large-scale construction projects.

I currently lead national-level commercial operations for a major construction company, overseeing risk, planning, project controls, and financial performance across a diverse portfolio. I have a strong track record of ensuring financial accountability, managing property assets effectively, and driving value in complex environments.

I’ve previously held governance roles on boards, bringing experience in strategic planning, financial oversight, and community engagement. I understand the responsibilities of governance and the importance of working collaboratively to support strong leadership and meaningful outcomes.

I’m standing for the Board to contribute these skills in a meaningful way - supporting responsible financial decision-making, ensuring our facilities meet the needs of learners and staff, and helping the school continue to thrive.

Ultimately, I want to see our tamariki succeed in a safe, supportive, and well-resourced learning environment.

Kia ora koutou,

Ko Ebony Webster tōku ingoa. I’m putting myself forward for the Remarkables Primary School Board because I’m a strong supporter of this kura and the incredible team who lead and nurture our tamariki every day. I believe Remarkables Primary is already leading the way in education across our rohe, and with the right guidance and support, it can continue to thrive.

I’m currently the Chief Operating Officer of Mana Tāhuna Charitable Trust, an organisation I’ve been part of since inception. Our focus is on uplifting whānau and restoring te taiao across the Whakatipu basin. In my role, I lead strategy, operations, and a kaupapa Māori team grounded in community, connection, and care.

I also serve on the board of Queenstown Primary School and the local COGS (Community Organisation Grants Scheme) committee, giving me strong experience in governance and community leadership. While I value these roles, I feel deep alignment with the values of Remarkables Primary and the vision it holds for the future.

Born and raised here in Tāhuna, I’m proud to now raise my own tamariki in this community, I believe deeply in whānau-centred education where tamariki are seen, valued, and supported to grow into confident, connected people.

I, alongside my whānau have supported many kaupapa across the region and I am currently part of the committee for Kōhanga Reo o Whakatipu, working to establish a kōhanga reo here in Tāhuna. My experience spans leadership, governance, kaupapa Māori development, and community advocacy, all of which I’d bring to this board role.

I’m passionate about shaping a future-focused, inclusive, and culturally grounded education system. I would be honoured to support Remarkables Primary as it continues to grow as a place of excellence and belonging for all tamariki.

Ngā mihi nui,

Ebony Webster

Hello,
I’m Mark Simpson and I’m putting my name forward for the Board of Trustees at Remarkables Primary. I’ve got two daughters at the school, in Years 4 and 2, and like most parents, I want to make sure our kids are getting the best possible start in life.
Professionally, I’m the General Manager of a large food business, Dairyworks. In this role, I am responsible for strategic planning, governance, financial oversight, and leading large, diverse teams. These are skills I believe would add strong value to the board, particularly as schools navigate increasingly complex funding, staffing, and curriculum environments.

What matters most to me is that Remarkables continues to be a place where kids enjoy learning, teachers feel supported, and parents are confident that the school is doing a great job. As a board member, I would work to ensure that our strategic decisions are aligned with the needs of our learners, the aspirations of our teachers, and the vision of our school leadership.

I’m interested in the big picture: making sure the school stays well-managed, future-focused, and prepared to deal with the challenges that come with growth, funding pressures, and a changing world.
I believe good governance is about listening, asking the right questions, being willing to challenge, and always keeping the best interests of students at heart. I bring a collaborative mindset, governance experience, and a genuine desire to serve our school community with energy and integrity.
Thanks for considering my nomination. I’d be proud to represent Remarkables families and do my part to support a school that gives so much to our children.
Cheers,
Mark Simpson

With our second son about to start Remarks school, I see this as an opportunity to build positive relationships with the community as I am an active member of the Frankton community association and a scout leader (currently Arrowtown).

While working for almost ten years for QLDC, I believe I these connections would benefit the board in achieving and setting goals.