School Board

The governance of Newlands Primary School is the responsibility of the School Board. Members are elected every three years from our school community. The School Board is committed to providing excellence in education, and are very supportive of the school’s learning community.

The School Board meets twice a term and meeting times and dates are advised on the school’s calendar of events. All meetings are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend. The minutes are public documents and are available here.

If you would like to know more about School Boards, this link will take you to the New Zealand Schools Trustees Association (NZSTA) website.  

Katrina Bootsma

Presiding Member
​​​​​​​Email: katrinab@newlandsprimary.school.nz

My name is Katrina Bootsma and I have been part of the Newlands Primary School community since 2012. All our three children have journeyed through the school and thrived during their time here.

As a mum, someone with a disability, and a career as a Registered Nurse, I am passionate about the health and educational wellbeing of our school community.

I love the vision, vibrancy and multicultural environment that our school fosters, along with the array of learning opportunities it provides. I thoroughly enjoy serving on the school board with the team.

Dwayne Venn

My name is Dwayne Venn and I have been part of Newlands Primary School since 2013 , joining the board in 2019. 

During my time on the board I have looked after the property portfolio and, with the support of our other board members, we have continued to make Newlands Primary a fantastic place to learn for our tamariki.

Stuart Cross

I’m Stu and I have two children at Newlands Primary, one in Year 5 and the one in Year 3. Our school provides an amazing environment to support the learning, emotional, and physical development of our tamariki.

As a Board member, I enjoy helping our school community to continue to thrive. Schools provide so much more for our children than just academic learning, they are their second home. By fostering a supportive environment we can ensure that our children can be the best version of themselves.

In my work, I help public organisations look after their assets, gain funding for larger projects, and develop organisational strategies. I’m happy to put some of these skills to use on the Board.

Raji Ragini

My name is Raji Ragini, I have lived in the Newlands and Johnsonville area since 2016 after moving over from the United States. I am married to Kishor Ganeshrao and our son Aryan Bhat is in Year 6.

I work in the public sector as a Senior People Insights & Reporting Analyst and have over 10 years of experience in IT, as well as a sales and training background from my previous work experience abroad.

I am passionate about education and feel it is a privilege to work in an area where we can help to grow great people.

I believe in a holistic experience with strong values, excellence in academic, sporting and cultural endeavours, and a sense of belonging especially when our community is so very diverse. I bring empathy, listening, and action that will help grow happy and empowered future citizens of Newlands Primary School.

Seth Fischer

I’m Seth and I have one child at Newlands Primary School in year 5. I work as a software engineer. I am also qualified as an electronics technician.

Schooling has a huge impact on the lives of our kids and I want to help make Newlands Primary a fantastic place for our tamariki to learn. As a board member, my priority is to support staff at Newlands Primary School to provide great educational experiences for our tamariki. I look forward to representing our community and helping Newlands Primary School to thrive.

Roz Whitley

Ko Roz Whitley tāku ingoa
Ko Kai Tahu raua ko Ngaruahine oku iwi
​​​​​​​No Waihopai ahau

Kia ora, my name is Roz Whitley. I was born and bred in Invercargill (a long time ago) and moved to Wellington with my oldest daughter in 2004. I have three daughters – my youngest  is in year 5 here at NPS, along with my niece who is year 6. My middle daughter is at Newlands College who, along with another niece, also attended NPS. My oldest lives in Invercargill with my three mokopuna (grandchildren). Even our dog is a girl!! I am very blessed to be surrounded by strong willed wāhine in my life.

I work for a government organisation based in Porirua. I lead a team of youth specialists who focus on enabling better outcomes for rangatahi who come to Police attention. I am grateful everyday for the role I have and working alongside other passionate people, service providers, and whānau, who are all committed to putting the best interests of our tamariki and rangatahi at the forefront of any decisions we make.   

I am a self-confessed ‘gymmer’ which helps to keep my mind and body in tip top condition. I also play netball and touch when I am not coaching my own girls in whatever sport they choose to play.

We are very fortunate to have such a diverse school community here at NPS, and I am privileged to be part of a board who are passionate, and prioritise the wellbeing of our tamariki, our teachers, and our wider school community. I am committed to supporting our school in its continued journey of building knowledge and understanding of Te Ao Māori / Matauranga Māori, and look forward to progressing this throughout 2023.  

Michael Cuthbertson

Staff Representative

Shirley Porteous

Principal