School Board

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, when our eldest daughter Charlotte started here. Charlotte is now at Newlands College, our son Noah is at Newlands Intermediate, and we still have Elijah at Newlands Primary School in Year 6.

I love the vibrancy and multicultural environment that our school fosters, along with the array of learning opportunities it provides. 

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.

This is my third year on the School Board, and I am pleased to take up the role of Presiding Member from 2023. I look forward to serving with the team.

Stuart Cross

I’m Stu and I have two children at Newlands Primary, one in Year 4 and the other is currently a new entrant. Our school provides an amazing environment to support the learning, emotional, and physical development of our tamariki.

As a Board member, I look forward to 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 hoping 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 5.

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 would like to bring in empathy, listening, and action that will help grow happy and empowered future citizens of Newlands 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 on the lives of our kids and I want to help make Newlands 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 well being 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.