The School Board is a governance body that comprises elected parents together with the Principal and one staff representative.
The Board is entrusted to work on behalf of the children who attend the school. Its role emphasises strategic leadership rather than administrative detail and ensures that the school complies with legal and policy requirements. The primary focus of the School Board, Principal and Staff is to ensure the very best educational outcomes for all children attending Halswell School.
Board meetings are held in the school boardroom commencing at 6 pm, usually on the third Tuesday of each month. The meetings are open to the public, and our parent community is welcome to attend.
Email: bot@halswell.school.nz
Rob Dixon, Presiding Member
I am a local parent, two boys at Halswell School. I am passionate about giving everyone in the school community the opportunity to succeed in our ever-changing world, be that students, teachers, staff and fellow parents.
I will be using my background in business management and sports governance to assist the Board. I love sport and music, so am also looking forward to getting more involved in the school in these areas too – with my parent hat on and my board hat off!
Committees: Property, Curriculum and Finance
Dean Roulston
Kia ora, my wife Kelly and I are the parents of twin boys Tom & Barry who started at Te Kura o te Tauawa Halswell school in 2023.
I have a background in teaching and sport and this shapes my view that that schools should aim to provide a safe and welcoming environment with a broad range of opportunities that enable all tamariki to thrive.
I feel privileged to have the opportunity to serve the school community and I’m looking forward to working with the new board to provide strong governance support for school leadership and staff to continue the fantastic work they are doing.
Committees: Finance, Property and Curriuclum
Yoonha Park
I am a mum of two young children – my daughter attends Halswell School and my son is in preschool. I am a lawyer specialising in all areas of family law.
My family moved to New Zealand from South Korea when I was 8 years old. When I first arrived, I was not familiar with the English language at all. Despite being the first and only Asian student at my school, my Kiwi friends welcomed me and helped me to settle in. Being in such a positive and inclusive learning environment sparked my love for school and learning. I will make positive contributions as a board member to ensure that our tamariki experience this as well. I envision Halswell School to be a place where each child’s unique cultural identity is strengthened and fostered, embodying Manawanuitanga.
I have specialised in family law for over a decade and regularly advocate for children in the family court as a Lawyer for Child. It is this experience and insight that I can contribute to the board. I am excited to be part of the team that works collaboratively to make strategic decisions centred around our children receiving quality education.
Committees: Health & Safety and Communication
Ralph Hobbs
Kia ora, I am a proud parent of two boys at Halswell School, in years one and three, and have felt a real connection to the school since the first one started back in 2023. I am a HR Manager at an energy company with a number of years of people management, process, governance and administration experience, and I’m passionate about helping the school maintain its high standards in decision making in both the near and long term.
I am a university graduate with a passion for education and a keen interest in governance. I grew up in the UK, but have lived in New Zealand since 2011 and Christchurch is very much home. I also play social football for Halswell on the weekend as well as coaching my sons teams, and try and get out running around the suburb a couple of mornings a week.
Committees: Health & Safety and Finance
Simon Carter
I have been part of the Halswell School community for the past eight years and currently have two children at school in Yr 4 & Yr 1. Professionally, I run my own Events & Marketing business and have extensive experience in senior leadership, property management, marketing, and sales. I bring prior governance experience from organisations such as the Timaru Festivals Trust, The Elmwood Club, the CBHS Old Boys Association and the Christchurch International Marathon Trust which I currently co-chair.
With the school’s continuing growth I want to ensure our places and spaces are well designed, thoughtfully planned, and meet both educational and recreational needs. I’m passionate about supporting Halswell School to continue thriving, with a particular focus on the wellbeing of students and staff.
I look forward to championing and celebrating the many great things that happen at Halswell School, academically, culturally and on the sports fields.
Committees: Property and Communication.
Katrina Hemsley-McLauchlan
Kia ora koutou, ko Katrina tōku ingoa. I am a mum to 2 children, one of which attends Halswell Primary School and the other will be starting in 2026. I believe that Schools play a central role at the heart of a community and provide tamariki with opportunities to learn and achieve in a supported environment. Schools are significant in the development of children and community and this is something I am passionate about. I am excited to be able to contribute my skills and give back to Halswell Primary School and my local community.
Ko wai au (who am I?), I have qualifications in Youth Studies and Social Work from the UK and have a strong background in working with and alongside tamariki, whānau and communities with regards to care and protection and safeguarding. I worked with Schools and Councils with regards to Education, seeking the best possible outcomes for children who faced challenges accessing education.
Since moving to New Zealand in 2014, I have worked with Government agencies and NGO’s as a Project Manager and in Leadership roles. I spent 3 years as Chair of a community Youth Trust in Selwyn. I enjoy working with a team and taking a collaborative approach to planning and implementing processes. I embrace openness and transparency and believe honest discussion and good communication are key to establishing healthy working relationships.
Thank you for this opportunity to serve Te Kura o te Tauawa Halswell School and our local community.
Committees: Health & Safety and Communication
Kate Heveldt (Staff Rep)
I have been a teacher at Te Kura O Te Tauawa Halswell School for the past eight years, teaching in the Ōrongomai team (Year 3/4). I am passionate about helping students reach their full potential and thrive in all aspects of their learning. I look forward to sharing my teaching experience with the board and contributing in a meaningful way to help our tamariki strive to be their best selves.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, baking and trying to keep active.
Committees: Curriculum
Stuart Cameron (Principal)
Find out about Stuart Cameron on the Message from the Principal page.
Board Information
Click on the buttons below to access more board information.
Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Statement
Halswell School Board of Trustees is compliant with the personnel policy on being a good employer (including the equal employment opportunities programme) [s 77A State Sector Act 1988].
The Principal as EEO officer has ensured that the following practices have been upheld: