Heemi McDonald

Board Member

Kia ora katoa.

I am Heemi McDonald, and after six years of service, I am delighted to be re-elected to represent you on the Te Ao Mārama School Board. Over this time, I’ve had the privilege of fulfilling several core governance roles. As custodian of the Board’s Finance Portfolio, I partnered with the principal and Board to craft annual budgets, maintain internal controls, and meet the Ministry’s accountability expectations. Alongside this, I played a role in our policy review processes, ensuring alignment with governance standards and cultural responsiveness.

My professional background as a former Deputy Principal and classroom educator provides me with direct insight into teaching and learning environments. It has kept me grounded in the everyday experiences of both teachers and students, helping me to bridge the perspectives of governance and pedagogy.

Throughout the Board’s strategic planning and charter cycles our collective efforts helped embed te ao Māori, expand whānau engagement, and support quality outcomes for all students. Our property planning saw the successful delivery of additional play spaces, with plans in place to support the continued roll growth and environment of the school.

Looking ahead, I remain committed to support our principal and leadership team to continue to deliver a world class education to our children.

As well as being a trained teacher, I have a Law degree from the University of Waikato, and am actively involved with a number of local community and national organisations. Where I feel I will be able to add value to the Board will be through strengthening community relationships, being collaborative in our activities as a Board and ensuring that we continue to inspire our learners and prepare them for their futures.

My wife Gemma and I have 4 children; Keeley in Year 10 and Avery in Year 8 now both attending Rototuna Junior High School, and Miller in Year 5 and Marlow in Year 2 both at Te Ao Marama.