Kia Ora Koutou Katoa

I am Daphne Williams and it is a privilege to be part of the  WHHS board of trustees.  I am from Ngongotaha and whakapapa back to WaitetiMarae.   My son, Joshua, has just started Year 9 in 2019 and is the eldest of 3 children who will follow his lead.  Our whanau has a strong history with the school, as Joshua is the third generation to attend.

I am currently a part time teacher and have taught in Bay of Plenty and Canterbury schools.  I have worked with a range of cultures, socio economic backgrounds and religious beliefs.  I found my passion within the Special Education Programme by supporting children who have additional learning needs. I believe ALL our akonga should be given the opportunity to reach their potential.   I am also passionate about supporting the WHHS staff, so they are fully equipped to teach and inspire their students.

Tena koutou,

Over the past 10 years I have had a close association with Western Heights High School. My older children, Tayla and Jesse have only recently left and our youngest son Koby is currently in Year 10. My wife Nicky is also a past student.

I have shown commitment to the school through my continued involvement as a coach with Rugby at U14, U15, 2nd XV and 1st XV level since 2013. I have also been actively involved in the CACTUS mentoring program held at the school.

Coaching and mentoring others is one of my passions. My current position in the NZ Police allows me to fulfil that passion as I am the Learning and Development Manager for the BOP.  The role focuses on developing future leaders in the Police and providing learning opportunities for people to reach their potential.

As a BOT member I will ensure Western Heights High School has the respect of the Educational Community, leads the way with student engagement and develops and grows good young people.

Nga mihi
Denton Grimes

Kia ora tatou,

I am an ex-pupil of WHHS along with my husband Kurt and son Bailey, and my daughter Paige is currently in year 11.

I have been employed at Sport Bay of Plenty for over 11 years in a number of roles including administration, health, recreation and school sport. I currently work in the Primary and Intermediate school sport space facilitating a calendar of 40+ sporting events for Rotorua school children. I am passionate about children being physically active whether it’s through organised sport or informal activities as I believe there are not only health benefits but essential life skills are learned such as teamwork, communication, leadership and co-operation.

My husband and I have managed the local volleyball club for nearly 10 years now and I have been on the Volleyball Bay of Plenty board for over 7 years, currently as the board chair.

I am passionate about supporting all of our children have equal opportunities, positive experiences and a quality education, be that academically, culturally, in sports or any other area that will help them grow and develop into amazing adults who have something to contribute to the community.

I am very pleased to have been selected as a parent representative on the BOT and I welcome hearing from you.

Nga mihi Melissa

Kia Ora my name is Roger Ngatai,

I am a Western Heights High School old boy. I am also the proud father of 2 girls, my oldest girl Renee was the deputy head girl, captain of the IX hockey team, and is the current IX hockey coach. My youngest daughter Leah is currently in year 12.

I have a passion for sports and education. I am actively involved in the Ngongotaha community as the coach of the Ngongotaha Senior A rugby team and as a member of WaitetiMarae.

I am the operations Co-ordinator for Kop-Coat NZ based at Red Stag Timber. I have held this position for 5 years.

I believe it is a great privilege to be a parent representative on the WHHS board of trustees. I have not previously been on a board of trustees but I am enjoying the challenge. My connection to the school is through my two boys who are students here, one in Year 11 and one in Year 9. I have been involved in School camps and the two rugby trips to Malaysia as parent helper. Also I have been actively involved in the Cactus mentoring programme held at the school over the past three years. As a Police officer with over 20 years experience this programme has assisted in removing some of the barriers between youth and Police. I am currently the officer in charge of youth and community sections at Rotorua. I have experience in human resource matters, rock on truancy programme, coordinated emergency management systems and conflict resolution to name a few. I enjoy finding better ways of doing things and improving areas that need it..