Board Parent Mid-Term Election 2023 - 2 Vacancies results

Mark Graham Sinclair
Elected

I’m Mark Sinclair, currently Deputy Chair of the MAC school board and if reelected would be honoured to represent parents for the another three years.

I’m stepping forward again because I believe that MAC can become one of the leading schools in the country. We have a strong legacy, we live in an incredible environment, we have really capable teachers and staff and a close-knit, supportive community. The leadership Nicola Jacobson has shown since her appointment as principal in 2021 along with the completion of new school buildings earlier this year mark a positive new phase in the school’s evolution and creates even better opportunities for Upper Clutha youth.

At the same time, I recognise that families have come through a period of unprecedented economic and social pressure since early 2020, and we are not yet out of the woods. MAC has the potential to prepare our student community to be better equipped for a rapidly changing and unpredictable world.

If re-elected, I will continue to focus on transparency, clear communication and good governance, ensuring that MAC continues to be a school that students and their families can be proud to be associated with. I am also particularly passionate about the wellbeing of all students and staff.

I grew up in Wānaka, moved back with Rachel and our two children (both at MAC) six years ago, and I’m delighted that they can live their teen years in this environment. I want them to look back on their time at MAC fondly.

I served as deputy chair of a school board in Bristol (UK) for five years, during which time the school was awarded the top ERO equivalent review category ("outstanding") with academic and sporting results rivalling local private schools. In Wānaka, I am deputy chair of the Wānaka Stakeholders Group (aka “Protect Wānaka”) and was a trustee of Kahu Youth Trust for five years until earlier this year. I’ve held both NZ and UK directorships. I have expertise in communications, strategy and digital technology - and I have a legal background. I am currently centrally involved in two significant Wānaka community projects.

Ben Taylor
Elected

My name is Ben Taylor and I wish to stand for the Mt Aspiring College school board.

I believe that a quality education is essential to prepare our young people to make the most of the opportunities in the brave new world that is appearing before us.

I am married to Debra, a primary school teacher and we have four children, 3 of whom are currently at MAC, so have a significant vested interest in helping the school achieve its aims. As a family, we place great value and focus on our children’s education.

I believe that MAC is on a journey to be one of New Zealand’s leading schools, given the talent of our young people, the motivated and supportive parent community and the dedicated teachers that we have. The board should have this aspiration for the school and be active in supporting this. I believe that an integral part of achieving that goal is effective governance, providing appropriate strategy, oversight and support to the school.

I have been a member of the board for the last three years also taking on the role of Chair of the Finance committee for two of those years. I have really enjoyed working with the current board and management and would like the opportunity to continue this work to help build out the capability of the school and improve long term outcomes for students. I am also an advisory trustee for the MAC Foundation.

Professionally, I have worked as a financial adviser for the last 17 years, and currently work for Forsyth Barr. I have been involved in educational governance for a number of years. Firstly as a trustee and then Chair of Montessori Children’s House Wanaka, Co-opted onto the Wanaka Primary School board as Treasurer for 4 years and on the finance committee of Te Kura O Take Kārara. I have previously been a long standing member and Chair of Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust.

I see MAC as a vital part of our community and it would be an honour to continue to help, as part of the Board, if elected.