2019 Common Election results

Maria Aka
Elected

Kia Orana & Fakaalofa Lahi Atu,

My Name is Maria Aka, I am of Cook Island descent and a blessed mother of 3 children their names are Thaddeus (12yrs), Damarian (11 yrs.) and Zaeliyah (7 yrs.) whom are also half Niuean.

My son Thaddeus attends Central Auckland Specialist School (CASS) but is based at a satellite class at Waikowhai Intermediate. Damarian is in his first year at Sir Douglas Bader Intermediate and my daughter Zaeliyah is at Favona School.

I currently sit on two school boards Favona School as the current board chair and Central Auckland Specialist School (CASS) as a parent trustee for two terms. I am the current treasurer for a community group called Vagahau Niue Trust for two terms, which primarily is focused on the strategic protection, maintenance, retention and development of the Niue Language.

My background is in an advisory role mainly in community engagement, Finance and IT (Information and Technology). I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in governance and am inspired by my children when it comes to education being involved in their learning and to give back to my community. I would gratefully appreciate the opportunity to be elected for the school board so we can make good decisions that benefit and excel our children "Our future leaders".

Meitaki Maata, Fakaaue lahi Mahaki

My name is Helen Faamoe and I am standing for the Favona School Board. I am a foundation member of the school when it first opened in the early 1970s. My family has lived in the Favona area for more than 45+ years and I have seen the rich growth and diversity of the community. I am a mother and grandmother and work locally in the community. Favona School holds an excellent education reputation of delivering quality teaching to students from all walks of life and is well respected in the community. I have previously served on the Favona School Board and other school boards which has included an intermediate and secondary school for 10 years to 2011 and was a member of the Pasifika Board of Trustees group supporting new and existing Pasifika trustees. My children attended Favona School and my grandson is currently a Year 5 student. It is great experience to learn about board trusteeship but importantly how I could make a difference in the decision making of future directions for students in schools. I support excellent education outcomes delivered by skilled and quality teachers that can excel student learning opportunities. Primary school is the foundation for young minds to absorb the wealth of learning knowledge and information and setting them in good steed for the next education level. I have a high interest in the improvements within the education sector but especially a personal interest in how Favona School has grown in all areas of education which includes improvements in school buildings and property maintenance. I have excellent range of skills and experience having worked in many different industries and sectors which can contribute to supporting good school governance practices and being part of the strategic goal and sensible policy setting to meet regulatory requirements. This includes ensuring that a safe and healthy learning environment will enable positive student learning opportunities and outcomes. My experience on school Boards has included various roles as Board Chair, deputy chair and lead for board sub committees such as finance, policy, property, disciplinary and human resources. I have excellent understanding of governance and understand management roles. Your supportive vote will ensure that all Favona students will continue to benefit from quality teaching by skilled and creative teaching staff that can engage and achieve positive outcomes in preparing students for the next level of their education when they leave Favona school.

Tina Hebrew-Takai
Elected

Kia Orana, Kia Ora, Hello,

I currently sit on the Favona School Board as a parent trustee. My journey as a school trustee has been enriched with meeting and working alongside amazing people. Over the years I have seen the school transform but one thing remains the same that we all want the best for our children/tamariki. Being on the school board has given me the opportunity to be proactive in decision making. Ensuring our children are not missing out on learning opportunities delivered by competent and quality teachers.

I am a past Favona student and my own children went to Favona Kindergarten and Primary and now I have two nephews attending. I grew up and still live in Favona and I am grateful I can still serve my school community. I have seen many of our Favona children transition onto intermediate and high school and to see them succeed in their education journey makes me super proud.

Education is part of my personal portfolio I work for the Auckland Kindergarten Association as a Head Teacher at Farm Cove Kindergarten. As well as the East Kindergartens Health and Safety Rep. I currently sit on the New Zealand Schools Trustee Association (NZSTA) Auckland Regional Executive Board. Which involves providing support and workshops for Auckland school trustees in their governance roles. I have the passion, experience and knowledge to be a trustee on the Favona Primary School Board. I look forward to working alongside our principal, senior leaders, teachers and parents to ensure our children/tamariki are continuously progressing at their best.

Kia Manuia Tina Hebrew-Takai

Saisamoa Laban
Elected

Talofa lava! My name is Saisamoa Laban and I am excited to run for a second term for the Board of Trustees. I am of Samoan and Niuean descent. I was born in Wellington, New Zealand but grew up in Samoa. My husband Tommy and I have been married for fourteen years and we are blessed with five children. Two are former students of Favona Primary, two are current students and our youngest will join in future.

Favona Primary has always been a part of our family since moving to New Zealand from Samoa. I’ve had many nieces and nephews that are former students, some currently attending and more to come. I would love to continue making Favona Primary a part of our families educational journey and helping our future generation.

I know and believe that education is important. I know that parents play a large part in their children’s learning. I am a stay-at-home mother and have been for the past thirteen years. I have completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems from Brigham Young University in Hawaii and a Postgraduate Diploma in Computing from Unitec.

Being on the board again will give me the opportunity to continue to support our children’s education, lend a hand when needed and to ensure that they receive the best opportunities in all aspects of learning and life.

I look forward to working with you all.

Faafetai lava

Patrick Nofo’akifolau
Elected

My name is Patrick Nofo’akifolau in my 40’s, living and working in Manukau. I am from the Kingdom of Tonga, therefore a a faithful Christian and one the leaders in the Mangere Tongan Methodist.

I am currently a servant of the Crown as a 14 year veteran in the New Zealand Police and a proud father of 5 children. Two of my children have been through Favona Primary School and have gone onto High School and Intermediate. I currently have two children attending the school and my youngest son will follow suit because of Favona Primary’s Value, inspired Leader and amazing Leadership group that maintains the integrity of the school.

I live and work locally within the Counties Manukau District and I have a Passion to making Mangere a better, safer place for all.

My children attending the local schools holds me accountable to my daily duties and a constant reminder that I provide the best service I can offer because the people at risk are dear to my heart.

I am interested in becoming a Parent representative in the Favona Primary School Board of Trustees, because I need the opportunity to influence the decision making at the governance level, in order to support best practice and reap the best result from the students of Favona.

I believe I have enough influence in the Tongan Community of Favona to represent them well at the Board of Trustees. I look forward to be challenged for improvements and if I get the seat at the Board, I will seek most opportunities to invest in being an effective representative of parents.

I have had my first term as a co-opted member onto the Board as a parent representative. I have learned so much, which has allowed me to be a better person in the community but more so a better father to my children.

I would like to acknowledge the current BOT Chair and the very experienced senior members of the Board for their knowledge, longevity and tenacity. I have learned relationship is the key to achieve the best result. I am blessed to witness the BOT working very well with the Principal and her Leadership team.

I look forward to another term in the best Primary School in New Zealand.