JAN 2025: PLEASE NOTE; DUE TO INCREASED DEMAND, OUR WAITLIST IS CLOSED TO ANY NEW APPLICATIONS FOR THE NEXT 6 MONTHS
Our Board
The Governance Board at Kopuwai would like to introduce ourselves to you and share a part of what we do.
Kopuwai is a community-based, Not-for-Profit childcare centre – the only one in Alexandra. We strive to provide excellent early childhood education and at a reasonable price. As an Incorporated Society we have a Constitution and a membership base which includes you, our families who automatically become members when your child attends our centre. We are required to have a Governance Board in order to remain operational.
The Governance Board is made up of a group of parents whose role it is to oversee all aspects of the running of the centre, including financial management, policies, planning, staff management and legislative requirements. We meet bi-monthly and the minutes of our meetings are available to all of our families. Being involved in the Board is a great way to provide feedback into how the centre is run, whilst gaining Governance skills and experience. It also provides an opportunity to be part of the awesome team that make our centre amazing!
Nicola Chisholm
Chairperson
Hi I'm Nic.
I'm married to Glen and have three children - Nina, Pip and Hugh. Nina attended Kopuwai but is now in her primary years, Pip currently attends and Hugh is a new additon to the family.
I grew up on a high country property in the Mackenzie Country and moved to Central Otago 12 years ago.
I have an agricultural consultancy business and enjoy running, cycling and mucking around in the outdoors with the kids.
I joined the committee to support the team and hope that I can make a useful contribution to our centre.
Lucinda Allison
Treasurer
Hi, I'm Lucinda, originally from down south and have been living in Central Otago with my husband Callum for about 15 years, we love it here.
I work at ITM as a sales rep covering the Alexandra basin. We've got a couple of mutley's that help keep Elliot entertained and a camera is never too far from my hand to get some shots of our beautiful landscape.
Elliot is our son and when we went looking for an ECE centre for Elliot we came for a look at Kopuwai and both left saying this is where we want Elliot to have as his second home, the atmosphere was relaxed but attentive.
I've joined the Board to help provide an input to ours and everyone's youngsters, to bring in some fresh eyes and see how I can help.
Abi Brook Miller
Secretary
Kia Ora, I'm Abi.
My husband and I live out in Lauder with our three kids. You'll probably see Dunstan around Kopuwai more as he does the drop offs and pick ups, which leads me to why I joined the board in 2024 - to learn more about the Kopuwai whānau but also the center as a whole. It's been really insightful and I look forward to another great year.
Ngā mihi
Abi
Ashleigh Leslie
Vice Chair
Hey everyone!
My name is Ash Leslie and I am Harvey and Ryder's Mum.
I joined the Board in May 2023 mainly because I have always wanted to show our kaiako support for what they're doing for our tamariki and to do what I can to make sure our centre stays in a great place.
Jo Woodside
Board Member
Hi, I'm Jo.
My husband & I live in Clyde with our son Monty who goes to Kopuwai. We have lived here for 8 years & love Central Otago for the climate & relaxed family lifestyle. In our spare time we love spending time boating, biking & being in the outdoors.
Why did I join the board? Since being part of the Kopuwai community we have really seen and appreciated the value of the teachers & everyone involved in making it a wonderful place for our tamariki. I wanted to show my support and contribute where I can to help the Kopuwai team.
Sarah Muir
Board Member
Hi all, My name is Sarah Muir and I am excited to have been elected to be on the Board for Kopuwai ELC! For those of you who don't know me, I am Liam's Mum and we have been part of the Kopuwai whanau for almost a year. Liam absolutely loves Kopuwai and it has been amazing to see how much he is thriving since joining the whanau, which makes me excited to be a part of the board and support our wonderful teaching team to continue to provide the best environment for our little ones.
I work for Delta as a H&S advisor and have been on the local board for St Johns Alexandra for almost 7 years. I am looking forward to connecting with more parents and being an active part of the Board.
Charlotte van der Voort
Board Member
About Me to come..
AGM
Our AGM is generally held in March or April. We are always looking for new members, so if your child attends Kopuwai, please let us know if you are interested in joining the Board of Governance.
Our AGM is open for all to attend, and we would love to see as many of you as possible to show your support.