HPSS BOARD — HPSS

OUR BOARD

A message from our PRESIDING MEMBER

GRAEME AITKIN

Area of specialty: Education, national curriculum development and implementation, governance, vision, strategy

We have lived with four of our grandchildren and daughter for over 10 years in Hobsonville Point and have a long-term investment in the community. I have been a member of the Hobsonville Point Schools Board since 2016. Two of our grandchildren have graduated from both HPPS and HPSS. Two others currently attend the schools (one at primary, the other at secondary). In continuing to live with our grandchildren I remain close to their school experience.

I have 49 years of experience in education and in 2019 received a Lifetime Educational Achievement Award from the Minister of Education. I was a teacher at Waitakere College for 15 years and Dean of Education and Social Work at the University of Auckland from 2008-2017. I have now retired from the University but continue to work part-time on contract to the Ministry of Education contributing to the design and development of the New Zealand school curriculum. I am also a board member of three not-for-profit education organisations.

These experiences provide me with insight into the changing priorities of education that inform my contributions to the Board.

Graeme Aitken: graeme.aitken@hobsonvillepoint.school.nz

leilarn rankin

Area of specialty: Law, property, space design, strategic planning

I am a current parent representative for the Hobsonville Point School’s Board of Trustees. I have lived in Hobsonville Point for the last 11 years, with my two boys attending the primary and secondary schools.

I have a Bachelor of Law and Property and was a practicing barrister for three years, before moving to my current role as a Senior Project Manager of property, land and infrastructure projects. I am on the Riverhead Amateur Athletics Committee.

I have been involved in many Ministry of Education projects including the redevelopment of Warkworth Primary School, Te Huruhi School, The Gardens School, Koru School, Waiheke High School and Northcote College. From these projects, I have worked closely with their Senior Leadership Teams, teachers, school and local community to understand education and their pedagogy. I have presented to, and worked alongside many school boards and have come to learn and appreciate the importance of a strong governance team.

I am passionate about being involved and contributing to the growth of our children and young adults. I bring my strong communication, legal, planning, property and strategic skills to the elected Board of Trustees and Schools’ Senior Leadership Team.

Leilarn Rankin: leilarn.rankin@hobsonvillepoint.school.nz

nathan rarere

Area of specialty: Communications, media, public relations, governance.

Kia Ora! My name is Nathan Rarere. I am a parent of students who currently attend HPSS, both have also attended HPPS. This is my second term as a member of an exceptional board for the two schools.

In my work, I am a broadcaster and journalist for Radio NZ. Communications and media are areas of expertise I bring to the Board.

I have seen firsthand the extraordinary amount of extra work that our educators have put in. They love our kids.

As a Board, it’s important that we make an environment where our teachers can feel appreciated and able to educate at a high level. They also know that we have their back and encourage them to upskill themselves to be even better. Both of our schools still face the challenge of the rapid population growth of Hobsonville Point and sometimes solutions have had to be pragmatic. But there has been some incredible behind the scenes work done and I look forward to continuing with our plans to make sure that we can handle the large school rolls whilst still providing an environment in which our teachers and students flourish. I’m a proud parent and member of the HP Schools community.

Nathan Rarere: nathan.rarere@hobsonvillepoint.school.nz

KATIE DOBSON

Katie Dobson – Board Member
Areas of Specialty: Education, Health & Safety, EOTC, Sports, Governance

Kia ora, my name is Katie Dobson. I am a proud mum of two girls, Zara (11) and Marnie (9), who both attend Hobsonville Point Primary School. Since moving to the Hobsonville Point community in 2014, I’ve been an active and connected member, coaching my daughters' netball teams and engaging in local initiatives.

With a strong background in education, I’ve spent many years teaching in secondary schools, holding various leadership roles and contributing to national assessment through NZQA marking. I later transitioned into an Education Advisory role at Kāinga Ora, working with schools across Tāmaki Makaurau to inspire and support students into pathways in the construction industry — helping to address the national skills shortage.

Currently, I work with Defining Moments, where I support schools in designing and delivering overseas education experiences. This role allows me to combine my passion for education outside the classroom (EOTC) with my commitment to student and teacher wellbeing, ensuring every trip is enriching, safe, and memorable.

I bring expertise in education, student wellbeing, health & safety, and school governance, along with a deep belief in the power of real-world learning. I am committed to supporting our kura and community to create engaging, inclusive, and future-focused opportunities for all our tamariki.

Katie Dobson: katie.dobson@hobsonvillepoint.school.nz