Candidate Statements
2022 Board of Trustee Elections
Cathy Bywater-Lutman
My name is Cathy Bywater-Lutman. I am standing for the Board of St Mary’s Catholic School.
I currently have three children at St Mary’s – Alison in year 6, Bridget in year 5 and Sophie in year 1. My youngest child, Robbie, will start in 2025. We feel privileged to be part of the St Mary’s community and often reflect on how lucky our children are to attend such a wonderful school.
Education is extremely important to me. I was educated through the Catholic school system in Wellington and know first-hand what an advantage a Catholic education is. Before having children, I worked as a lawyer in Wellington, London and Auckland. Since moving to Tauranga 8 years ago, I have worked part-time as a solicitor and more recently as a specialist tax advisor. I completed a master’s degree in 2020 and it was a proud moment graduating in front of my children.
The strengths I would bring to the role of parent representative include previous governance experience (including training through the New Zealand School Trustees Association), a background in the law, and a genuine passion for the success of our children.
It would be my honour to represent the parent community at St Mary’s on the Board.
Linda Finlay
Kia Ora, I’m Linda Finlay and I am seeking election to the Board of Trustees for St Mary’s Catholic School.
I’m married to Alex and we have two children, both currently at St Mary’s. Our family arrived in New Zealand from South Africa just over 5 years ago, and we were immediately welcomed by the St Mary’s families. From day one, we have appreciated the care and support of the teachers and community of St Mary’s and, in particular, the way they value diverse, flexible and creative thinking.
I have an internationally recognised MBA and I am a registered Chartered Accountant. I have been employed at BDO Tauranga for the past 5 years, (since arriving here) and I have recently been made an Associate of the firm. I have over 10 years’ experience as financial director of a large international company, and I relish a challenge. I am able to provide innovative solutions to complex problems. I enjoy working as part of a team, and I am a confident leader when needed.
I would like the opportunity to utilise my skills to add value to the board and to give back to the community that has provided my children with such wonderful memories and support over the last few years.
Bernie Gardiner
My name is Bernie Gardiner, and I am seeking re-election to our St Mary’s Board of Trustees. I was elected to Board in May 2021, following the departure of one of our other parent representatives. Since this time I have been proud of my efforts in this capacity in the service of our school, in particular undertaking my role as Chair of the Finance Committee.
My wife Anna and I have three sons, all of whom have attended, or are currently attending, St Mary’s. Cormac is Yr 8 at Aquinas, while Flynn and James are in Years 5 and 3 respectively. Our boys have relished their time at St Mary’s, and we are grateful for all the efforts of those that have helped this occur. We have always been active within the school community, and I saw an appointment to the Board as a way of formalising my contribution to the school, and to give back to a community that we have benefited from. My time on the Board has also complimented our other efforts in the coaching and management of its various sports teams over the years, as well as volunteering for various other extra-curricular events (school camps, beach days, athletics, outdoor adventure, cross country, Epro8, kayaking days, etc, etc).
I believe I continue to offer a skill set that is of value to the Board and the school. Having worked in senior positions in the finance industry for over two decades in NZ, Ireland and the UK, including my roles on various strategy groups over this time, as well currently undertaking directors roles for two companies, I believe I can leverage my business and governance experience for the schools benefit.
I am committed to a Catholic education. I believe it served me well (St Josephs, Sts Peter & Paul and St Bernards), and I know our kids continue to benefit from it here at St Mary’s. If you re-elect me I pledge to do my very best in the service of our beautiful school and your children that it cares for.
Jason Liddall
To support my nomination onto the Board of Trustees is a step forward in developing and supporting the learning environment for all our children.
I have a daughter in Year 2 this year and will have my youngest daughter joining the school next year. Along with my supportive wife and background in education, I will be an asset to the school. My teaching career has exceeded a decade in various schools, countries, and ages. I have also been involved within the Diocese for the past eight years, previously working in a Catholic school in a tagged position and being a part of our wonderful Church community. I have also been on the Regional Council for the PPTA, some of this time as Regional Secretary. I am also currently Branch Chair for the PPTA in my current employment.
With this experience and understanding I will support all of the staff at St Mary’s Primary School and help to build onto the excellent foundation already in place to enhance the learning environment and experiences for all our tamariki.
Kylie McIntosh
I have built strong relationships within our school community in recent years and I endeavour to broaden these as a parent representative on our Board of Trustees.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, biking, and supporting my children in their sporting endeavours.
Harriet McKee
My husband Warren and I have two daughters who both attend St Mary’s School, continuing a strong family connection with our school my sister, brother and I all attended as children.
During the working week I am a consultant planner for a global engineering firm, responsible for managing our Tauranga and Hamilton planning and environmental teams. I work on large scale infrastructure and land development projects all over New Zealand, drawing on the project management, property and legislative experience I have gained over the past 15 years.
I’m an active member of our PTA, and coach one of the St Marys’ netball teams in my spare time. I am passionate about St Mary’s School and ensuring that we continue to foster our solid sense of community through partnerships between our families, caregivers and teachers based on the Catholic faith.
Rebecca Morell
My name is Rebecca Morell and I would like to stand for the parent representative position on the St Mary’s Catholic School Board of Trustees.
I am married to Louis, and together we have two daughters, Ava and Ellie.
Ava spent her primary years here at St Mary’s, and has now moved on to Aquinas. Ellie is a current student in Year 3.
As a parent, I have helped wherever I can during our time at St Mary’s. I have coached both Ava and Ellie’s netball teams, managed rippa rugby, attended school camp with Ava, all the fun things about school!
I have been an active member of the PTA and was the Treasurer until I stepped down last year.
I believe in St Mary’s school as a community and have enjoyed getting to know many of our wonderful families. I love the fact that St Mary’s is driven by values that are essential to our children, in both education and life.
In my professional life, I manage the Tauranga and Hamilton offices of one of New Zealand’s leading environmental planning and design consultancy firms.
I am keen to guide the strategic direction of St Mary’s, with the children and community at the
forefront and feel I have all the skills needed to do so.
I am excited to be given the opportunity to represent our parents on our school’s Board of Trustees.
Tracey Oliver-Marshall
It’s been a privilege representing our parents and children as a Board member for St Mary’s Catholic School over the last three years and I’d like to continue serving the school community by seeking re-election.
These past few years have been extraordinary, not only in terms of disruptive challenges but also in the courageous way our school community responded. The experience has left me keenly present to how precious a gift our schools’ special character is and the significance of our Catholic Faith as the keystone of education. There have been many lessons learnt during this time, along with opportunities that I want to further develop with James, the staff and parents – these include engaging our community in different ways to participate in our children’s learning, enriching the school environment and vibrantly celebrating our faith and special character.
Our family, my husband Arran, our boy Richard (Y3) and little Charlotte (3yo), are truly thankful for the wonderful journey we’ve had since joining St Mary’s. I’ve been fortunate enough to play photographer for many school events, giving me a chance to interact with the kids and see them grow. It’s heartwarming to celebrate their achievements and abundant joy in such a beautiful environment. Being part of this community, supporting our incredible staff, is a blessing.
While I’ve been mostly focused on my role as mum, I currently have a pest control business, many might recognise my truck around school. I also have an MBA in International Business with extensive experience in project/programme management, strategic planning & stakeholder management from a career in Auckland’s local government sector. I’ve lived and worked in Asia, Indonesia primarily and China, where I owned a trading company. I have always enjoyed working with people to achieve aspirational outcomes.
Looking ahead, I believe the school and parent community will increasingly need to support each other in delivering the outcomes we seek to achieve for our children. Standing together in our faith is vital for our values to flourish. This is at the heart of why I want to continue serving as a Board member.
Nick Stuart
I have three girls under 8 years old coming through Saint Mary’s and am looking to contribute to our school for my girls and for your families. With a Masters In Business Administration I offer sound, practical skills and abilities. My family and I attend Church every Sunday. I grew up in Tauranga and attended Tauranga Boys and I am a keen rugby player/ fan. I look forward to representing your family on the board and contributing to Saint Mary’s.