Our people

Tēnā koutou katoa,

My name is Tania Cargo (Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Manu, Ngāpuhi) and I am the Deputy Chair of the Orewa College Board of Trustees.

It is an honour and responsibility to have been elected to the board.

As a parent of four rangatahi who have all been educated at Orewa College, I have had a 20year association with the school. It is a great opportunity to give back to this community.

I have a PhD in Psychological Medicine and I am a senior lecturer in Psychology at theUniversity of Auckland. My research interests focus on developing New Zealand solutions to Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing challenges. I’m passionate about supporting families and schools to work together to build communities that are safe, tolerant, accepting and resilient.

I have been teaching for 20 years across Years 3 to 13, and enjoy teaching at Ōrewa College where I have been since 2018. I have a passion for getting students learning in the outdoors and making use of the phenomenal environment we have here on the coast. Through teaching I enjoy the challenge of getting our students world ready, independent, resilient and problem solving citizens.

j.gibson@orewacollege.nz

Being elected to the Orewa College School Board is a fantastic opportunity to give back to your community and impact the lives of everyone connected with the school in a positive way. My wife and I have two sons who are students at Orewa College. We are proud to live on the Hibiscus Coast and enjoy the friendly community spirit in the area.

I am the owner/director of a graphic design consultancy with over 30+ years of senior management/directorial experience. Having previously sat on a School Board for over five years, I have a solid understanding of school governance and bring insight into the current challenges and issues facing schools in New Zealand. I have also been heavily involved in organising and coaching junior sports for several years within the local community.

I am passionate about ensuring that all Orewa College students enjoy their time at the school within a safe, nurturing, future-thinking environment and that the school can best prepare all students for the next steps in their lives.

I look forward to working alongside the School Leadership Team, staff and students at Orewa College.

boardsec@orewacollege.nz

Student achievement and holistic outcomes improved in each of these situations. This diverse leadership experience has greatly developed his capacity as an educational leader to effect and sustain whole school improvements. Mr Pierce believes that principals are privileged to be the professional custodians of schools and it is essential that during their period of leadership that innovative and sustainable whole school practices are constantly being focused on, in order to drive improvements and learning outcomes for both students and staff.

I am privileged to have been appointed as Principal of Orewa College and look forward to further enhancing the college's outstanding reputation. My goal is to quickly become involved in the Orewa community and to further develop a supportive and engaging learning environment at Orewa College, which enables both staff and students to perform to their potential in all aspects of school life.

principal@orewacollege.nz

This is my first term on the Orewa College Board of Trustees. I was previously the treasurer of the Dairy Flat School PTA. I am a qualified Health and Safety Consultant with a Bachelor of Health Science and Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety. I run my own Health and Safety Consultancy business and am a member of the Institute of Directors

I am an ex-pupil of Orewa College and my son is currently attending. I loved attending Orewa College as a student and am keen to give back by being part of the collective, that listens to the parent, teacher and student voice.

Kia ora

My name is Emma Uvhagen. I live in Orewa with my partner, and am a parent of 2 boys attending Orewa College, and have another son who is currently at Red Beach Primary School.

The time our children spend at secondary school is some of the most challenging and rewarding years of their lives. I believe that it is essential that those appointed to the Board of Trustees are there to support the school to ensure that the school does everything possible to help all students reach their potential during their time at school.

I hold an Executive MBA (1st Class Hons) and offer experience, knowledge and expertise in governance in school boards with a particular interest in assisting students to achieve their full potential. In addition, I bring a positive can do attitude, with extensive experience in law, property management, relationship building, business management and strategic thinking.

I am a confident public speaker, relate well to people of all ages, and am not afraid to stand up and speak for people who are unable to do so themselves. I am a Project K mentor for the Graeme Dingle Foundation helping young New Zealanders overcome challenges and obstacles in their lives to achieve their goals and become the best version of themselves.

I am actively involved in my children’s basketball and surf lifesaving activities on the Coast – as a committee member, official and manager. With my passion and strengths, I seek to actively work with and contribute to the Board and work with the Principal, senior leaders, teachers, parents and students at Orewa College going forward to help the school achieve its goals over the coming years.

Ngā Mhi

Emma