Board of Trustees

Richard Olde Riekerink – Chairperson  

Richard lives with his family on a lifestyle block with a variety of animals, and two of his three children attend Turua School.  He has a background in veterinary medicine, research and management, and is an entrepreneur in a NZ start-up company.  Richard has served on scientific and professional-body committees and is experienced in performance oversight and compliance.

Melissa Klaricich – Secretary

Mel and her family moved from Auckland to Turua in 2020 and love being part of the Turua School community.  She works from home in Human Resources, providing governance over employee performance, pay and benefits.  Mel is an experienced Trustee who’s served on professional-body and community committees and also enjoys supporting the School PTA.

Cynthia Bates – Finance

Since moving to Turua in early 2021, Cynthia has become involved in our community through the Turua Hall, Domain & Community Inc. Committee, Kerepehi Brass Band, and our Garden to Table programme.  She believes in both community and service, and has been involved with the Girl Guide movement for over 20 years.  Cynthia works from home as a Property Accountant and also fulfils the role of Accounting Officer for a Charitable Trust.

Hayden Rakich – Property/Health and Safety

Hayden is a Turua School alumni and his daughters are third generation Turua School Students.  He believes in the shared sense of community that comes with being part of a small rural school and is committed to the School’s future.  Hayden works in Finance, and has been a parent representative on the Board of Trustees for over three years.

Erin Staples – Co-opted Trustee

Erin is also a Turua School alumni and is a long serving Board of Trustees parent representative – including many years as Chairperson.  She has wide-ranging experience in the education system as an Early Childhood Teacher and currently as owner/operator of two childcare centres.  Erin will play a key role in building the Board’s knowledge of Education regulations, policies and practices.