The MBS Board of Trustees is elected every 3 years.
They take on the governance of the school to create a successful school.
Mark Keenan / Principal
P.Grad.Dip.Ed.Ld.,B.Ed.,
Simone Beesley
Chairperson
Ko Simone Beesley tōku ingoa
Nō Scotland ōku tīpuna
Kei te noto au ki Beachlands
I am proud to represent the school community on the Maraetai Beach School Board. I work closely with our Principal Mark Keenan and the other elected members to ensure the best possible outcomes for all students within our kura.
I have a long connection with the Pohutukawa Coast. I grew up in Beachlands, attended Howick College and went on to study Engineering in Auckland. I worked in NZ before moving to the United Kingdom with my husband, living in West Sussex and then in London for just under four years. Our return from the UK to New Zealand was timed perfectly for a summer of swimming, kayak fishing, weekend walks at Duder Regional Park and picnics at Omana. So the decision was made to settle here and raise our family in what we regard as the best place to live in Auckland. I am currently studying part time with the University of Auckland to complete a Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary).
I have a daughter in Senior School and my son is in Middle School. I believe that one of our greatest assets here on the Pohutukawa Coast is community. I encourage parents and families to embrace any opportunity available to engage with the school, volunteer, assist on a school trip or attend a school camp. Not only will you learn more about the school and your child’s learning journey but you are guaranteed to have fun and make some amazing memories along
the way. I look forward to getting to know you and your whanau here at Maraetai Beach School.
Jessica Milne
I was elected to the Maraetai Beach School Board of Trustees in 2022 and look after the Policy and Legislation portfolio. I have a BA/LLB from Canterbury University, double majoring in Japanese/International Politics and International Law. I specialized in litigation law for 7 years before having children in 2012, and have worked in the UK and NZ.
I have two boys attending MBS: one in Senior School and the other in Middle School. Together with my husband, James, we all live in Beachlands, having moved here from St Johns in 2019. I am originally from Masterton but now call Auckland my home.
I am happily involved with the PTA, as well as being a Trustee of the Te Puru Community Charitable Trust. It is great to be able to give back to our amazing school community and I feel very honoured to be a member of the Board.
Robyn Krawitz
Staff Representative
I have been a teacher at Maraetai Beach School for the past 5 years, first in the intermediate school and now as the Learning Support Coordinator and SENCo. My husband, Jason, and I moved to Maraetai in 2017 and have been loving life on the coast ever since. It really is my home away from home and I love our little slice of paradise. We have two little “Safri-Kiwi” children named Ethan(2) and Ella (8 months) they are a delight to their family both near and far.
I have two degrees, one in Psychology and one in Teaching. I have been teaching for the past 14 years in both South Africa and New Zealand. I am a firm believer that every single child can achieve and be successful in their learning in their own right when they are given the help and support which they need to achieve to the best of their individual potential. I am excited to be part of the BoT and helping to shape the future of our fantastic school.
Simon MacKechnie
Parent Trustee
I joined the Board of Trustees at Maraetai Beach School in June 2019 and hold the Finance Portfolio. I’m a Chartered Accountant by profession with a depth of work experience in senior finance roles here in Auckland, and previously in Christchurch, Sydney, New York and London. My current role at Mercury Energy sits within the Technology Leadership team. I am married with two children, in our Senior and Intermediate school, and have loved being part of our community since 2014. As a family with a blend of NZ and South African ties, we love the Pohutukawa Coast and enjoy the beauty and outdoor activities it offers. I’m active in the community, currently as a Trustee at Te Puru Community Charitable Trust and supporting our kids across their local sports and activities. I’m honoured to have been selected as a Parent Trustee and feel very lucky to continue contributing and helping MBS & all our kids thrive!
Melita Van Het Bolscher
Parent Representative
I joined the Maraetai Beach School Board of Trustees in 2022 as a parent representative. As a parent of Oliver, a year 6 student I consider it a privilege to serve as a board member for Maraetai Beach School. I strongly believe that it is important to get actively involved in our children’s education by supporting parents, children, and staff members. As a trained counsellor; working primarily with clients experiencing stress, anxiety and grief I am well aware of the difficulties that we face during this difficult period and the importance of providing a structured, safe environment for our whanau. I bring skills in Governance, Leadership and Strategic Planning to the Board. I am excited to work alongside the other Board members to help shape the future of our fantastic school.
Jesse Cleave
Parent Representative
Kia ora and thank you for the privilege of serving as a representative on the Board for our family community. My wife and I knew from our first school visit that MBS was the right place for our kids. Our daughter Emily is currently in middle school and our son Jack will start later this year. In my professional life, I am the owner of three companies, Velca, Cleave House, and Succeed Online. Additionally, I lecture at the NZ College of Chiropractic and hold other health-related Board and Committee positions.
When I'm not working, I'm often out on the football field playing or coaching for BMAFC. I also like to stay active with long-distance running and challenge myself with Crossfit. As a Trustee, I'm passionate about making sure that our kids and teachers feel safe, have fun and thrive at school.
Tristan Gilchrist
Board Secretary
My first encounter with the school was over 15 years ago when my son started here because we were looking at moving overseas and this is where his best friend attended. What started as a short-term option has led to my 4 children attending the school, and me having a job which I absolutely love. My background is in Human Resources, but I feel so fortunate to have found a role where I am challenged, have diversity in my workday, and am able to build relationships with the students and their families. I feel so proud to be able to say that I am a part of Maraetai Beach School and look forward to the future with the exciting developments that lie ahead, along with the support of our strong Board, Staff and community behind us.
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Please click here to see our Board Presentation
Please click here to see our 2022 BOT Special Programmes Report
Please click here to see our Travelwise Presentation
Please click here to see our Student Coaching programme - SHT
Please click here to see our Teacher Coaching programme - SW
Please click here to see our Mid Year Achievement Data
