School Board/Kura

Te Rina Piho - Presiding Member, Maraetai Beach School Board  

He uri tēnei nō Ngāpuhi me Ngāti Porou hoki - I am a descendant of Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Porou tribes of New Zealand. 

I’m proud to represent our school community on the Maraetai Beach School Board, working alongside Principal Lou Reddy and fellow board members to ensure every student is able to achieve their best at our kura (school).

I hold a conjoint degree in Law and Arts and am the founder of He Tāngata HR, an HR consultancy. I also serve as Chair of Counties Manukau Sport. I’m passionate about people, culture, and community, and my approach is collaborative, solutions-focused, and values-driven.

My husband, Charlie, and I have three children - Carter (7) and Āria (5), and Tai (2). We moved to the Pohutukawa Coast with our whānau four years ago and chose to raise our children here because of its strong sense of community. 

I encourage parents and whānau to get involved wherever possible - whether volunteering, joining school trips, or supporting some of our fantastic events. It’s a great way to connect, contribute, and share in our tamariki’s (children's) learning journey.

I look forward to getting to know you and your whānau (family)! 

My email is presidingmember@maraetaibeach.school.nz

Hi, I’m Marc Southgate,

Father to three amazing daughters attending Maraetai School – Isabella, Grace, and Lily. I am passionate and excited about adding value to Maraetai School with an active role on the school board to support Principal Lou Reddy and the staff leadership team. I believe our primary focus is to enhance student experiences and success and achievement in school and beyond our four walls with the simple approach of prioritising – people, potential, planet.

My wife Nikki and I decided to move to Pohutukawa coast at the start of 2024 - the experience has been life changing. It's like we get to go on holiday everyday after work– living the kiwi dream. You all know what I’m talking about!

Our family made the  decision to move to the coast after spending countless family adventures over the years at Omana and Maraetai beach with our kids. We truly believe you become your surroundings, and that the natural beautiful landscape of the Pohutukawa Coast is healing and empowering. We also believe that people matter most and are grateful and blessed to call this place home, where the wonderful people that make up the community are kind, caring, friendly. Having done life with some amazing people in our community it’s safe to say we all  desire the same thing, quality of life for our children, families, and community – oh and perhaps the occasional Friday afternoon out on the boat catching some fresh fish.

I am the founder and Director of Physio Moves, a local private practice Physiotherapy Clinic owned by my wife and I. Physio Moves is a proud active sponsor of Maraetai School – having supported initiatives such as  Maraetai fun run, Intermediate Sports Camp, and AIMS games – all experiences brought to life by the efforts of Maraetai School staff and parents in our community. Over the space of 18 months I have had the great privilege of attending three school camps as parent help. I was greatly impressed by the  efforts of the staff leadership team in both intermediate and senior schools, they are passionate about seeing our children do well in school and life. They truly go above and beyond to provide our children with amazing learning and growth opportunities. It was clear to me through this experience that the children upheld the core school values of excellence, resilience, respect, and integrity, because the teachers and parents of the school carry these values. Furthermore, to witness Principal Reddy interact and engage with children at their level and then go on to lead his staff team with a caring and respectful approach that was clear and direct was effective and outstanding to witness.

Experiences like this have allowed me to reflect on the truth that we are all part of something really special in this community we are part of, and many play active key roles in order to keep it special.

I have 20+ years experience in the health and wellbeing sector in the capacity of CEO, health advisor, physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach, and breathing specialist. I have 10+ years experience in owning and operating several successful private practice clinics with 16+ staff, AUT BHSc Undergraduate Clinical Supervisor, Southern Cross Health Ambassador, and former board member of Sports Medicine NZ. My wife and I also own a business to manage investment property, one of which I assume the role of chairperson on the Bodycorporate. I have acquired great skills that have areas of benefit to the board i.e.. property/funds management, accounts, staff management, HR, health and wellbeing etc.

In our community I’m known by many as coach – coaching my girls touch rugby teams over summer sports season, and basketball over winter season – both sports I still lace up and actively participate in for a bit of fun, fitness, and post game banter. My favourite past time is taking my family on fun filled adventures in NZ and abroad.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

The school is a central part of our family’s daily life. With three children attending Maraetai Beach School and my wife teaching here, I’m proud to support the school in a parent representative role. I bring over 15 years of leadership experience in multinational organisations and currently lead the supply chain for a major food exporter.

My strengths lie in strategic planning, financial performance, and driving results through clear priorities and action. I’m passionate about supporting student achievement, empowering our teachers, and helping families feel informed and engaged. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth and reputation of our school as a collaborative and future-focused board member.

Committed to making a positive impact.

Kia ora, my name is Steve Albrey, and I’m truly thankful and proud to have been voted onto the Maraetai Beach School Board this year.

My wife Lauren and I have lived in Maraetai for five years, and we feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a vibrant and supportive community. We’re proud parents to twin daughters Tyra and Makena, and our son Kallum, who’s currently in Year 5 at MBS.

I’ve been a police officer for 18 years and currently serve as the Response Manager for Counties Manukau West, leading a team of 85 frontline officers. It’s a challenging but rewarding role, and I’m passionate about supporting my team and making a positive impact.

Outside of work, I’m actively involved in local sport—coaching rugby at Maraetai Beachlands Rugby Club, refereeing junior games, and coaching Kallum’s touch team. I also love fishing and spending time on the water, which helps me recharge and appreciate the beauty of our surroundings.

My personal ethos is simple: Make it better. Whether at work, home, or in the community, I aim to add value, share knowledge, and support others.

I joined the Board because of Kallum. He’s had incredible support from the school—academically and emotionally—and I want to give back. I bring leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement experience, and I’m committed to helping every child thrive.

I look forward to working alongside the board, supporting Lou and the leadership team, and helping shape a school environment that’s inclusive, future-focused, and deeply connected to our community.

I’m proud to represent our school community as a member of the Maraetai Beach School Board of Trustees. Holding the Property and Community Engagement portfolios, I’m committed to helping ensure our school remains a safe, welcoming, and thriving environment for everyone.

I believe the strength of any school lies in its people - our staff, students, and families. By working together, we create a place where everyone feels valued, supported, and included. I’m passionate about teamwork and collaboration, and I see my role on the Board as helping to make sure every voice in our community is heard and respected.

Having lived and worked locally for many years, I’ve seen the power of community when we come together with a shared purpose. My focus is on supporting our Principal and fellow Board members to maintain a positive, forward-thinking school culture - one where students can thrive, staff feel appreciated, and families feel connected to their children’s learning journey.

As a parent of two students, Ivy and Jaxon, and with Caitland working in the school office, I have a strong personal connection to the Maraetai Beach School community. I’m excited about the direction our school is heading and am proud to contribute to shaping a strong, supportive future for our students and whānau.

My name is Charlotte Tegg and I have been a teacher for the last 27 years. I gained a Bachelor of Education Degree and Diploma of Teaching through Auckland University and the Auckland College of Education. I have had experience teaching across a range of different age groups and have taught both here in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. My husband grew up here in Maraetai and so we made the decision to move back with our young family so that they could also grow up and experience all that the Pohutukawa Coast has to offer. During my career I have been lucky enough to be able to participate in a range of different leadership roles and I feel extremely privileged to have been selected as the new Board Staff Representative on the Board of Trustees.