Board of Trustees

Our Board

Trustees are responsible for the governance of our school. Their important role ensures that the needs of the children and their learning are paramount.

Our board includes 5 parent representatives, our principal Carla Veldman and Darren Mathers, our staff trustee.

Presiding Member

Evan Bateup

Parent Trustee

Shahda Baghadadi

Over 10 years’ experience as an early childhood educator and Centre Director, with a strong background in education and leadership.

Board member at Pinehill School, committed to supporting a high-quality, inclusive learning environment for all students.

Mum to Jad in Year 3.

My passion lies in ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

Parent Trustee

Rania Alani

Bringing over 10 years’ experience working in education, governance, and community engagement to the Pinehill Board.

Joined the Board in late 2023, with a focus on long-term planning, financial sustainability, and inclusive school policies.

Mum to Sami in Year 3.

Passionate about working with the school community to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Parent Trustee

Jenny Yu

Administrator at Northcross Intermediate and proud mum to Luke (13), a former Pinehill student and Heidi (10, Year 6).

Parent Trustee on the Pinehill Board since 2022, with seven years on the FOPS committee, including as Treasurer and event organiser.

Passionate about supporting a safe, inspiring school environment and the best possible resources for our students and community.

Principal

Carla Veldman

Principal of Pinehill School, committed to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where every child can thrive.

Passionate about fostering collaboration, innovation, and achievement across the school.

Works closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure the best outcomes for students, staff, and the wider community.
Believes in empowering students as lifelong learners through a vibrant, engaging school culture. Ka whāngaia, ka tupu, ka puāwai – That which is nurtured, blossoms and grows.

Staff Trustee

Darren Mathers

Year 3 and 4 team leader and Room 10 teacher. I have been teaching for over 25 years.

I have a passion for Maths, Literacy and the Arts and love supporting our students to be the best that they can be through the Pinehill Way.

Elected staff representative for the past 4 and ½ years. I work closely with the staff to ensure that best outcomes are achieved for all staff and students.

Presiding Member

Rania Alani

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Bringing over 10 years’ experience working in education, governance, and community engagement to the Pinehill Board.

Joined the Board in late 2023, with a focus on long-term planning, financial sustainability, and inclusive school policies.

Mum to a son in the middle primary.

Passionate about working with the school community to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Parent Representative

Forrest (Bin) Feng

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Parent to two daughters at Pinehill School (Year 4 and Year 6). Bringing experience across banking, marketing, sales and administration.

Committed to working with the school community to support student engagement, wellbeing and learning. I believe schools succeed when students feel included, encouraged and challenged—committed to continuing to ensure we are a place where every child can flourish academically, socially, and creatively.

Parent Representative

Rebecca Ahmadi

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Proud mum of two girls, who both attend Pinehill School.

I work in health and wellbeing, with a background in public and community oral health, and I’m passionate about helping people of all ages feel included, supported, and able to thrive.

I’m actively involved in autism advocacy and believe strongly in fairness, kindness, and making sure every child feels like they belong.

Parent Representative

Jenny Jiang

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With over 10 years’ experience in coaching and people development, I bring expertise in building growth-focused strategies and promoting diversity.

Mum to a daughter in the senior school.

My passion is to support a positive, inclusive and engaging environment for each student to thrive and be their best.

Parent Representative

Joanna McCulloch

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I’m a proud mum of three, with one child at Pinehill School. After 13 years in Australia, I returned home to Aotearoa in early 2025. My background includes six years in the mining industry, working across administration and finance. I bring strong values, practical experience, and a whānau-first mindset.

I’m passionate about supporting our tamariki to reach their full potential by working closely with teachers, whānau, and the school community. I want every child to feel seen, heard, and uplifted to thrive — academically, emotionally, and culturally.

“Ka pū te ruha, ka hao te rangatahi — as one generation steps back, the
next rises with strength and purpose.”

Staff Trustee

Darren Mathers

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Year 3 and 4 team leader and Room 10 teacher. I have been teaching for over 25 years.

I have a passion for Maths, Literacy and the Arts and love supporting our students to be the best that they can be through the Pinehill Way.

Elected staff representative for the past 4 and ½ years. I work closely with the staff to ensure that best outcomes are achieved for all staff and students.

Principal

Carla Veldman

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Principal of Pinehill School, committed to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where every child can thrive.

Passionate about fostering collaboration, innovation, and achievement across the school.

Works closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure the best outcomes for students, staff, and the wider community.

Believes in empowering students as lifelong learners through a vibrant, engaging school culture. Ka whāngaia, ka tupu, ka puāwai – That which is nurtured, blossoms and grows.