OUR BOARD

The Paraparaumu College Board consists of elected and appointed members of the Kāpiti Coast community, a student representative, a staff representative and the Principal.

The Board is responsible for establishing the college’s strategic plan and direction in consultation with whānau, caregivers, staff, students and the wider community which sets out the objectives for each year.

The Board monitors student achievement and attendance, wellbeing, policies and is also responsible for overseeing the management of personnel, curriculum, property, finance and administration. A sub committee for finance, property and disciplinary is established to support these areas.

Board meetings are held in public and we encourage and invite our local Paraparaumu College community to attend. In terms of Section 48(1)(a) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, the public be excluded from the “in committee” part of the meeting in order to protect the personal privacy of natural persons.

If you would like to attend please can you advise the Board Secretary at board@paraparaumucollege.school.nz in advance.

“School Board members play an important role in shaping the education experience and achievement of students.

Mai i te kōpae ki te urupa, tātou ako tonu ai | From the cradle to the grave, we are forever learning.” NZSTA

To contact our board, please get in touch with the Board Secretary – board@paraparaumucollege.school.nz

Michelle Mason

Presiding Member

Michelle and her husband have two sons who attend Paraparaumu College.

Michelle owns local business The Chocolate Shed Cake Design. Before opening her own business Michelle worked in private practice as a family and criminal lawyer, later moving to Inland Revenue where she worked in the Office of the Chief Tax Counsel.

Michelle was on the Board of Kenakena School for nine years, and was Chair for six years.

Michelle was elected as the Presiding Member in February 2024 and a member of the Property Committee.

Lawrence Kirby

Vice Presiding Member

Lawrence and his wife Philippa have been involved in the Paraparaumu College community for nine years, having three daughters progress through the College. Lawrence has served on the College Board for over six years - three of which he was Presiding Member. He is chair of the Property Committee.

Lawrence is the Deputy Mayor of the Kāpiti Coast District Council and is passionate about creating environments where children, young people, and families thrive.

He has extensive experience on governance boards, educational and not-for-profit, and brings strategic thinking, integrity, a pastoral heart and fun to the Board.

Greg Selby

Board Member

Greg is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years experience working in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods industry, primarily with Colgate - Palmolive, and more recently at Whittaker's. His career has seen him travel and work around the world, but when his children started school, he relocated back to New Zealand and settled on the Kapiti Coast.

Greg was elected to the Board mid year 2019. With his financial background, Greg is also a member of the Finance Committee.

Manit Desai

Student Representative

Manit is a Year 10 student who joined the Board in 2023 as the student representative. He has been living in Paraparaumu since year 4 and has been attending the College for two years. He enjoys math, science and many leadership opportunities in and out of school. He enjoys reading, listening to music and speedcubing in his free time. Manit goes to his temple every Sunday where he does a lot of work to help out.