Kia ora koutou. My name is Tami White (Gooch), and I’m honoured to serve on the Awapuni School Board as the presiding member. I joined the board because I’m deeply committed to supporting our tamariki and ensuring our school is a place where every child feels safe, valued, and set up for success. Strengthening our community voice and making a positive difference for families is at the heart of why I put my hand up for this role. 

I come from a background in social work, where I’ve spent many years supporting whānau, advocating for wellbeing, and working alongside community organisations. This experience has given me a strong understanding of the challenges many families face, as well as the importance of strong, supportive school environments. I bring a practical, compassionate approach to governance, guided by both professional experience and a genuine passion for helping others thrive.

I’m also a proud mum of three children — one currently at Awapuni School and another starting in 2026 — which keeps me closely connected to the everyday experiences of our kura and whānau.

I look forward to continuing to work with our staff, whānau, and wider community to support the best outcomes for all our tamariki.

Presiding Member 

Kia ora e te whānau,

My name is Heidi Geihe and I am a local of Te Tairāwhiti, where I was brought up  and once I graduated from school I moved away and did my studies in Buisness Management in Travel and Tourism. I then moved back home here to Te Tairāwhiti where I am proud to raise two tamariki of my own. Beauden who is 7 and attends Awapuni School as a Year 2 going on Year 3 next year, and a younger daughter Yazmin who is 4. 

I am currently employed as the Office Administrator at Tamarau Early Learning Centre, and I have had 14 years experience in all things admin. Previous to my current role at Tamarau, I was the Office Administrator and Board Secretary at Cobham School. I also have an extensive background in the tourism industry. Outside of mahi I am a passionate hockey player for GMC Women's Hockey Club, where I love being out on the turf or cheering from the sidelines. I also love being able to help volunteer as a coach or helping out wherever I can, as it's a great experience being able to help support and encourage our tamariki by getting involved or to give new things a go. With a strong interest in Te Reo Māori and community involvement, I am excited to be a part of the Awapuni School Board and to be able to bring in my knowledge of Finance and to help achieve great outcomes for the schools tamariki, whānau and community.

Ngā mihi  

Hi, my name is Kylie Dowding.  I am currently a Project Manager at Civil Project Solutions, where I oversee a range of civil infrastructure and community projects. Our family lives in Muriwai where we lease a sheep and beef station which keeps us busy.

We have two children — our daughter, who currently attends Awapuni School, and our son, who is at Awapuni Early Learners and will begin school in 2026.

I’m an ex-Awapuni School student myself, having grown up on Roberts Road, and I was also the project manager for the Alfred Cox Walkway project so I have a long-standing connection to the school and its community. After school I attended Otago University, where I completed a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Physical Education degree.

I’m passionate about supporting Awapuni School to continue providing a positive, well-rounded environment for all tamariki to learn and grow. I bring experience in project management and community collaboration, and I’m eager to contribute to the continued success and development of the school.

Hi, I’m Tamsin Andrews and I recently joined the board in July 2025. I have two sons; Ari who is in year 3 and Jasper who will start this year. As well as being a stay at home mum, my husband and I run a confidential document destruction business, a cabin hire business and more recently, a smoothie business. 

I have joined the school board to play an active role in helping the school to thrive, to support our wonderful teachers and give all our Awapuni School children the best start they can have.

Tēnā koutou katoa,

I’m Emma Robinson, the Awapuni Staff Board Representative.

I have only lived in the Tairāwhiti region. I grew up in the tight-knit community of Te Karaka and now, alongside my whānau, I call Patutahi home.

Family is a big part of my life. I live with my husband, Steven Robinson and our two children. They are both proud students at Awapuni Kura, with our daughter Violet in Year 6 and our son Thomas in Year 4. Being a parent within our school community gives me a personal perspective on the daily life of our school.

Professionally, my passion lies in literacy. I am the Curriculum Literacy Lead and a Literacy Specialist right here at the Kura. This role ensures I am constantly connected to the practical, day-to-day realities of the classroom.

I look forward to my time on the board and to continue this journey of watching Awapuni Kura grow.

Kia Ora,

My name’s Matt, I was born and raised in Gisborne and proud to call it home. I have two sons at Awapuni School, in Year 6 and Year 3, and enjoy being part of the school community. 

I work in a public service role and bring a practical, community-focused perspective to the Board, along with skills in business and finance. I joined the Board of Trustees to support the school and contribute to its strong community values, helping create a positive environment for all tamariki to learn and thrive.

Kia tu ahau ki te tihi ki Orangi

Ka titiro iho ki te wai horoi a oku tipuna te wai kaukau o Te Rahui

Haruru mai a Ngati Hine ki te tarawhiti e

Ko te waka tapu e rere mai ki Aotearoa ko Takitimu

Ko Whakaki nui a rua te wai u

Ko Whakaki toku Marae

Ko Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairoa te mana ki te mata o papa

Ko te turangawaewae poutokotoko o Hine Tepairu

Tihei mauri ora!

Kia ora! I’m Kahu Walker. Tumuaki/Principal of Awapuni School. I am fortunate to be married to Joelle and have three beautiful children. Our eldest daughter Te Aorere (29) our son Taipari (24) and our potiki kotiro, Awatea (14)

My connection to Te Tairawhiti and in particular my homelands in Whakaki comes from my fathers whakapapa. Through him I belong to the Walker/Waikawa whanau with Hirini and Hinepua Walker being my koroua. I am proud of my strong connection and whakapapa to Whakaki and Te Tairawhiti, a place of significant cultural and historical importance. I have a deep bond with the land, its people, and its traditions.

With a passion for education, I have spent 30 years in the field, making what I hope is a lasting impact on the lives of countless students. I have served as a principal at three schools in the Eastern Bay of Plenty with my final move here to Awapuni School in 2022. I am so fortunate that I get to demonstrate educational leadership and an unwavering commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for everyone I come into contact with.

 In addition to my contributions in education, I am actively involved in community service as a Justice of the Peace and Issuing Officer. This role further enhances my commitment to upholding justice, fairness, and the well-being of the community.

Motivated by a strong desire to contribute to helping shape our future generations I wish to utilize my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on our whanau and community. I also recognize the importance of safeguarding the precious resources of our environment and aim to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the restoration and preservation of our taiao and surroundings.

With a profound understanding of the cultural significance of our region I wish to foster relationships across the board so that Awapuni School will be well placed to demonstrate leadership, education, community service, and environmental stewardship, I am a dedicated individual who thrives in a team environment and wish to make a significant contribution to our community.