Kia Ora!

I have been a teacher at Kuratau since 2013 and the staff Board of Trustees rep. since 2014. My husband and I have had a holiday home here since 1999 and it’s an area I have always loved so when a job became available here I applied and was lucky enough to get it. Kuratau School has a special character all of its own. The students and staff care for and about each other and it’s like being in a large family. Our staff and B.O.T. work together for the continuing improvement of our school achievement levels and to ensure every child is catered for.

I’m married, with 3 adult children and five grandchildren-(number six is due this year.) We have a small lifestyle block at Omori/Kuratau. My interests are family, reading and horse riding. I’m also a member of the Southern Lakes Fire Brigade.

Ngā mihi

Hi, my name is Brad Phillips, I am the father of Isabella – Year 8 and Zara Year 6 and together with my wife Donna, call this beautiful area home.

I completed my schooling in Turangi and then went on to complete my Outboard apprenticeship here also, before going to Massey to complete an HR Management degree.

I owned Brad Phillips Marine for many years, before moving into project & team management. I spent 3yrs working and studying as a Project Manager in the oil & fuel industry, based in Hamilton.
I have recently moved home and am the Maintenance Manager at Whakapapa ski field.
Together with my daughters, we are part of the Turangi Traditional Shotokan Karate Federation.
I also love the outdoors that our area are world famous for.

In 2020 I was part of a group of parents who brought questions to last year’s community consultation hui and have now been lucky enough to become part of the BOT. I see this as a privilege to be able to work with a very strong & capable team to guide and shape the future of Kuratau school.

I bring to the BOT:

* The skills to build, shape & guide a strong team of professionals
* The ability to identify and clarify issues
* Strong conflict resolution skills.

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tatou katoa.

Ko Willow Salvador toku Ingoa
He uri o Nāati Maniapoto
Ko Kakepuku te maunga
Ko Puniu te awa
Ko Ngāti Paretekawa te hapū
Ko Mangatoatoa te Marae
Kei te noho au ki Turangi.

My name is Willow Salvador, I am of Italian/Māori decent and was born and brought up in the thriving metropolis of Turangi and although I moved away from Turangi for just over 10 years, I have known no other place as home.

Our eight year old son Giovanni is into his third year now at Kuratau
School and he absolutely loves his school.

I work for Tuwharetoa Health Charitable Trust and have done so the past 13 years in various roles and have for the past 4 years have held the role of CEO. I have a degree in Management and recently completed my Business Postgrad with a focus on Human Resources.

I think we have a fantastic school community here at Kuratau School and would be privileged to have the opportunity to continue to tautoko Shirley and her team, alongside other trustees as and where I can.

Kia Ora

My name is Fleur and I have been living in Southern lake Taupo for about 34 years. In my professional life I’m the general manager at our Family run resort - Oreti at Pukawa. I’m very passionate about the area and love sharing it with our guests, and seeing my girls growing up enjoying this slice of paradise.

My daughter, Elizabeth, is in Year 2 and is the next generation to attend Kuratau. My brother and I also attended Kuratau School for our primary years. My youngest, Mackenzie, will start in 2023.

I look forward to supporting Shirley & the other BOT members to continue the tradition of Kuratau being a great country school, and feel privileged to help contribute what I can and grow for future generations.