What do school boards do?

The board has overall responsibility and accountability for school/kura. School board’s legal responsibilities are determined by the Education and Training Act 2020.

The Act sets out boards’ four primary objectives. These are ensuring student achievement for all of its students, including for those of differing needs, making sure the school is a safe place for all, and giving effect to the Treaty of Waitangi.

As part of its focus on these four objectives, boards’ responsibilities include:

• Setting the strategic direction for the school

• Protecting the school’s values

• Monitoring and evaluating student learning outcomes

• Approving policies

• Financial stewardship

• Building community engagement and support

It’s important to note that the board does not get involved in the day-to-day running of the school, this is the remit of the school leadership team.

For more information on the role of the board, click here.

Our last election was in September 2025 and the next full election will be held in 2028.

Board meetings:

Meetings are usually held every four school weeks - please check the calendar on our website or phone app for the dates. Meetings start at 7pm and normally last for 2 hours.

The agenda for a board meeting is closed one week before a meeting, and anything received after the agenda closes is deferred to the next meeting.

Board members spend time before meetings reading the meeting papers and making notes so that they attend the meeting prepared and informed (this also ensures a productive and efficient meeting).

Can anyone attend a board meeting?

Yes. Board meetings are not public meetings; they are meetings that are held in public.
This means that while anyone is welcome to attend, if you would like to speak at the meeting you need to write to the presiding member to request 'speaking rights' in advance of a meeting. Your request for speaking rights should include information on what you would like to speak about and any documentation that would be relevant for the Board to have ahead of the meeting.

If your request is related to the operational running of the school rather than governance, your request will be redirected back to the school leadership team.

Contacting the Board:

Members of our school community are always welcome to contact the Board.

The easiest way is via email: BOT@pegasusbay.school.nz. Or you can write a letter and address it to the presiding member at the school address. All correspondence (paper and digital) is received by the Board Secretary and forwarded on to the presiding member for review and next actions.

All correspondence should be addressed to the presiding member. However, please note that issues regarding specific children or members of staff should always be raised in the first instance with those most directly involved, and school management prior to making contact with the Board.

Current Board Members:

Megan Lovelock - presiding member

Karla Heslop - parent representative

Tim Muir - parent representative

Guy Nurse - parent representative

Rachael Potter - parent representative

Dedrie Trnjanin - staff representative

Jared Kelly - Principal
Micky Brosnan - Board Secretary

Karla Heslop

Tēnā koutou katoa, I’m Karla Heslop, and I’m the mum of two kids who are currently enjoying Pegasus Bay School. I’m originally from Canterbury and had a prolonged 20-year OE in the UK. I’ve appreciated returning to our community since we arrived in 2021.

I bring over 25 years of experience as a nurse, with a strong focus on education in haematology and a postgraduate diploma in Health Care Education. I currently lead the advance care planning programme for Canterbury—supporting both clinicians and consumers, managing systems, and driving education that empowers people to make informed choices. I’m passionate about understanding how systems work and finding ways to improve them—skills I believe can benefit our school.

Growing up rurally, working in health, and living overseas have shaped my appreciation for diverse perspectives and the richness of different cultures. My whānau journey has taught me that every child and family brings unique experiences to the school community. I’m committed to recognising and supporting those differences, helping all children reach their full potential and transition confidently into high school and beyond.

Megan Lovelock

My name is Megan Lovelock. I’m married to Jason, and together we have three children—Grace (Year 8), Maddie (Year 5), and George (Year 3)—all proud Pegasus Bay students.
Our family has called Pegasus home since 2013, and we feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a vibrant and supportive community.

With a background in physical education health and teaching experience in both New Zealand and abroad, I recognise the importance of strong partnerships between school, home, and the wider community.

More recently, I’ve taken on a diverse and flexible role as an office manager for a financial advisor, which enables me to stay actively involved in both family life and school activities.

As a returning member of the Pegasus Bay School Board, I bring valuable experience and remain committed to supporting a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for all tamariki. I approach governance with a collaborative mindset, clear communication, and strong organisational skills, all underpinned by a genuine passion for education and student wellbeing.

It’s been a privilege to witness the exciting growth of Pegasus Bay School over the past few years—not only in size, but also in the strength of its culture, leadership, and learning opportunities. I believe my blend of experience, dedication, and local insight enables me to make a positive contribution to our school’s governance.

Tim Muir

Kia ora, I’m Tim Muir. Proud dad of two boys, with one currently loving life at Pegasus Bay School. I’ve joined the board because I care deeply about the kind of school and community our kids are growing up in. I want to play a part in making sure Pegasus Bay continues to be a place where tamariki feel valued, challenged, supported, and excited to learn every day.

I’m a high school teacher and Head of PE and e-Learning at St Thomas of Canterbury College. I’ve spent years working in education, leading teams, and trying to find better ways to support students and staff. I’ve also coached a fair bit of sport and worked alongside a bunch of different young people and whānau so I understand how much a strong school culture matters.

Pegasus Bay already does so many things well. It feels welcoming, the staff are awesome, and my boy comes home happy. I’m looking forward to helping keep that going and make sure we’re always looking ahead at what’s possible.

Guy Nurse

G’day, my name is Guy. My wife Katrina and I have lived in Waikuku for the past 13 years, now alongside our daughter Freya (9) and son Olsen (7), who both attend Te Kura o Manga Kawari – Pegasus Bay School.

We chose to settle in this beautiful part of North Canterbury for many reasons: strong family ties to the high country, a deep love of the mountains and coast, and a desire to raise our children in a coastal, community-minded environment that supports a healthy, active lifestyle.

I’ve joined the board to support the important work it does on behalf of all our families. I bring sound leadership, governance and managerial experience through roles in the construction sector and previously in the snowsports industry. I’ve learned the value of teamwork, clear communication and strategic thinking. Personally, I place great importance on family and friendships, and I try to live by values such as honesty, integrity, commitment, personal growth and enjoyment.

Over the past five years, our family has greatly appreciated being part of the Pegasus Bay School community. We value its holistic approach to learning, strong connection to the surrounding natural environment, and its recognition and celebration of cultural diversity and heritage. Ultimately, these are attributes we feel will help shape our children to be well-rounded, confident, and grounded individuals.

Rachael Potter

Kia ora, my name is Rachael Potter and I’m a proud parent of two children currently attending Te Kura o Manga Kawari. I’ve joined the board because I care deeply about our kura and want to contribute to its continued success. I believe in the importance of strong governance that reflects and supports our school’s values, vision, and community.

Professionally, I work as a commercial banker and bring a strong background in finance. I have experience in financial management, strategic planning, and risk assessment—skills that are essential for effective governance. I am proud to lead the Maori business strategy for the Christchurch/West Coast region for one of NZs largest financial institutions. I’m confident these strengths will help support the Board in making sound decisions that benefit our tamariki and the wider school community.

I am actively involved in the school through managing sports teams and supporting events, which has given me a deeper understanding of the school’s culture and the needs of our whānau. I value the relationships I’ve built and the opportunity to contribute in practical ways.

Importantly, I want to continue supporting Te Kura o Manga Kawari in its ongoing commitment to kaupapa Māori. I believe in the importance of creating an inclusive, culturally grounded learning environment where all students feel seen, valued, and supported to thrive. I am committed to ensuring that our kura continues to honour and integrate te ao Māori in meaningful ways.

I am committed to listening, learning, and working alongside others to ensure our kura remains a place of excellence, equity, and opportunity for every learner.

Dedrie Trnjanin

I started working at Waikuku School in 2013 as a teacher aide. With the move to Pegasus, I worked in a number of learning communities and enjoyed my time working alongside the teachers supporting different children and their needs. Over time I started working part-time in admin/reception while also working as a teacher aide. Now working solely as admin/receptionist I believe that over the last 7 ½ years in various roles within the school, I can use the knowledge and skills learned to represent all staff as a member of the Board.

I am confident that I have the skills and assets to assist with the governance of the school and to ensure that the school meets the needs of the children as well as the staff.