Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees of the Te Mana Whakahaere o Te Kura Whaiora ki te Tonga /Southern Health School, by nature of the school's constantly changing community of students and parents, is somewhat different in composition. Members of our Board (with the exception of the Staff Trustee) are appointed, at triennial School Board election time, by the Minister of Education.
Southern Health School Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees at Southern Health School reflects the unique and ever-changing nature of our ākonga and parent community. Unlike other schools, the members of our Board (aside from the Staff Trustee) are appointed by the Minister of Education during the triennial School Board election. This ensures that the Board is well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of our community.
Board Members
Craig Scott
Chair
Craig is the current Board Chair for the Southern Health School.
As a Clinical Manager, working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health for the Te Whatu Ora Waitaha/Canterbury District Health Board, he brings considerable experience of mental health to his role on the Board of Trustees.
Craig holds an MBA from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha/Canterbury University, a Diploma in Management from the New Zealand Institute of Management, and he is also a Registered Comprehensive Nurse.
He joined the BOT for the Southern Health School in 2015 and served the previous term as Deputy Chair.
Craig is also the Chair of a Not-for-Profit Trust, based in Waitaha/Canterbury and a member of the Institute of Directors, Canterbury Branch.
Eddie Norgate
Deputy Chair | Chair of Audit and Risk Committe
Eddie is the current Deputy Board Chair for the Southern Health School.
He served the previous term as Chairperson.
As a former primary school principal and now an intermediate principal, he brings considerable educational experience to his role on the Board of Trustees.
David Ivory
Member
David holds degrees from Waitaha / Canterbury/Oxford Universities & Australian Catholic University.
He is a former Fulbright Scholar.
David Ivory has been involved in governance of a number of educational institutions, including Council Member of Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha/University of Canterbury, President of the Canterbury Workers Education Association, and has represented the Minister of Education on a number of school boards including both Halswell/Westbridge Schools and Kingslea School. He has also served as a Board Member on the New Zealand School Trustees Association and served as the chair of its Audit and Risk Committee.
He represents the Minister of Health of the New Zealand Paramedic Council, and is a director of several companies.
Rachel Huggins
Member
Rachel Huggins has worked in the education sector for over thirty years within the early childhood, primary and secondary areas. She has been a principal both in Aotearoa/New Zealand and overseas in International Schools.
She enjoys working towards providing the very best education for all ākonga and the privilege of working closely with families. She understands the importance of school governance teams and is enthusiastic about supporting the team at the Southern Health School to see their ākonga grow and thrive.
Matthew McVicar
Co-opted Member
Matthew is an undergrad ākonga at the University of Canterbury studying a double degree in law and commerce. He is a national mental health advocate and has a keen interest in Governance.
As a former ākonga of Southern Health School, Matthew gives valuable insight into youth and ākonga related matters.
Nikki Freeman
Staff Trustee
Nikki Freeman has been a teacher at Southern Health School since 2017 and brings extensive experience as a secondary school educator. Her background spans a wide range of teaching contexts.
Nikki holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Career Development from NMIT, which informs her commitment to helping students navigate educational pathways and future opportunities. She has a particular interest in student wellbeing that fosters engagement, and strengthened skills and confidence. Nikki’s involvement on the Board of Trustees supports this work by contributing to decisions that strengthen student wellbeing and ensure learners are well supported throughout their time at Health School.
Nicola Leete PhD, MEd (Hons), LLB (Hons) - Member
Nicola is a senior lecturer at Massey University/Te Kunenga Ki Pūrehuroa, where she coordinates the Masters of Education (Inclusive Education) endorsement and the Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support. Her research interests focus on education law, inclusive education and social justice. Nicola is also a national facilitator for the Learning Support Network, a network of expertise for learning support professionals throughout Aotearoa.
Board News 2025
At the November meeting of the Te Kura Whaiora ki te Tonga | The Southern Health School Board, the Board affirmed its commitment to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Click here for their statement
Board Meetings 2025
The Board meets monthly. These are public meetings the dates of which will be published in advance here. Unless otherwise stated meetings are at 5.00 pm.
Next Meeting
November 20th – 5.00pm
Christchurch Campus/Te Kura o Ōtautahi, 2 Halswell Road
Board Meetings 2025
November 20th and 27th- Planning Meeting – Christchurch Campus/Te Kura o Ōtautahi, 2 Halswell Rd
December 4th – Christchurch Campus/Te Kura o Ōtautahi, 2 Halswell Road
- February Minutes
- March Minutes
- April Minutes
- May Minutes
- June Minutes
- July Minutes
- August Minutes
- September Minutes
- October Minutes
- November Minutes
- December Minutes
You can read our 2016 ERO Report here.
Please email: jmh@southernhealth.school.nz if you have any comments.
