Kia ora, I’m Shirley Bailey, proud Tumuaki of Kuratau School, where I’ve been part of the team since 2022. I am fortunate to work alongside a dedicated and supportive Board committed to the best interests of our tamariki and school community. Together, we strive to provide a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

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

Sarah Jane Westbrooke – Profile

Hi, my name is Sarah-Jane Westbrooke, I am Mum of Libbie who finished at Kuratau in 2021 as well as Tori, Macey and Jack who are current students of the school.

I love being part of the community of a rural school and can often be found helping with various activities at our Kura.

My husband Johnny and I manage a dairy support farm in the local area and our extended family are in Taupo and Hawkes Bay.

Previously to moving into the district I was a part of the Wairakei School PTA, I have been on various committees within schools and always love watching children succeed and have fun within the school community.

Prior to farming on the Western Bays, my working life included running logistics for a rural trucking firm, and roles in rural retail and technical support in Farmlands Cooperative.

I have been Board Chair since the beginning of 2021, a role where I am enjoying building my leadership and governance skills. I bring a warm, inclusive and hardworking attitude to the job and enjoy working with my fellow board members to do the best we can for Kuratau School.

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 eleven year old son Giovanni is into his fourth 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 daughters, Elizabeth and Mckenzie, currently attend Kuratau School. My brother and I also attended Kuratau School for our primary years.

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.