Our Trust and Board
Tātai Aho Rau Core Education is a not-for-profit social enterprise founded on charitable purposes that advance education
The Tātai Aho Rau Core Education Charitable Trust
Tātai Aho Rau was established as a charitable, not-for-profit company to provide public good services for the education sector. It was set up under the trusteeship of the Canterbury Development Corporation and in 2012 a new trust was established as Tātai Aho Rau’s official owners, to act as shareholders of the organisation. The Charitable Trust's role is to be the kaitiaki for Tātai Aho Rau, ensuring the company remains true to its charitable purpose as defined by constitution.
The Tātai Aho Rau Core Education Charitable Trust is made up of the following trustees:
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Linda Tame (Chair)
Linda is a secondary school principal with 18 years’ experience. She has led three schools and is currently Principal of Golden Bay High School and co-leads Kāhui Ako ki Mohua.Before moving to Golden Bay, Linda ran a leadership consultancy business that supported secondary school leaders in transforming educational experiences for students, especially in post-earthquake Christchurch. This passion for best meeting the needs of students in a rapidly changing environment is also reflected in her governance portfolio, including two terms as a Director of Network for Learning Ltd and nine years on the Lincoln University Council.
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Catherine McMillan
FCA, BCom (Hons), Dip Tchg, CMInstD
Catherine is a Chartered Accountant Fellow (FCA) and a chartered member of the Institute of Directors. She has experience in the public sector, corporate business and education, in both senior management and governance roles. Catherine currently has her own consultancy business which focuses on professional and executive education, strategy development and business restructuring.
She has held governance roles in a variety of organisations and, in addition to Core Education Charitable Trust, is currently an Independent Director with New Zealand Young Farmers and a trustee with Te Kōhaka o Tūhaitara Trust and the CSO Foundation.
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Cadence Kaumoana
Cadence Kaumoana (Waikato, Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Maniapoto) has an extensive background in the education sector having worked across government, iwi and secondary and tertiary fields for over 20 years. Cadence comes with extensive executive leadership experience including the previous CEO for the Maniapoto Māori Trust Board, and is the CEO for the Public Health Association of New Zealand.
Cadence is an award winning academic and an experienced governance Director having served as Chair, Deputy Chair, Trustee and Director across a number of organisations. Cadence has contributed to the United Nations indigenous education forum which followed with a visit from the UN to Aotearoa to progress growth in the education sector for indigenous learners.
Cadence is committed to ensuring positive outcomes for all learners, especially Māori and Pacific learners, and currently holds a number of other governance roles focused on empowering through education.
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Josh Wharehinga
Josh Wharehinga (Māhaki, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Porou, Te Arawa, Ngāti Wai) describes himself as ‘first and foremost, a father’ to his six young adults. Born and raised in Gisborne, Josh’s upbringing was typically ‘gang related’ which he attributes to helping shape his worldview, how he approaches being a dad and his work in the community.Josh’s background is in education, social work and driving community initiatives. Josh is a three term elected councillor and is currently the Deputy Mayor of the Gisborne District. Josh’s current roles include the Deputy Chair of the District Health Board, and board memberships for VOYCE Whakarongo Mai and Lytton High School.
Josh has an extensive governance background formerly holding positions on Te Mana Whakahaere – the board for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Te Maruata Roopu Whakahaere – the Māori advisory board to Local Government New Zealand, and the Audit and Risk committee of Local Government New Zealand.
The CORE Education Board
The Board provides governance and strategic leadership for CORE, ensuring it operates as a successful business, is a good employer and is socially responsible.
The CORE Education Board consists of:
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Michaela Blacklock (Chair)
Michaela has a diverse background having worked across business, education, and economic development over the last 20 years.
Her most recent roles were as General Manager of Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, Head of Business at Ara Institute of Canterbury, and General Manager Business Engagement with Canterbury Development Corporation.
She holds tertiary qualifications in teaching, business management and educational leadership and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors.
Having moved to Central Otago in mid 2021, Michaela was born and raised in Christchurch where she raised her now adult son Sam.
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Chelsea Grootveld
Ngāi Tai, Ngāti Porou, Whānau-a-Apanui, Whakatōhea, Te Arawa
Chelsea has an extensive background in education research, policy and evaluation. She completed her doctoral studies in 2013 and started her own indigenous research and evaluation company.
A member of both the Institute of Directors and Governance New Zealand, Chelsea is a board director for High Performance Sport NZ, a trustee for the JR McKenzie Trust, and former chair of Hato Pāora College Board of Trustees.
She is proud mum to Kahuroa, Mihi-Terina and Taika (kurī), wife to Timoti, and is passionate about keeping active and supporting hauora ā tinana, ā wairua, ā hinengaro, ā whānau.
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Louis McLennan
Louis’ background is in accounting and finance having spent his career working in client-facing roles within professional services firms and a risk management role within a European investment bank.
He is currently a Partner at PwC and a member of the Tax Advisory Group for Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
Louis comes from a family of educators and believes wholeheartedly in the benefits of education to society and the need for equity in Aotearoa.As a father of three young boys, Louis tries to keep up with their various sporting endeavours and serves as Treasurer and a member of the Board of Trustees for their local school.
Louis is a keen musician and part of PwC’s kapa haka rōpū.
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Tiumalu Peter Fa’afiu
Born in Samoa and raised in Auckland, Peter is a former diplomat and trade negotiator. His honorific name of Tiumalu is from the village of Satuimalufilufi.
He has served as the Interim CEO and GM Corporate Affairs for the Tamaki Regeneration Company. Other governance roles include: Global Vice Chair of Amnesty International Limited, Independent Director of Urban Plus Limited, Counties-Manukau Rugby Union, and Electricians Training Company (Etco). He is also a Trustee for Monte Cecilia Housing Trust, Bledisloe Park Sports Centre, and Establishment Board of St Ignatius of Loyola College (Drury, Auckland). Peter is a member of the Institute of Directors.
Peter currently co-owns the management consultancy Navigator Limited, providing strategic and operational advice to agencies, charities, iwi/hapu entities, local government, private sector and community groups. He and his wife, Paige, are raising a blended family of six kids within the Catholic education system.
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Catherine McMillan
FCA, BCom (Hons), Dip Tchg, CMInstD
Catherine is a Chartered Accountant Fellow (FCA) and a chartered member of the Institute of Directors. She has experience in the public sector, corporate business and education, in both senior management and governance roles. Catherine currently has her own consultancy business which focuses on professional and executive education, strategy development and business restructuring.
She has held governance roles in a variety of organisations and, in addition to Core Education Charitable Trust, is currently an Independent Director with New Zealand Young Farmers and a trustee with Te Kōhaka o Tūhaitara Trust and the CSO Foundation.